Harley-Davidson enters the electric era

Harley-Davidson has revealed its all-electric LiveWire motorcycle at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Coming as the brand’s first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire represents a leap forward for the manufacturer, which is better known for its heavy, petrol-powered cruiser and chopper bikes.

Speaking at the launch, Matt Levatich, HarleyDavidson CEO, said: “We’re at a historic juncture of the evolution of transportation, and Harley-Davidson is at the forefront.

“Innovation that moves the body and soul has always been at the heart of our brand, and this next chapter in our history is about creating products and opportunities for existing and aspiring riders of all ages and walks of life.”

Thanks to its punchy all-electric powertrain, the LiveWire can hit 60mph in under 3.5 seconds, the manufacturer says, and features an estimated urban range of 110 miles. It also features no clutch, and therefore does not require the rider to change gears – something Harley claims is a touch that will “greatly simplify (the) operation for new riders”.

The LiveWire is also equipped with H-D Connect, which helps pair the rider with the bike through cloud-based services and the HarleyDavidson app. It allows the owner to see the battery charge status of the motorcycle via their smartphone, show the bike’s location and even alert the rider if it is being tampered with. The app will also remind owners about service requirements.

The LiveWire is expected to cost $29,799 in the US, before tax, which would put it in the region of £23,350 in the UK. It’s expected to arrive this autumn.