Energica's Experia Excellent Electric Green Tourer.

Energica, the Italian Electric Motorcycle manufacturer, has designed and created a long-range Tourer called the Experia Green Tourer. Is it in a class of its own, or are there other electric bikes that provide a better adventure? Jeremy Webb throws a leg over the beauty, taking it on a south coast tour to get to know it. 

Italian electric motorcycle brand Energica has always focused on electric motorcycles and is leading the way with an expanding range. Their latest is a Tourer that will offer a long-range to provide you complete, practical, and flexible riding without the fear of having to cut short your journey to charge up.

Energica has named the bike EXPERIA after the ancient Greeks' word Hesperia the name given to the unspoiled lands beyond the Western horizon of the then-known world. Places sought by Adventurers, and the Experia is a true Adventure Tourer and green.

The weight of electric bikes has been one-factor stopping bikers from purchasing one. Energica built a new battery and motor for the Experia, increasing battery capacity yet reducing weight which is crucial for motorcycles. The battery is now in a central position lowering the centre of gravity. 22.5 kWh maximum (19.6 kWh nominal) is the battery capacity which is the largest of any electric motorbike. 

The anxiety of long charging times is also an issue with purchasing an electric motorcycle, but the Experia can charge from 0-80% in 40 minutes at a Level 3 / DC Fast Charger at a top rate of 24 kW. You can also use Level 2 (240V) and Level 1 (120V) charging from home, office or anywhere you can plug in for extended periods.

Energica is the only manufacturer to offer riders all three levels of charging.

The motor is a PMASynRM motor EMCE (Synchronous Reluctance assisted by permanent magnets), is light with low mass and positioned lower than in our other models providing a great centre of balance and handling. You get a Peak power of 75 kW, equivalent to (101 HP), and the torque is 115 Nm (85 lb. ft.) The top speed you will get from the Energica Experia is 180 km/h (112 mph), plenty for fun riding. 

 

The Electric Experia has no shifting or pulling in a clutch as it has no gears; you get incredibly rapid acceleration as a result. You don't have any noise from exhaust or heat and vibration from an IC engine. 

What you have been itching to know is the range. I mentioned there is no point in having an Adventure Touring machine if you can only do 160 Km before charging. The Experia has the longest range of any electric motorcycle, regardless of speed: from 246 km (153

miles) combined to 420 km (261 miles) in urban areas. In actual terms, this is still less than the petrol machines I list at the end of the piece, as they have voluminous tanks offering around 430Km or 270 miles before topping up. But if you can get 400 km or 240 miles or about three hours of riding and then rapid charge, you will benefit from the rest and be able to crunch more tarmac. 

The Launch Edition is designed for long-distance travel, so you get what you require. The fairing on the Energica Experia delivers excellent weather and wind protection while remaining stylish and unobtrusive. When touring, you need to pack lots of kit, so storage is essential; the Experia has cavernous hard panniers and a top case with a combined capacity of 112 litres. The Launch Edition will also include bar ends and bolts in black, heated handgrips and aluminium rims with red details.

Experia has two USB ports on the dash and two more in a waterproof large, lockable storage compartment. The accessories list will gradually grow and will cover all the needs of all customers

Competition comes indirectly from non-electric Adventure Tourers such as the BMW R 1250 GS. https://www.bmw-motorrad.ca/en/models/adventure/r1250gsadventure.html

KTM 1290 SA https://ktm.com/en-ca/models/travel/ktm-1290-super-adventures2022.html

Husqvarna Norden 901 https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-gb/models/travel/norden-901-2022.html

Good and Bad:

A colossal battery means the range is more significant than most electric bikes. Fast charging means 40-minute charges at a suitable network. The 260kg weight is consistent with most petrol-powered Adventure Tourers. You get excellent handling and comfort, perfect when covering long distances. Performance is superb at (0-60 = 3.5s)

You will currently struggle to find a fast charger in remote locations, even in mainland Europe. The Price is still high compared to the competition below. 

Starting from £ 24000 + VAT. $46000

Warranty Two years on the vehicle – 3 years / 50.000 km (31.000 miles) on battery*

RANGE

City: 420 km (261 miles) 

Combined: 256 km (160 miles) 

Extra-Urban: 208 km (130 miles)

WMTC: 222 km (138 miles)

www.energicamotor.com