Finally! I was able to drive the Energica Ego+ , Energica's flagship model, with 126 kW (171 hp). I had already tested the Experia touring model and was absolutely thrilled, so I was even more excited to test the Ego+. After all, as a hobby racer, sports motorcycles are very close to my heart. However, this test was to take place on the road and not on the race track.
You shouldn't talk about e-motorcycles, you should ride them!
On the Internet, in forums and when talking to other motorcyclists, you hear three things over and over again when it comes to e-motorcycles.
They don't unleash passion because you can't hear the engine.
E-motorcycles have too little range.
There is nowhere to charge, especially in rural areas.
This needs to be checked now. On Friday I can receive the Energica Ego+ for my test. Normally, at 1.90 m, I often have problems "folding" myself onto a sports bike, especially the Italian ones. But the Ego+ surprised me the first time I tried it out with a relatively relaxed and very well-fitting seating position. No instructions were necessary, we got started straight away.
Intuitive operation
As with the Energica Experia test, I had to drive home in the rain and was only able to get going the next day on dry roads. The vehicle is extremely easy to operate and can be operated with both hands on the handlebars. Once you have been shown how to start it and change the driving mode, you already know enough. The rest will follow. At the beginning of the test, I switched the driving mode of the Energica Ego+ to "Race" and decided to leave the traction control on a medium level. A very good decision, as it turned out. The only thing that takes some getting used to in terms of operation, in my opinion, is that after you have pressed the start button, it takes a moment before the engine delivers power. You can only accelerate after you hear a click. If you turn the throttle impatiently beforehand because it is finally time to get going, the motorcycle surprises you with a huge kick in the back. A safety feature could be built into the software to prevent inexperienced drivers from landing on their backs the first time they try to start the vehicle and causing significant damage. It should be noted with a wink that even e-scooters have such a safety feature.
Sporty design down to the last detail
The quality of the Ego+'s workmanship is very good, apart from a few gaps and transitions. The shiny carbon components immediately catch the eye. The hinge of the seat, which you fold up to charge, clicks into place so that you have both hands free to operate the charging stations. Nice little details wherever you look. An attractive design is of course always in the eye of the beholder, so everyone can decide for themselves whether they like the Ego+. Only the lack of a small storage compartment for cell phone, keys and debit card detracts from the very good first impression. If you are wearing a leather suit, you have no possibility of storing anything. Energica could still improve this.
The Energica Ego test proves: engine sound is not everything
I disagree with point one. Once you drive the car, you'll be impressed by the first-class performance and the engine. The thought of the lack of engine sound never occurred to me while driving. Only the volume of the gearbox, when it whistles like a turbine, was annoying.
Excellent driving behavior
The Ego+ impresses with a very high degree of precision in steering behavior and a super drive. Every gentle tug on the handlebar is readily translated into a change of direction, the motorcycle goes exactly where you want it to go and actually asks for more lean angle the whole time. The stability in the curves is excellent, you always have the feeling that you can lean completely against the motorcycle and it stays as if it were bolted down. Regardless of whether it is wide curves or quick changes of direction, a short steering impulse and you are driving in the desired direction. There is no need to get used to it, the vehicle is so easy and intuitive to drive that it should not overwhelm anyone. The torque of the engine is immediately available with the slightest turn of the throttle. This makes driving fun. You have to be extremely careful from a standstill, if you simply give it full throttle, the rear wheel spins or the traction control intervenes. But there is always a short rush of adrenaline when the rear starts to twitch from left to right. The acceleration on the highway is impressive. From 100 km/h, it goes up to 200 km/h in big steps and then beyond. There is no stopping until the drive capitulates to air resistance at around 250 km/h. The recuperation/engine brake can be set in 4 stages, or in 3 stages and completely switched off. In most cases, level 2 is ideal, but if you want to drive a little more sportily, I recommend level 3. The hydraulic brake is then hardly necessary.
I noticed that the power delivery of the engine brake was not always the same. But I couldn't figure out whether this was due to the battery temperature or the grip on the rear wheel.
Battery power is more than sufficient
When the battery level is low, a very noticeable reduction in performance sets in. However, since the reduction in performance only starts when the battery level is below 15% and you want to use your battery for a long time, this is completely fine.
If the battery is empty, you then have to charge it. Whether at home on the wall box or the socket adapter, plug in the cable and the vehicle will charge. In this case with a moderate 3.3 kW. But that is not relevant overnight, because here too, in the worst case, 8 hours are enough. So far, so good. What about on country roads? Depending on your driving style, you can manage between 160 and 230 km with the Ego+, depending on whether you are extremely sporty or leisurely. That means a driving time of a good 2 to 4 hours. I can report that after 3 hours, your knees, back, neck and wrists will be happy about any short break. The range is very well chosen, so that you can also ride with your group of friends, even if they are still on “Dinobrause”, because after 160 km of harder driving, they also have to go to the gas station and are usually happy about a short break. This also refutes the second point of criticism.
Charging infrastructure is also available in the Eifel
There is still the myth that you can't charge electric motorcycles anywhere, especially not where it's easy to ride. So I'm out in the beautiful Eifel with its wonderful roads to see where I'll end up if the battery runs out. I used my tried and tested strategy of just driving off and then using my cell phone to find a quick charger when the battery is at about 20%. The issue of the lack of charging infrastructure in the Eifel (or similar rural areas) was still on the table. When the battery was almost empty, I found a charging point at a supermarket about 15 km away. I had been on the motorcycle for a good 3 hours and was glad to be able to move again. After about 40 minutes, a sandwich from the bakery and an energy-giving cold drink, I continued on. The location of this charging station between Stadtkyll and Jünkerath, which is about as far into the Eifel as the names suggest, proves that this argument doesn't hold water either.
Energica Ego+ is an eye-catcher
No matter where you go, the Ego+ attracts attention. Be it during a short break at the Nürburgring, at the fast charger or at the traffic lights. An electric motorcycle is still something new and exciting today, about as much as a Tesla was 4 years ago. If the adaptation in this segment is as fast as it is with cars, then the big manufacturers will have to slowly follow suit, otherwise the Energica will be too good.
Energica Ego 2022 vs. Energica Ego+ 2024 - the difference:
The Energica's electric motor was improved for the 2024 model year. The Ego+ now offers a noticeable difference with 171 hp at 8,500 rpm compared to the Ego with 145 hp at 6,000 rpm.
Energica Ego+: the data at a glance
Motor:
Continuous power: 110 kW / 149 hp at 8,500 rpm
Peak power: 126 kW / 171 hp at 8,500 rpm
Torque: 222 Nm / 164 lb ft
Top speed: 240 km/h
ABS brakes front and rear
dead weight 260 kg
permissible total weight 458 kg
A2 driving license
Battery:
Max 21.5 kWh / Nominal 18.9 kWh
Lifespan 1200 cycles at 80% capacity (100% DOD)
Charging: DC fast charge or AC slow charge mode
Range: up to 256 km combined
Conclusion of the Energica Ego+ test:
My conclusion from this test is that Energica has put a really hot new thing on the road with the Ego+, which makes your heart beat faster. I have rarely ridden a motorcycle so contentedly and excitedly. If I were asked whether I would prefer the Experia or the Ego+ , I would probably have to answer that ideally I would simply have both.
Update: What will happen to Energica after the bankruptcy?
The Italian electric motorcycle manufacturer Energica Motor Company SpA, the manufacturer from Modena (Italy) specializing in purely electric motorcycles, is bankrupt and decided on October 14, 2024 to initiate judicial liquidation.
It remains to be seen whether the Energica brand will be revived by new investors or owners after the insolvency proceedings. In any case, we hope for a return of the sporty and powerful e-motorcycles from Italy.
The Energica Ego+ test report was prepared before the insolvency was announced.