Video: Husqvarna teases electric E-Pilen concept

This isn’t a production motorcycle, but it borrows heavily from Husky’s existing street lineup with its styling and branding. It’s also right in line with a public letter of intent published by Husqvarna’s parent company, KTM, earlier this year. Here’s an excerpt: 

“In the context of the Paris Climate Agreement and the development of electromobility, the founding members of the consortium believe that the availability of a standardized swappable battery system would both promote the widespread use of light electric vehicles and contribute to a more sustainable life-cycle management of batteries used in the transport sector.

"Also, by extending the range, shortening the charging time and lowering vehicle and infrastructure costs, the manufacturers will try to answer to customers’ main concerns regarding the future of electromobility.”

Swappable batteries, widespread adoption of light two-wheeled EVs, shorter charging times, and extended ranges? Compelling stuff. This electric siren’s song has lured many manufacturers in recent years with mixed results. That said, Editor Lance already reported on Husqvarna/KTM’s consortium with Honda, Yamaha, and Piaggio, so be sure to check out that article for further details. The big story here is the collaboration between four motorcycle powerhouses on standardized electric vehicle development. These aren’t startups or crowdfunders. While participation in the consortium doesn’t guarantee new electric vehicles on a common platform, the E-Pilen sure feels like an enthusiastic affirmation of the group’s goals. 

Husqvarna hasn’t said much about the E-Pilen concept itself. They claim it’s one of “several zero emissions options in development for urban riders… to broaden the brand’s appeal to existing riders as well as a whole new audience.” The 8kW (roughly 10 horsepower) motor delivers a range of around 60 miles from the E-Pilen’s battery “to get the most riding time between battery charges,” though Husqvarna didn’t say if that was a continuous or peak rating on that motor. Either way, those performance numbers likely place the E-Pilen’s target customers within city limits. By comparison, KTM’s Freeride E-XC electric dirt bike ($10,699) has a 9kW continuous/18 kW peak motor with a claimed 90 minutes of dirt action per battery.

With so many unknowns, judgment will have to wait until a pre-production or production model is shown. Can we talk about the name, though? E-pilen sounds like an epilepsy medication or laser hair removal, but I hear you aren’t supposed to complain without offering an alternative. The current production Svartpilen (Black Arrow) and Vitpilen (White Arrow) are throwbacks to historic Husky models, so why not Blixtpilen (Lighting Arrow)? Grönpilen (Green Arrow)? I dunno, my Swedish language skills are limited to Google Translate and trips to Ikea. I’m sure Husqvarna can come up with better ideas than mine.

Price, swappable battery infrastructure, and dealer support will be key to this motorcycle if it ever reaches production form. Husqvarna is already eyeing an expanded urban dealer network to prepare for an electric future. As for the E-Pilen, they’ve hinted that more information (and hopefully brighter photos) will be coming soon.