Ducati’s Electric Superbike Dilemma: The Future Isn’t Quite Here Yet

When it comes to high-performance motorcycles, Ducati has long been synonymous with speed, style, and an unmistakable roar. But as the world shifts toward electrification, the Italian brand finds itself at a crossroads.

Ducati Head Quarters

According to CEO Claudio Domenicali, the company has yet to see a viable way to create an electric superbike that meets the brand’s legendary performance standards—and that’s a problem.

The Battery Blues: Why Ducati Isn’t Ready

Ducati V21L MotoE Electric Motorcycle

It’s not that Ducati isn’t interested in electric motorcycles. In fact, they’ve already built one. The Ducati V21L, a prototype used for the FIM MotoE World Cup, showcases the company’s ability to create a high-performance electric race bike. However, what works on the track in short bursts doesn’t necessarily translate to the real world, where riders demand range, practicality, and affordability.

"With the current technology, it’s a bit of niche because you need to compromise on range, basically, if you want to have a light motorcycle."

Ducati's CEO Claudio Domenicali

Here, Domenicali points to a fundamental issue: the energy density of current lithium-ion batteries is still too low for Ducati, meaning that an electric Ducati superbike would either be too heavy or lack the range needed for the intended everyday use. And let’s face it, nobody wants a Ducati that feels sluggish or needs a recharge after every overtaking manoeuvre.

The Performance Paradox

Ducati’s entire brand identity revolves around lightweight engineering and top-end exhilarating performance. If an electric Ducati can’t match or exceed the capabilities of their petrol-powered machines, then what’s the point? That’s the challenge Ducati is grappling with.

When Will We See an Electric Ducati on the Road?

The million-dollar question: How long will we have to wait? Right now, Ducati is focusing on its hybrid and e-bike divisions, ensuring they stay involved in the electrification movement without compromising their core identity. But a full-fledged electric Ducati superbike? Not anytime soon.

Ducati Electric Superbike Concept

That doesn’t mean Ducati is standing still. As part of the Volkswagen Group, the company has access to cutting-edge EV research, and when the right battery technology arrives, we're sure Ducati will be ready to strike. Domenicali has hinted that they could release an electric bike by the 2030s, but only if the performance, weight, and range are up to their standards.

It's not all doom and gloom. Battery technology is evolving rapidly and presents various potential solutions, such as quasi-solid-state technology. If one of these novel systems manages to gain a foothold in the sector, maybe Ducati will adopt a more eager position.

What Does This Mean for Other Products?

Aokee ER6 Pro

Nothing really. Ducati has set itself a very high bar, and that's to be expected from a pedigree race brand at the top of its game. While you might have to wait for an e-Ducati, there are still plenty of very fast electric motorcycles on the market that offer much more than road-legal speeds with lightning-fast acceleration and excellent charging times. The latter goes a long way to address range anxiety.

Final Thoughts: Ducati’s Patience vs. Market Pressure

While some may see Ducati’s position as a setback, others view it as a sign of discipline. Rather than rushing out a compromised product, Ducati is playing the long game. Until then, we’ll have to wait and see how the industry evolves. But one thing is clear: When Ducati finally builds an electric superbike, it better be a game-changer.

Ride safe, folks.