At last there is progress on an issue that was set to plague efforts by the motorcycle ( and wider PTW / powersports ) industry to secure a foothold in the evolution of future transport markets and infrastructure developments . Addressing an issue that we here at IDN Magazine and many other observers have pointed to , KTM / Husqvarna , Honda , Yamaha and Piaggio Group ( Vespa , Moto Guzzi , Aprilia ) have signed a ' Letter of Intent ' for the creation of a Swappable Battery Consortium for motorcycles and light electric vehicles . It is an issue that affects all manufacturers , including those not yet singing from this song sheet . In motorcycle terms , the numbers sold annually mean that only concerted action on the issue of power source will allow the industry to achieve a viable critical mass . Without it , consumers will find it ever more difficult to take their motorcycle enthusiasms forward , and ever more difficult to see two wheels as a viable option in the future . A common swappable battery

platform may not sound like a big deal , but in the real world of consumer convenience , choice and lifestyles , it really is . In the same way as the

Michele Colaninno , Chief of Strategy and Product at Piaggio Group : " A strengthened cooperation among manufacturers and institutions will allow the industry to better respond to the main challenges of the future of mobility ."

Connected Motorcycle Consortium ' s efforts to secure motorcycles ' viability in a Level 4 and Level 5 connected vehicle landscape , so too the issue of

a swappable common power source is of critical importance . Though being initially discussed in the European context , this is something that needs an " all in or none in " global approach . As Stefan Pierer of KTM said : " the founding members of the Consortium believe that the availability of a standardised swappable battery system would both promote the widespread use of electric motorcycles and light vehicles and contribute to a more sustainable lifecycle management of batteries used in the transport sector . " By extending the range , shortening the charging time and lowering vehicle and infrastructure costs , the manufacturers will be trying to answer to customers ' main concerns regarding the future of electromobility . " The aim of the Consortium will , therefore , be to define the standardised technical specifications of the swappable battery system for vehicles belonging to the L-category : mopeds , motorcycles , tricycles and quadricycles . By working closely with interested stakeholders and national ,

Continues on page 6 >>>

MATERIALS , PRICING & SHIPPING

D . I . D SIGNS ' THE DOCTOR '

BUILDING MONSTERS