Battery-powered Norton under development
A couple of years ago it looked like Norton might once again be disappearing from the motorcycle scene, but now - with the financial clout of Indian brand TVS backing the reborn British company - it has embarked on the development of an electric bike platform to see it into the future even once the internal combustion engine becomes a relic.
Norton is starting with a 30-month development programme that will be completed at the end of 2024, aiming to hit targets of performance, weight and range that will make the resulting electric bike at least match the abilities of existing gas-powered machines.
The project is backed by a government grant via the UK's Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), which matches up to 50% of the money invested by Norton into the project, and while the company hasn't revealed details of its investment, the grants were only available for projects costing between £5m and £25m, so at least £5m is being spent.
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| Chief Executive Officer Robert Hentschel: "This significant funding investment is a momentous milestone for the brand as it marks the beginning of our electrification journey and fulfilling our ten-year product plan." |
Six other companies are involved in the Norton project. Delta Cosworth, the electric arm of the legendary Cosworth engineering concern, is creating the batteries. HiSpeed Ltd. is developing the engine and Formaplex Technologies is working on the bike's composite chassis structure. M&I Materials is tasked with making the bike's cooling system, using its MIVOLT dielectric cooling fluids, which can immerse electrical components without damaging them or causing short circuits. Finally, INDRA is working on the charging system and the Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick is helping with the R&D.
Norton CEO Robert Hentschel said: "This significant funding investment is a momentous milestone for the brand as it marks the beginning of our electrification journey and fulfilling our ten-year product plan. Norton is an exemplar of modern luxury and unafraid to challenge the status quo, innovating for the future of mobility while staying true to our British heritage. It also brings into focus our desire to support the UK in its mission for a net-zero automotive future.
"Working alongside our world class partners, we're confident that project Zero Emission Norton will eliminate the current dispute between a conventional and electric motorcycle to create EV products that riders desire - motorcycles that blend Norton's uncompromising design DNA with racing performance, touring range and lightweight handling."
