Ducati’s Next-Generation Motorcycle Project Heralds a New Kind of Speed

The Borgo Panigale manufacturer’s groundbreaking prototype introduced the world to some shocking performance.

Close-up of a black Ducati motorcycle front with red stripes and gold front suspension forks.

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Published January 2, 2026

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Although Ducati has been fielding the V21L in MotoE for a few seasons now, this year’s Solid State prototype shook up the bike — and electric motorcycles as a whole — in a big way.

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That’s because, with the addition of QuantumScape solid-state batteries, Ducati has unlocked capabilities from its EV two-wheeler the likes of which the industry has never seen before.

Close-up of a black Ducati motorcycle panel with red accents and white text reading "Powered by Solid State Battery. — The addition of QuantumScape solid state batteries to the Ducati V21L has unlocked some serious performance potential.

Along with 844 Wh/L energy density, it is capable of just over 12-minute fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent state of charge, as well as 10C continuous discharge rates.

What’s more, thanks to the data captured from 18 riders on the grid over three years of development, Ducati has managed to refine the V21L such that it shaved 8.2 kilograms (18.04 pounds) from the battery pack alone.

Black and red sport motorcycle with "Powered by Solid State Battery" text and a transparent battery pack in front. — Fast-charging from 10 to 80 percent occurs in as little as 12 minutes.

Current electric motorcycles are hampered by slow charge times and frustrating ranges, though forward-thinking bikes like Ducati’s V21L Solid State Prototype are poised to make these issues a thing of the past.