Skip to main content

Harley-Davidson and Alta Motors team up for the electric motorcycle revolution

Harley’s LiveWire electric motorcycle concept
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Harley-Davidson surprised the motorcycle industry (as well as its die-hard fans) when it brought out its electric LiveWire concept in 2014. Though 40 of these bikes were built, with the model even making an appearance in the 2015 Marvel film Avengers: Age of Ultron, it wasn’t slated to see full-scale production. The feedback it generated, however, is being used to help develop the production vehicle Harley-Davidson plans to unveil in 2019. Now, the Milwaukee bike builder is stepping further into the electric realm with an announcement that it is investing in California-based electric moto company Alta Motors.

Recommended Videos

“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,” Harley-Davidson President and CEO Matt Levatich said. “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.”

We took Alta’s Redshift SM (supermoto) out on the streets of Manhattan and found it to be easy to handle and an absolute blast to ride. Alta CEO and co-founder Marc Fenigstein — who took a ride with us — chimed in on the Harley-Davidson partnership.

Alta Motors Redshift SuperMoto
Albert Khoury/Digital Trends
Albert Khoury/Digital Trends

“Riders are just beginning to understand the combined benefits of EV today, and our technology continues to progress,” Fenigstein said. “We believe electric motorcycles are the future, and that American companies have an opportunity to lead that future. It’s incredibly exciting that Harley-Davidson, synonymous with motorcycle leadership, shares that vision and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them.”

Electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, nor does the rider need to learn to operate a clutch or shift gears. Harley-Davidson and Alta are hoping to capitalize on this “twist-and-go” mode of motoring, which may attract newer and younger riders who might otherwise not consider swinging their leg over a bike.

Purists may scoff at the idea of a (relatively) silent Harley, but the company has no plans to replace its line with juiced-up electric gliders.

“We intend to be the world leader in the electrification of motorcycles and, at the same time, remain true to our gas and oil roots by continuing to produce a broad portfolio of motorcycles that appeal to all types of riders around the world,” Levatich said.

Albert Khoury
Former Weekend Editor
Al started his career at a downtown Manhattan publisher, and has since worked with digital and print publications. He's…
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I’m hooked
It’s not about being a 'bike person', it’s about finding small upgrades to everyday life
A woman sitting on the Aventon Pace 4

Before this year, I’d never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn’t something I ever considered adding to the mix.

I’d always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn’t looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we’d have more time to play before dinner.

Read more
This week in EV tech: Audi exemplifies auto industry’s EV holding pattern
Close-up of 2025 Audi SQ5 grille, headlight, and badge.

The road to the future runs through the present, and it’s not a straight line. This week, we’re focusing on how Audi is negotiating the twists and turns on the way to an electrified future. EVs are here to stay at Audi, but a gasoline crossover SUV is still the automaker’s bestselling model, and it’s not ready to risk those sales just yet. That’s why the 2025 Audi Q5 received a top-to-bottom overhaul for this model year, bringing its tech features and styling up to date without altering the what has proven to be a very popular package. By maintaining parallel lineups of electric and internal-combustion cars, Audi hopes to give customers more choices. But that doesn’t completely level the playing field. The new Q5 may have yesterday’s powertrain, but Audi isn’t holding back on tech. It features the same electrical architecture, operating system, and three-screen dashboard display as the latest Audi EVs, like the Q6 e-tron. So aside from a little engine noise, there’s little difference in what you can see and interact with from the driver’s seat. It’s not just the infotainment systems. The Q5 and Q6 e-tron are close in size, with similar space for passengers across their two rows of seats. The Q6 e-tron has a bit more cargo space, but not as much as you’d think given the lack of a bulky engine, transmission, and driveshafts. The two SUVs also have similar styling but, having now driven both, we can say that the Q5 is the more pleasant of the two.

More than a difference of powertrain tech

Read more
Take a peek inside the factory making tomorrow’s ride
A Zoox robotaxi.

Amazon-owned Zoox has opened its first facility producing fully autonomous robotaxis. 

A video (above) released by the California-based company offers a peek inside the factory, which, when it reaches full capacity, could roll out as many as 10,000 autonomous vehicles per year.

Read more