Can-Am announces forthcoming electric motorcycle line-up. (Can-Am/)

Can-Am has revealed its plans to get back in the motorcycle business with a new lineup of electric motorcycles. The first bikes in the eventual family are expected to be on dealership floors by mid-2024.

“With the motorcycle industry shifting to electric, we saw an opportunity to reclaim our motorcycle heritage and to re-enter the market,” said BRP president and CEO José Boisjoli in a company press release. “This new product category is extremely important to us, and we are thrilled that Can-Am motorcycles are the first EV models in BRP’s electric lineup to be confirmed to consumers. Many of us have very fond memories of riding the early dirt bike models, and now we look forward to building on the rich history of the Can-Am brand to inspire and impress a new generation of motorcyclists and electric vehicle enthusiasts.”

At this early stage details are extremely sparse, though the imagery released as part of the news does show four machines. The first and best lit of the bunch appears to be a standard, neutral-ergo streetbike. The next is clearly an adventure-style model. Alongside that, a machine with straight bars and a tall front end could be a take on the cruiser while the final machine may be more of a sport-tourer. We’re going to have to wait a bit before we can tell for sure, but it’s clear Can-Am is ambitious to get a slice of the electric motorcycle pie.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

The Chemix 21700 cylindrical format working prototype for its battery. (Chemix/UBCO/)

Lost in the excitement and rationale of electrification is the fact that much of what goes into batteries themselves are toxic to produce and exploitative—like cobalt. But UBCO (Utility Bike Co.) and battery developer Chemix recently announced they have “cracked the code” in developing the first, high-energy-density cobalt-free cylindrical battery. They’re partnering up to bring this battery technology to New Zealand-based UBCO’s brand of rugged 2×2 ebikes (more on that later).

Lax environmental laws and production sites in war-torn countries undercut the benefits of anything needing a battery. For reference, nine of the world’s 10 largest cobalt mining operations are in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a perennially war-torn country over the last 25 years.

Specifically, UBCO and Chemix will replace nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) and nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) chemistries. Until now, iron-based battery chemistries don’t offer enough for high-performance, long-range applications—the fancy word for vehicles. Research is costly and time-consuming, but Chemix claims to be accelerating the research process using AI, or artificial intelligence.

By partnering with UBCO (and vice versa), Chemix can design a battery for UBCO, rather than using off-the-shelf tech. While many of the materials needed for li-ion batteries still won’t be as pure as the driven snow, ethically speaking, it could make a real difference. Combined with endemic supply chain disruptions, conflict in Europe, rising energy prices, etc. (deep breath), this could be a good thing.

Ideally, this will power UBCO’s upcoming premium performance trail models, including 2×2 and planned 4×4 models. As promised earlier, check out the pics. No joke, UBCO’s 2X2WRK and 2X2ADV models are two-wheel drive, via a hub-mounted motor, front and back. Performance is said to be workmanlike, with an emphasis on utility. Like an electric Rokon? Stay tuned for a Ride Review.

The UBCO 2X2ADV: AWD, 30 mph, 75-mile range, and 155 pounds. (Chemix/UBCO/)

The UBCO 2X2WRK has a claimed payload of 330 pounds (including rider, of course). (Chemix/UBCO/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com