KTM Unveils 2017 Freeride E-XC And Reveals Its e-Mobility Plans

With the entire automotive industry trying to catch up with the global demand for efficient, pro-environment EVs, KTM isn’t  far behind.
Its just unveiled Freeride E-XC is the second electric model of the off-roading bike. The electric motor delivers 22.3PS of peak power and 42Nm of torque from the point the motorcycle starts. Since the bike is electric, it is clutchless and functions on a single-speed transmission. The flat KTM Powerpack takes 50 minutes to charge up to 80 per cent and allows you to drive for over an hour depending on terrain and riding style. KTM claims it will continue to provide 79 per cent of its initial capacity even after 700 charge cycles. It further talks about how the bike will generate electrical energy when the bike is braking or coasting, to help extend the overall range. It sports three different riding modes: Standard, Advanced and Economy.

Further, the bike offers 320mm of ground clearance. For suspension duties, it employs WP USD forks at the front and a WP PDS monoshock at the rear. It sports disc brakes at both front and rear ends. KTM will start its mass production post-Christmas but the E-XC is yet to be made street-legal in several parts of the world, including the US, where it will be priced at $8299, which loosely translates to Rs 5.4 lakh. However, the price shouldn’t dishearten you as the bike won’t be making its entry into India anyway thanks to our strict regulations.
During the unveiling, KTM also announced its plan to adapt to vehicular electrification more promptly. The Austrian brand wishes to bring about a revolution in electric two-wheeler technology with new fully electric and hybrid motorcycles and electric-assisted bicycles.

KTM is considering the future of its e-models seriously as it plans on pushing half of the company’s total R&D funding into the development of its electric two-wheelers. This includes an entry-level e-mini to compete against entry-level 50cc bikes and an e-scooter. But KTM also accepts that they can't completely stop the production of their internal combustion 2T and 4T engines that keep the factory running. However, they expect hybrid engines to become the next big thing in the next decade.