French start-up Efesto has developed a hybrid drive kit system for motorcycles, delivering a scintillating 299hp in their Ducati Panigale 1299 prototype.
Efesto MD Luca Morfino contacted us to tell us they are serious about taking the hybrid kit to market after some more testing. There is no word on pricing yet.
We have written about several motorcycle manufacturers’ plans for hybrids, such as BMW, Furion, Honda, Kawasaki, TVS, Yamaha and even the US Army.
But the Efesto hybrid kit is the first we have head of that will attach to an existing fuel-powered bike.
It consists of a 100hp electric motor, battery pack and chain drive, plus electronic controls that allow the rider to select the Ducati engine, the electric motor or a combination of the two, yielding 299hp and 300Nm of torque.
Luca unveiled the Efesto protoype at the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.
On the prototype, the electric motor sits underneath the bike, but Luca says it does not compromise clearance or lean angles.
Electric motorThe inverter is hidden behind the radiator and the high-voltage battery pack is installed below the tail subframe. It looks a bit ugly, but it’s not as bad as some electric bikes we’ve seen.
Battery packThe electric motor is connected via chain to the secondary shaft.
Rider modes
Riders can select the power mode via a control on the left switchblock.
Mode 1 is purely Ducati’s 205hp L-twin engine. Meanwhile, the battery is being recharged by taking some of the engine’s power and through regenerative braking.
The battery can only be recharged via these methods using Efesto’s special software. You cannot plug in the battery to the mains to recharge.
To select mode 2 for pure electric drive, the rider has to select neutral and switch off the Ducati engine.
In this mode, it is twist-and-go like a scooter with no gears.
Luca claims it will ride for 30 to 40 minutes in urban traffic below 70km/h.
He says this makes it legal to ride in some CBDs where there are emissions restrictions.
In mode 3, or “Boost” mode, the Ducati engine and electric motor share drive.
Mode 4 is a custom mode where the rider can set their desired combination of torque and power.
Efesto hybrid Ducati tech specs
Since the Panigale weighs 190kg with a full tank and this prototype weighs 194kg dry, the electric motor, inverter and battery must weigh about 20kg.
Luca says they have patents for the “anti-spinning and anti-wheeling” electric control system and the counter-rotating electric motor.
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Internal Combustion Engine |
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Engine type |
Superquadro: L-twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled. |
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Displacement |
1285cc |
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Bore x stroke |
116 x 60.8mm |
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Power |
143kW (205hp) @ 10,500rpm |
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Torque |
145Nm @ 8750rpm |
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Electric Motor Generator |
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Motor type |
Axial Flux Synchronous Motors and Generator |
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Liquid cooled |
IP 65 |
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Weight |
9.4kg |
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Diameter ø / width |
208/85mm |
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Rated battery voltage |
355Vdc |
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Peak Power |
80kW (108 HP) |
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Peak Torque |
150Nm |
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Torque |
150Nm |
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Chassis |
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Frame |
Aluminium box |
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Front Suspension |
MUPO SBK 46mm |
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Front Wheel |
Marchesini forged 3,50” x 17” |
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Front Tyre  |
Dunlop Sportmax D213 GP PRO-2 120/70 ZR17 |
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Rear Suspension |
Sachs |
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Rear Wheel |
Marchesini forged 5.50” x 17” |
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Rear Tyre |
Dunlop Sportmax D213 GP PRO-2 200/60 ZR17 |
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Wheel Travel (front/rear) |
120mm (4,72 in) – 130mm (5,12 in) |
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Front Brake |
2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo 4-piston callipers, with Bosch ABS |
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Rear Brake |
245mm disc, 2-piston calliper, with Bosch ABS |
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Dimensions and Weights |
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Dry weight |
194kg |
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Seat |
850mm |
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Wheelbase |
1460mm |
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Rake |
24° |
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Front Wheel Trail |
96mm |
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Fuel Tank Capacity |
17 litres |
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Number of Seats |
One seat |