Electric superbike Energica Ego is the choice of the MotoE championship, at which the fire started. According to the latest news, a short circuit in the charger caused the fire, while none of the race bikes were charging. Investigation is ongoing.

Under Energica Ego fairing there are all the components, necessary for the operation of the electric bike. On the Ego, we can see the high-voltage system lines highlighted by their bright orange rubber sheaths.The length of these cables differs, for efficiency concerns and for weight.Energica’s engineers decided not to use adedicated 12V system for the electronic systems,unlike many other brands, instead the company draws 12V off their main battery pack for the bike’s dash, headlights, signals.

The high-voltage, high-ampere drivetrain means big horsepower and torque figures for the permanent magnetAC (PMAC) motor, and Energica doesn’t use a gearbox.

The charging unit is installed under the seat. The 3 kW integrated charger expands the options for charging the motorcycle at home (in non-industrial conditions).

The bulbous battery pack is hard to miss. It weighs 100 kg, and this fact greatly affects the total weight of the electric cycle.The robust metal housing is a shield against road debris, shields against electromagnetic fields, and protects the battery in case of a severe crash.The battery is a vital member of the chassis system, which includes a short swingarm, Bitubo suspension, Marzocchi fork and Brembo brakes.

Photos: © 2019 Jensen Beeler / Asphalt & Rubber