- Solid-state battery in a production motorcycle for the first time
- Up to 80 percent charge in under 10 minutes with up to 200 kW charging power
- Two battery variants with significantly different ranges
After years of intensive development, Finnish manufacturer Verge Motorcycles is bringing a new evolutionary stage of its TS Pro to the road. The model was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. At its heart is a solid-state battery developed in collaboration with technology company Donut Lab, which is now set to be used in customer vehicles for the first time.
Solid-state battery as a technical turning point
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries with liquid or gel-like electrolytes, the new system uses a solid electrolyte. This design is intended not only to increase safety, but also to allow significantly higher charging power. According to its own statements, Verge plans to completely abandon lithium-ion cells in the future and use only solid-state batteries.
The battery cells are manufactured in Europe and assembled in flat rectangular plates. This design is intended to make better use of the available installation space and enable higher capacities in the same housing. In addition, the plates allow for the targeted integration of cooling surfaces inside and outside the battery pack.
Two battery variants with different orientations
Verge will offer the TS Pro with two solid-state battery variants in the future. The smaller version has a capacity of 18 kWh. The motorcycle is expected to weigh 225 kg (496 lbs). When using a DC fast charger with up to 100 kW charging power, a range of up to 200 km should be possible in around 10 minutes. The maximum total range is stated as up to 218 miles, depending on the driving profile.
The larger battery variant with a capacity of 30 kWh is expected to weigh 235 kg (518 lbs). Charging capacities of up to 200 kW are planned here. Under ideal conditions, it should be possible to recharge up to 186 miles of range in 10 minutes. The maximum total range is stated as up to 344 miles or, in other specifications, up to 553 km. Here, too, driving style and area of use are decisive factors.
Charging infrastructure as a limiting factor
The very short charging times require powerful fast-charging stations. Currently, charging points with 200 kW of power are not yet widely available. However, Verge assumes that the infrastructure will continue to develop as such vehicles become more widespread. Without the appropriate charging power, the time advantages mentioned above cannot be fully exploited.
Drive with hubless rear wheel
A key feature of all Verge models remains the hubless rear wheel motor. The current version uses the Donut Motor 2.0, which weighs around 21 kg according to the manufacturer. The electric motor is integrated directly into the rear wheel and does not require a conventional hub or spokes.
The system is fully electromagnetic. Electromagnets in the inner part repel permanent magnets in the outer wheel rim, setting the wheel in motion. A seal protects the bearing from water and dirt. The modular design is also intended to reduce maintenance requirements.
Power, torque, and acceleration
Verge continues to provide only limited performance data for the drive. The maximum torque is 1,000 Nm, which corresponds to approximately 737 lb ft. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is said to be 3.5 seconds. Specific performance figures in hp and kW were not given separately for the solid-state battery variants, but it is stated that the motor is 50 percent lighter than the previous version and yet delivers the same performance data.
Classification and outlook
With the introduction of the solid-state battery in a series-production motorcycle, Verge is positioning itself early on in a field of technology that has so far been tested primarily by large corporations. The fact that this technology is now actually to be delivered to customers is considered a remarkable step. CEO Tuomo Lehtimäki speaks of a historic breakthrough for electric mobility on two wheels.
Whether the advantages are confirmed in everyday use will depend largely on the actual charging infrastructure and the durability of the new battery technology. What is certain is that Verge is bringing a new technical approach to series production with the TS Pro.
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