The Bright Future of EVs…And Alta Motors
Harley-Davidson makes a strategic investment in Alta Motors just weeks after it confirmed its plans on an electric future in 2019. Two new electric motorcycles are being reported to be produced in the near future, which will be branded under the Harley-Davidson name.
Alta Motors, formerly known as BRD Motorcycles, is a small electric motorcycle startup based in Silicon Valley and backed financially by Tesla co-founders Marc Tarpenning and Martin Eberhard.
Its development of battery packs and electric powertrains and expertise in the sector is the most possible reason Harley-Davidson was drawn to the electric motorcycle startup based in Silicon Valley, a company backed financially by Tesla co-founders Marc Tarpenning and Martin Eberhard.
Harley-Davidson will then have access to cutting edge electric vehicle technology as well as a technical partner that can help them navigate the coming shift to electric drivetrains. We see this as a step in the right direction as its Livewire concept has been anything but untouched for the past four years with little to no indication of development.
Meanwhile, Alta Motors will not only have the benefit of Harley-Davidson’s monetary investment but also purchasing power with parts suppliers, access to a worldwide dealer network and instant credibility with other future investors.
“Earlier this year, as part of our 10-year strategy, we reiterated our commitment to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders, in part, by aggressively investing in electric vehicle (EV) technology,” said Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson’s President and CEO.
“Alta has demonstrated innovation and expertise in EV and their objectives align closely with ours. We each have strengths and capabilities that will be mutually beneficial as we work together to develop cutting-edge electric motorcycles.”
Hoping to capitalize on a younger generation’s interest in electric vehicles, Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle models could be a sea change for this iconic American brand, with Alta Motors providing the catalyst for that change.