Work on the Harley-Davidson Arrow EV platform began 5 years ago
This is the ‘Arrow’ platform that LiveWire, the EV arm of Harley-Davidson will use to create a new generation of electric motorcycles in the near future.
Information about the modular platform was revealed by the American bikemaker to investors last month after it was publicly announced that Taiwanese firm Kymco will be investing Rs. 750 crores in LiveWire as part of a new deal.
As can be seen from the above image, the EV platform is built around a large, structural Lithium-ion battery pack that forms the basis of the chassis.
Bolted to the battery are the electric motor, power electronics, steering headstock and consequently the front suspension. Even the rear monoshock and the swingarm are connected to the unit.
The battery will have high-volume 21,700 format cells and can be cooled by either air, liquid or refrigerant based on the application. The voltage system in use can be as low as 50 V or over 400 V.
The on-board charger and inverter share the cooling circuit which can be either liquid- or air-cooled and the same goes for the motor which is fully integrated into the chassis and suspension to optimise space.
Harley claims the electric motor has increased power density (compared with that in the LiveWire One) with proprietary magnetics and a direct-drive design.
LiveWire currently sells 1 electric motorcycle named the One. But the Harley-Davidson Arrow EV platform will soon be used to produce LiveWire S2 models.
The very first bike that will use the Arrow platform will be called the Del Mar and it will be a middleweight, when taken in general context. Following the S2 models will be S3 range of electric 2-wheelers which will be lightweight machines.
Produced in partnership with Kymco, the LiveWire S3 models are likely set to use the Taiwanese firm’s exchangeable batteries which should make them efficient city commuters.
Finally, the LiveWire S4 heavyweight motorcycles will be introduced with extended range (think over 320 kilometres or 200 miles) and the latest charging capabilities.