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 . 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 ."
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 ."
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