Kymco’s New EVs To Be Based On Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire Architecture

Kymco's electric motorcycle ambitions are getting a boost through a new partnership with LiveWire, Harley-Davidson's electric motorcycle sub-brand. This collaboration abandons Kymco's original plan for a self-developed platform with a manual transmission, instead opting to leverage LiveWire's existing "Arrow" platform for the next generation of RevoNEX and SuperNEX electric motorcycles. The details suggest Kymco will utilise a less-powerful version of the platform and potentially retain a simulated manual transmission for a rider-centric experience.

This suggests a potential for shared components between the Kymco and LiveWire motorcycles, with Kymco likely utilising a lower-powered version of the platform compared to LiveWire's current S2 Del Mar and Mulholland models.

Recent patent filings by Kymco further solidify this shift in strategy. The filings depict the 2022 RevoNEX concept superimposed on a LiveWire chassis, with the LiveWire's battery pack and electric motor seamlessly integrated into the design. This close match suggests a high degree of shared components between the two bikes. However, the Kymco patent also reveals some unique elements. The external dimensions and overall shape closely resemble the 2022 RevoNEX concept, hinting that Kymco's design language will be prominently featured in the final production model. This could include the fairing design, headlight configuration, and ergonomics, wrapped around the core electric powertrain sourced from LiveWire.

An intriguing aspect of the partnership is the possibility of Kymco retaining its simulated manual transmission concept. This innovative feature would provide riders with the familiar feel of gear changes through a clutch lever and shifter but without the mechanical complexity of a traditional gearbox. Here's how it might work: sensors on the clutch lever and shifter would relay signals to the motorcycle's electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU would then interpret these signals and adjust the power delivery accordingly, mimicking the feeling of gear changes. For instance, squeezing the clutch lever and engaging a higher "gear" on the shifter could momentarily reduce power to simulate the feeling of a gear change in a traditional motorcycle. Conversely, releasing the clutch and selecting a lower "gear" could provide a surge of power, mimicking a downshift.

While details regarding the final performance and range of the Kymco electric motorcycles remain unclear, the partnership with LiveWire signifies a significant step forward in bringing the RevoNEX and SuperNEX to production. This collaboration has the potential to create a unique blend of performance and rider engagement in the electric motorcycle market, combining Kymco's design expertise with LiveWire's electric vehicle knowledge.