The European-funded EMotion research project is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market by developing a versatile, scalable, and cost-effective EV architecture. This ambitious initiative employs two technology demonstrators to achieve its goals.
Circulating online is a sketch resembling a Bajaj Chetak-based KTM electric scooter. Despite bearing KTM branding and drawing design inspiration from the manufacturer’s E-Speed electric scooter concept, it has no connection to the Chetak. The image represents one of the technology demonstrators that will materialise during the EMotion project.
The EMotion project is a three-year research endeavour funded by Europe, involving 11 partners, with the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) leading the charge. KTM Technologies GmbH and KTM AG are key participants in this project, which focuses on creating affordable, energy-efficient, and comfortable electric two-wheelers that fall under European Category L electric bicycles. The sketch you see is simply an illustration of one potential technology demonstrator.
The primary goal of the EMotion project is to develop zero-emission two-wheelers targeted at young adults (16-18 years) and older adults (50+ years). These vehicles will feature a reduced footprint and enhanced environmental friendliness compared to traditional two-wheelers.
The EMotion research project targets the weaknesses of current electric two-wheelers by focusing on three main areas:
Within the first eight months of the project, two technology demonstrators will be developed—one with a 4 kW motor and another with an 8 kW motor. As the only two-wheeler OEM among the 11 partners, KTM is expected to build these demonstrators. The prototypes will undergo eight months of pilot trials in both urban and rural environments around the Salzburg area.
To summarise, the KTM EMotion is not a commercial product but a research platform intended to generate several commercially viable technology solutions for compact zero-emission mobility. Many of these solutions are likely to be implemented in future KTM electric vehicles. The European research project is scheduled to conclude in February 2023.
KTM is actively engaged in multiple electric two-wheeler projects, most of which will be manufactured by Bajaj Auto in India. Bajaj will also develop its own versions based on KTM’s electric two-wheeler architecture. Consequently, it wouldn’t be surprising to see solutions from the EMotion research project incorporated into future Bajaj electric vehicles.