Rotax eyes an EV future beyond Can-Am motorcycles

Mario Gebetshuber, the vice president of global sourcing and operations for BRP-Rotax, recently expressed the company's ambitions for the electric motorcycle market during a visit to their motors museum. He emphasized that while there is a deep-rooted passion for motorbikes, a sustainable business model is vital for success. The motorcycle market is notoriously competitive, and Rotax is aware of the challenges it faces. Following a temporary spike in motorcycle sales during the pandemic, the company recognized that aiming for just a 5 percent market share against established brands like Kawasaki, Honda, Harley, and BMW was not a viable strategy. Instead, Rotax is making a bold move toward electrification, revealing plans for new electric bikes and additional undisclosed projects this August. Gebetshuber stated, "If we want to enter, we want to enter to be a player," highlighting the company's strategic focus on electric technology as a means to differentiate itself from the competition. Rotax has already made strides in this direction with its electric Ski-Doo snowmobile and the Can-Am Pulse and Origin electric motorcycles, which have garnered positive feedback from enthusiasts accustomed to traditional combustion engines. During my experiences riding these electric bikes—first in the sweltering heat of Texas and later in Austria—I've witnessed how reviewers have quickly become captivated by the electric powertrain. The innovative technology powering the Can-Am electric models originates from BRP-Rotax's own facility in Gunskirchen, Austria, where the company has a history of designing and manufacturing internal combustion engines that have powered various brands, including BMW and Aprilia. As the company embraces electrification, it has already transitioned from snowmobiles to exciting electric karts, and now, the Can-Am line is being revitalized with electric motorcycles. Looking ahead, Rotax is set to unveil a third consumer adventure vehicle equipped with its electric REV Gen5 platform this August, signaling its commitment to leading in the electric vehicle space.