Trystan Casey
Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle brand, has ventured into the world of electric motorcycles. The company's first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, rolled into customers' garages in 2019. Since then, Harley-Davidson has expanded its electric offerings, including the LiveWire S2 Del Mar and S2 Alpinista models. The company's CEO, Jochen Zeitz, has stated that Harley-Davidson will eventually be all-electric, marking a significant shift towards sustainability and eco-consciousness. The electric motorcycles offer a unique riding experience with instant torque and no emissions, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric motorcycles | LiveWire, LiveWire One, LiveWire S2 Del Mar, S2 Alpinista, S2 Mulholland |
| Electric balance bikes | STACYC |
| Target audience | Urban commuters, small-town technology enthusiasts, experienced riders, new riders |
| Features | Instant torque, no emissions, clutch-free operation, smooth and consistent power delivery |
| Speed | 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, top speed of 110 mph |
| Range | Over 100 miles, 113-120 miles on a single charge in a city |
| Charging time | 2 hours and 20 minutes for a full charge |
| Weight | 430 pounds |
| Price | $22,799 |
| Future plans | Harley-Davidson will eventually transition to making only electric bikes |
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What You'll Learn
Harley-Davidson's first electric motorcycle
Harley-Davidson, the storied American motorcycle maker, has long been associated with loud, large displacement internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered motorcycles. However, in 2019, the company took a bold step into the future with the launch of its first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire.
The LiveWire electric motorcycle was first unveiled in 2014 and made available for public test rides at US dealerships in the same year, followed by Europe and Canada in 2015. The LiveWire was inspired by the "Mission R" electric superbike, and its powertrains were developed in collaboration with Mission Motors. With a maximum speed of 110 mph (180 km/h) and a 105 hp (78 kW) motor, the LiveWire offered a smooth and powerful ride with instant torque and no emissions.
In 2018, Harley-Davidson announced that the LiveWire would enter production, with pre-orders planned for January 2019. The first deliveries were made in September 2019 but were temporarily halted due to a charging issue, which was quickly resolved by the company. The LiveWire electric motorcycle represented a significant departure from the traditional Harley-Davidson image, targeting a different type of customer than their classic V-twin powered motorcycles.
In December 2021, Harley-Davidson announced that it would spin off its LiveWire division as a separate company, valued at $1.77 billion. The move was seen as a way to gain insight into what riders want from an electric motorcycle and to attract a wider customer base beyond those drawn to their traditional loud, heavy, and expensive motorcycles. The LiveWire brand now offers two models: the LiveWire One, which is a rebadged version of the original Harley-Davidson LiveWire, and the LiveWire S2 Del Mar, a more urban-friendly design with a lower price point.
Harley-Davidson's CEO, Jochen Zeitz, has stated that the company is committed to electrification and will eventually only make electric bikes, although he acknowledges that this transition will take time. The company now offers a range of electric motorcycles and e-bikes for adults and kids, catering to riders of all skill levels and preferences, and embracing the future of two-wheeled transportation.
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The future of Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle brand, is embracing the future with a range of electric motorcycles. The company's first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, rolled into customers' garages in 2019, marking a significant shift towards sustainability and eco-consciousness. CEO Jochen Zeitz has confirmed that the company will eventually be "all-electric", although he acknowledges that this transition will take time.
The LiveWire electric motorcycle offers a unique riding experience with instant torque and no emissions. It boasts impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in around 3 seconds, and a top speed of 110 mph. The LiveWire also has a range of over 100 miles on a single charge, although some reviewers have questioned whether this is enough given its high price tag. The LiveWire S2 Del Mar model is designed to be more mass-market, targeting younger, urban riders.
In addition to the LiveWire, Harley-Davidson offers the S2 Alpinista, an electric sportbike with 84 HP and good handling. The S2 lineup also includes the S2 Del Mar, a street tracker, and the S2 Mulholland, a power cruiser. These models offer the same basic specifications, including the same lithium battery, charging system, and performance, but with variations in bodywork, wheels, fork rakes, and headlights to give each bike its own character.
Harley-Davidson is also catering to the younger generation with its electric balance bikes from STACYC, designed to introduce children to the world of two-wheelers. The company is leading the electrification of two-wheeled transport, offering a diverse lineup of electric motorcycles catering to riders of all skill levels and preferences. With its electric range, Harley-Davidson combines innovation and tradition, allowing riders to experience the thrill of electric power while still enjoying the heritage of the iconic brand.
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Electric motorcycles for adults and kids
Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle brand, has ventured into the world of electric motorcycles, embracing the future of riding and the growing trend toward sustainability and eco-consciousness. The company now offers a range of electric motorcycles for adults and kids, leading the electrification of two-wheeled vehicles.
Electric Motorcycles for Adults
Harley-Davidson's LiveWire electric motorcycles for adults offer a smooth and powerful ride with instant torque and zero emissions. The range of models includes the LiveWire One, S2 Del Mar, and S2 Alpinista, which provide impressive acceleration and range, making them a compelling option for eco-conscious commuting. The S2 Del Mar, for example, can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 3 seconds and has a top speed of 110 mph. The LiveWire motorcycles also feature innovative liquid cooling and prismatic battery technology, addressing heat soak issues common in other electric bikes.
Electric Motorcycles for Kids
Harley-Davidson also offers the STACYC electric balance bikes for kids, providing an exhilarating riding experience while helping to reduce environmental impact. These bikes are designed to introduce children to the world of two-wheelers and are suitable for kids of all ages.
Harley-Davidson's electric motorcycles represent a bold step into a new era of two-wheeled transportation, catering to riders of all skill levels and preferences. The company is committed to electrification, with CEO Jochen Zeitz stating that the brand will eventually be all-electric, although he acknowledges that this transition will take time.
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Harley-Davidson's CEO, Jochen Zeitz
Jochen Zeitz, the President, CEO, and Chairman of the board of Harley-Davidson, has been vocal about the company's plans to go electric. In an interview with Dezeen, Zeitz confirmed that Harley-Davidson would eventually make the transition to becoming an all-electric motorcycle company. However, he emphasised that this transformation would be a gradual process, taking place over decades rather than overnight.
Zeitz's vision for the company's evolution is driven by his belief in "big transformational change for iconic brands." Under his leadership, Harley-Davidson introduced its first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, in 2019. The LiveWire was initially launched as a separate sub-brand, providing Harley-Davidson with valuable insights into the electric motorcycle market. In December 2021, Zeitz announced that LiveWire would become a separate publicly traded company, allowing it to operate with the agility and speed of a startup. LiveWire went public on the New York Stock Exchange in September 2022, with Zeitz serving as its first Chairman and CEO.
Zeitz's commitment to sustainability and electrification is also evident in his previous roles. Before joining Harley-Davidson, he served as Chairman and CEO of Puma for 18 years, where he introduced PUMAVision, an ethical framework with key principles of fairness, honesty, positivity, and creativity. Additionally, he developed Puma's Environmental Profit & Loss Account, which assigned a monetary value to the company's use of ecosystem services. Zeitz also co-founded The B Team, a group dedicated to innovative and sustainable business practices.
Despite Zeitz's forward-thinking strategies, Harley-Davidson has faced challenges in recent years. In 2024, the company reported disappointing financial results, with declining retail sales and criticism from activist investors over its social programs. Zeitz's decision to limit production and raise prices to enhance Harley-Davidson's premium brand image faced scrutiny as some questioned the sustainability of this approach. As a result, Zeitz's position as CEO came under scrutiny, and there were calls for leadership changes by some shareholders.
In April 2025, Zeitz announced his intention to retire from Harley-Davidson after five years as CEO. His legacy at the company includes a focus on electrification and sustainability, with the understanding that the transition to an all-electric future will be a gradual process, ensuring that Harley-Davidson remains a prominent name in the world of motorcycles.
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The LiveWire electric bike
Harley-Davidson is embracing the future with a range of two-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs). The LiveWire electric motorcycle, their first electric vehicle, was released in 2019. The LiveWire brand is now separate from Harley-Davidson, but the company has stated that it will eventually only make electric bikes.
The LiveWire electric motorcycle offers a smooth and powerful ride, with instant torque and no emissions. The bike is great for commuting, cruising around town, or hitting the open road. It has a maximum speed of 110 mph (180 km/h) with a claimed 105 hp (78 kW) motor. The LiveWire targets a different type of customer than their classic V-twin-powered motorcycles. The company describes LiveWire as a blend of innovation and tradition, with innovative design and electric performance.
The LiveWire S2 Del Mar is designed to be a more mass-market electric motorcycle intended to reach younger, more urban riders. The S2 Del Mar has an MSRP of $16,249, with a 10% down payment and a 72-month repayment term resulting in monthly payments of $212.45. The LiveWire S2 Alpinista, on the other hand, is designed for personalization, practicality, and mastery, setting a new standard for urban riding and beyond. The S2 Alpinista has an MSRP of $15,999, with a 10% down payment and a 72-month repayment term resulting in monthly payments of $209.18.
Harley-Davidson also offers storage options and performance upgrades for its electric bikes, as well as a range of accessories to customize your EV to suit your style and needs. The company is leading the electrification of two-wheeled vehicles, offering an exhilarating riding experience while helping to reduce environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Harley-Davidson's electric range includes electric motorcycles from LiveWire and electric balance bikes from STACYC.
Harley-Davidson's CEO Jochen Zeitz has confirmed that the company will eventually only make electric bikes. However, this transition will take time, with Zeitz stating that it "takes decades".
Electric Harley-Davidson motorcycles produce zero emissions, helping riders reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change.
Some models of Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles include the LiveWire One, the S2 Del Mar, the S2 Alpinista, and the S2 Mulholland.
