Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle manufacturer, has revealed two new concept electric two-wheelers and announced pre-order availability for LiveWire, its first electric production motorcycle, at CES 2019 in Las Vegas. The 2020 LiveWire is now available for US dealer pre-order at h-d.com/LiveWire, with select global markets to be announced at a later date.
The company says LiveWire represents the future of Harley-Davidson, “bringing high-performance electric propulsion, evocative design, and cellular connectivity to today’s rider”. The first of a new electric portfolio of motorcycles, LiveWire delivers a full suite of electronic rider aids and interfaces for a connected experience.
The two electrified future concepts further explore the potential of urban mobility as part of the More Roads to Harley-Davidson plan to accelerate building the next generation of riders through new products in additional motorcycle segments, broader access and a commitment to strengthen dealers globally.
“We’re at a historic juncture in the evolution of mobility, and Harley-Davidson is at the forefront,” said Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson’s president and CEO. “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.”
“Our vision for the future is all encompassing,” he said. “These two concepts are further statements towards our commitment to lead in the electric mobility space.”
Click here to see how Panasonic provides connectivity solutions for Harley-Davidson.
How Panasonic connects Harley
Panasonic Automotive, a leading supplier of automotive infotainment and connectivity systems solutions, announced at CES this week that it is expanding work with two-wheel mobility manufacturers by providing connectivity solutions on the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle.
The collaboration makes Harley-Davidson the first mass-market manufacturer in North America with a cellular-connected electric motorcycle.
Panasonic Automotive connects riders to their motorcycle through a cellular connection to the telematics control unit (TCU), using Panasonic’s OneConnect service, which complements the latest version of the Harley-Davidson App and the new Harley-Davidson Connect service. Together, these systems link LiveWire riders with their motorcycle through their smartphone
It provides the following features:
Motorcycle status: Information available through H-D Connect includes battery charge level and available range, and charging status including time to completion. This allows the rider to remotely check the motorcycle status from any location where sufficient cellular signal is available. A charge station location finder is integrated into the H-D App.
Tamper alerts and vehicle location: Through the H-D App, H-D Connect indicates the location of the parked LiveWire and alerts can be sent to the rider’s smartphone if the bike is bumped, tampered with or moved. GPS-enabled stolen-vehicle tracking provides peace of mind that the motorcycle’s location can be tracked (Requires law enforcement assistance. Available in select markets).
Service reminders and notifications: Reminders about upcoming vehicle service requirements and other vehicle care notifications will be provided to the rider through the H-D App.
“Our technology will help provide a new level of convenience and peace of mind to motorcycle riders,” said David Taylor, executive director product strategy and business development, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America. “From battery charge status to vehicle tracking, riders will have a better understanding of their vehicle and can focus on enjoying the ride.”
“Harley-Davidson is taking the lead in the electrification of motorcycles, and we’re excited to be working with Panasonic Automotive to make that a reality,” said Marc McAllister, vice president product planning and portfolio, Harley-Davidson. “Their team has the knowledge and drive to create an incredible product to help us connect consumers to their riding information.”
Panasonic Automotive also included FICOSA and Cubic Telecom in the development of the LiveWire motorcycle. FICOSA, together with Panasonic, designs and manufactures the TCU to be installed on LiveWire and other motorcycles. Cubic Telecom, based in Dublin, will provide the 3G, 4G & LTE cellular data connectivity in more than 50 countries. This includes the platform required to manage the lifecycle of the eSIM installed in the TCU and operate the service.
Launching this August, the LiveWire is designed to lead in a new category Harley-Davidson plans to populate by 2022 with a full portfolio of lighter, smaller and even more-accessible electric vehicles.
It is on display at the Panasonic booth, #12908, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Click here to read more about the features of motorcycle.
Features of the LiveWire motorcycle, as supplied by Harley-Davidson, include:
Amazing acceleration: From 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds. The instant torque provided by the H-D Revelation™ electric powertrain can produce 100 of its rated torque the instant the throttle is twisted, and 100 of that torque is always available.
Twist-and-go ease of use: Electric power requires no clutch and no gear shifting, greatly simplifying operation for new riders. All riders will appreciate the braking effect of the power regeneration mode as it adds charge to the battery, especially in stop-and-go urban traffic.
H-D Connect Service: The LiveWire motorcycle is equipped with H-D Connect, which pairs motorcycle riders with their bikes through an LTE-enabled Telematics Control Unit coupled with connectivity and cloud services using the latest version of the Harley-Davidson App. This technology makes the LiveWire motorcycle the first North American mass-market cellular-connected electric motorcycle. With H-D Connect, data is collected and transferred to the app to provide information to the rider’s smartphone (see page).
Performance and range optimized for the urban street-rider: Able to travel an estimated 110 miles of urban roads on a single charge.
Handling and control: The LiveWire motorcycle chassis is designed to deliver agile handling for confident control on urban streets and a thrilling ride on curving backroads. The H-D Revelation™ powertrain sits low in the motorcycle to lower the centre of gravity and help the motorcycle handle well at all speeds and make it easier to balance when stopped. The motorcycle also features advanced technology including standard cornering-enhanced Anti-lock Braking System and Traction Control. The systems are fully electronic and utilize the latest inertial measurement unit and ABS sensor technology.
Distinctive Harley-Davidson sound, minimal vibration: The H-D Revelation electric powertrain produces minimal vibration, heat, and noise, all of which enhance rider comfort. The LiveWire model is designed to produce a new signature Harley-Davidson sound as it accelerates and gains speed. This new futuristic sound represents the smooth, electric power of the LiveWire motorcycle.
* For more information, visit Harley-Davidson.com/Electric.