Verge Motorcycles Pioneers In-Wheel Motor Technology for Electric Superbikes, Eyeing Broader EV Market Impact
Key Insights
Verge Motorcycles' TS Pro electric superbike features a pioneering in-wheel motor technology developed by its Donut Lab division, delivering 1,000 Nm of torque and a 217-mile range.
The innovative design integrates the electric motor directly into the rear wheel, optimizing space for a large 20.2 kWh battery and enabling CCS fast charging in 35 minutes.
Donut Lab aims to supply its modular in-wheel motor EV platform to other OEMs, signaling broader applications beyond motorcycles, including aviation.
The TS Pro's market expansion in Europe and ongoing U.S. homologation, coupled with future models like the TS Ultra with advanced safety systems, highlights its impact on electric vehicle innovation.
Verge Motorcycles, the Finnish electric superbike manufacturer, is making significant inroads into the electric vehicle market with its TS Pro model, which showcases a groundbreaking in-wheel motor technology developed by its EV platform manufacturing arm, Donut Lab. This innovation positions Verge not merely as a motorcycle producer but as a pioneer in compact, high-performance electric powertrains with broader implications for the automotive and transportation sectors.
The Verge TS Pro stands out due to its distinctive rear wheel, which houses the entire electric motor, eliminating the need for a traditional hub, transmission, or driveshaft. This design, central to Donut Lab's patent-pending technology, allows for an unprecedented 1,000 Nm of torque directly at the rear wheel, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.5 seconds. The space-saving architecture also facilitates the integration of a substantial 20.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a claimed range of 217 miles, surpassing leading competitors like the Zero DSR/X by a notable 37 miles.
Market availability for the TS Pro is expanding across Europe, with ongoing homologation efforts for the U.S. market and the recent establishment of boutique retail spaces. Priced at approximately $29,900 / £31,980, the TS Pro targets early adopters and enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge electric mobility. The vehicle supports CCS fast charging, allowing for a full charge in approximately 35 minutes, a crucial feature for extended range and practical usability.
Donut Lab's strategic vision extends beyond electric motorcycles. The company aims to become a primary supplier of modular EV platforms and in-wheel motor technology to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across diverse applications, including aviation and other specialized machinery. This positions the Verge TS Pro as a high-profile demonstration of their core technology's capabilities and versatility.
The upcoming TS Ultra model, unveiled at CES 2023, further illustrates Verge's commitment to advanced technology, incorporating an 'intelligence platform' with six cameras and two radars for enhanced autonomous safety systems and over-the-air software updates via its Unreal Engine Starmatter software. This integration of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and connectivity underscores a broader industry trend towards intelligent, software-defined vehicles.
While the TS Pro's performance is formidable, offering customizable riding modes from 'Zen' to 'Beast,' its primary significance lies in its innovative powertrain. The in-wheel motor design not only delivers exceptional power and range but also optimizes the vehicle's center of gravity for improved handling. This Finnish innovation represents a significant step forward in electric powertrain design, offering a blueprint for future compact and efficient EV solutions across various segments of the clean energy transportation industry.