KTM E-Duke Electric Naked Bike Confirmed

Pierer Mobility has confirmed that it is working on an electric KTM streetbike, along with the Husqvarna E-Pilen in the brand's electric mobility plans. The E-Duke will be powered by a 10 kW motor (approximately 13 bhp), and feature a 5.5 kWh battery pack. As the output figures indicate, the E-Duke will be a commuter-oriented model rather than a performance-oriented electric naked, and will have performance similar to a 125 cc internal combustion engine like the KTM 125 Duke. The idea seems to be to focus on the entry-level electric motorcycle segment, rather than go all out to replace mid-size performance nakeds with electric power.

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The news of the KTM E-Duke comes from a leaked presentation of preliminary revenues and earnings for the 2021 business year, and it's the first official confirmation of the electric model. The KTM E-Duke is expected to share a lot of components with the Husqvarna E-Pilen, which was shown as a concept bike last year. The document confirms that the E-Duke will share the same 5.5 kWh fixed battery as the E-Pilen, along with similar output figures from the motor.

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A clearer slide from the presentation shows that the KTM E-Duke will share a lot of components with the Husqvarna E-Pilen.

Another clearer image shows that the E-Duke will share a similar frame and rear suspension as the Husqvarna E-Pilen, but will have sharper design, something which is evident from the differences between the current made-in-India KTM Duke 250 and the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250. In fact, Bajaj and KTM have also announced co-development of an electric platform, and Bajaj has already announced an investment of Rs. 300 crore at a brand new EV manufacturing unit at Akurdi. The new manufacturing unit will have a capacity of 500,000 EVs per annum, and will manufacture electric vehicles both for the domestic as well as overseas markets.

Bajaj Auto already manufactures a range of small-displacement KTM bikes ranging from 125 cc to 390 cc at its manufacturing facility in Chakan, on the outskirts of Pune. It's quite likely that the first KTM E-Duke motorcycles may also be manufactured eventually in India, along with other EV products, like the Chetak electric scooter which Bajaj Auto already produces and markets in India. However, the presentation doesn't have any clear timeline for launch of the electric Duke.

(Image Source: Motorcycle.com)