Closer look at Kawasaki’s new electric motorcycles, the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1
Kawasaki’s upcoming new electric motorcycles are set to help the brand usher in the future of motorcycling. This month, we got the chance to check them out in person and take a closer look at the Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 models.
Both models were on display at the 2023 EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show. No one can accuse Kawasaki of rushing too quickly toward electrification. The company dragged its feet compared to other major legacy motorcycle manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and BMW.
But among the Japanese big four, Kawasaki has managed to beat out Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki to become the first to bring a full-size electric motorcycle to market.
The Kawasaki Ninja e-1 (faired sportbike below) and Z e-1 (naked bike) are both set to begin sales soon in the US and European markets, where riders will be able to purchase them at existing Kawasaki dealers.
Last month, we finally received the long-awaited pricing details. In the US market, the Ninja e-1 will carry a US $7,599 price tag, while the 2024 Z e-1 starts at a slightly lower US $7,299.
I had the chance to hop on both bikes at the show, and veteran Kawasaki enthusiasts will likely be pleased to hear that despite the unfamiliar drivetrain, they largely look and feel much like the ICE-based models they are based upon. Or at least they do while sitting still.
Kawasaki hasn’t given out test rides yet so it’s hard to say how they handle. Still, they certainly don’t appear as foreign as several of the more futuristic-looking electric motorcycles hitting the market.
The downside is that while it may look like a traditional Ninja, the performance is certainly more muted. Electric motorcycles can lay down impressive power and track times, but several manufacturers have eschewed the larger electric motors and batteries required for that performance. Instead, smaller motors and batteries have worked their way onto bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z-1. That’s resulted in closer to 125cc-equivalent commuter-level performance.
For example, the Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and the Z e-1 both share the same 5 kW electric motor rated for 9 kW of peak power in bursts. That’s around 12 horsepower at full tilt, meaning these bikes aren’t exactly going to stand on their tail very easily.
There are two riding modes, Eco and Road mode. The bikes have a boost button that increases the burst power and top speed temporarily. Eco mode will use lower power and is limited to 40 mph (64 km/h) but can hit 47 mph (76 km/h) in boost mode. Road mode offers a higher constant speed of 55 mph (88 km/h) but can be boosted up to 65 mph (105 km/h). The E-Boost feature will only last for 15 seconds, so riders would be advised to use it wisely in an overtaking situation.
Both models use a pair of removable 1.5 kWh battery packs, offering a combined 3 kWh of capacity. That’s even smaller than the troubled SONDORS Metacycle’s 4 kWh battery pack, which has led to criticisms of that bike’s low range.
With 3 kWh of battery capacity on board, Kawasaki says the two motorcycles can achieve 41 miles (66 km) of range in Road mode without using the electric boost feature. There’s no word from the manufacturer on what speed that range is measured at, but that figure works out to an efficiency of 73 Wh/mile and thus is likely around 35 mph (56 km/h) of average speed.
The batteries, which weigh 25 lb (11 kg), can each be recharged completely from a typical wall outlet in under four hours or from 20-80% in under two hours. Kawasaki was not demonstrating the removable batteries at the show.
The ease of recharge is designed to be convenient for any urban residents who cannot charge in a typical garage setting. Carrying the batteries up to an apartment would allow such city-dwellers to charge their batteries despite parking on the street.
However, the limited range of the bikes will limit their use to largely urban and commuter use.
So while the motorcycles certainly look and feel the part, managing to distill Kawasaki’s DNA in the design, it’s hard to say if traditional fans of the brand will be won over by the limited performance.
However, with prices starting well under $8,000 and the promise of a large network of support and service behind it, Kawasaki may be able to snatch up more of the growing market comprised of new riders suddenly interested in the advantages and approachability of electric motorcycles.
What do you think? Could you see yourself on one of Kawasaki’s new electric motorcycles? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Tesla is going to build a new Megafactory in Texas near Houston, according to a tax abatement agreement with Waller County.
At the time of writing, Tesla had yet to comment on the new project, but the Waller County Commissioners Court confirmed the project on Wednesday when they approved a tax abatement deal with the company:
Under the proposed agreement, Tesla will receive tax abatements from Waller County based on property improvements. The deal includes $44 million in facility improvements and $150 million in Tesla manufacturing equipment that Tesla will install. The next phase involves a new $31 million distribution facility with about $2 million in Tesla distribution equipment and building upgrades.
Tesla is going to take over a 1-million-sq-ft building that it already held the lease on at the Empire West industrial park near Katy, Texas – just outside of Houston.
Logistics company DB Schenker occupied the space where it handled parts for Tesla, but it will move out and Tesla plans to build Megapack production lines at the site:
Tesla will operate a new Megapack battery storage manufacturing facility at a 1 million-square-foot building, which was initially constructed with no tenant on speculation that it would attract jobs and economic development.
Tesla has previously referred to plants producing Megapacks as “Megafactory”. The company already operates one in Lathrop, California, and one in Shanghai, China, where it just started production.
Those factories are set up for a production capacity of 40 GWh worth of Megapacks per year.
It’s not clear if Tesla plans for a similar capacity at this new factory, but the county announced project should result in creating 1,500 jobs.
In addition to the existing building, the project will include the construction of an additional “600,000-square-foot distribution facility with some manufacturing capabilities.”
Unlike its automotive business, Tesla’s energy business has been growing at an impressive pace – although prices and margins have come down last year.
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![Is Genesis taking notes from Porsche? New GV60 Magma caught with the Taycan [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/Genesis-GV60-Magma-Porsche-2.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Genesis is gearing up to unleash its alter ego with its upcoming Magma lineup, its debut into the world of high-performance luxury vehicles. First up is the Genesis GV60 Magma, due out later this year. As testing wraps up, the GV60 Magma was spotted alongside none other than the Porsche Taycan.
The first dedicated Genesis EV model, the GV60, will kick off another new chapter for the Korean luxury automaker.
Genesis unveiled the GV60 Magma last March, claiming it will kick off “the brand’s expansion into the realm of high-performance vehicles.” The performance EV includes an improved battery, chassis, and motor for added performance.
The Magma model boasts a wider, lower stance for more control. Other key upgrades include a wider front air intake to help cool the batteries, motor, and brakes. It also includes air curtains to maximize efficiency and an added roof fin channels air to the rear wing, generating downward force.
Genesis upgraded the interior to match the GV60 Magma’s luxurious, sporty design. It includes unique sports car-like bucket seats with exclusive “double-diamond stitching” in the Magma orange and titanium coloring.
Genesis GV60 Magma spotted with the Porsche Taycan
With its official debut coming up, the sporty Genesis GV60 Magma was spotted testing alongside a Porsche Taycan and Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 N models.
Despite the camouflage, the video from CarSpyMedia reveals a few new design elements, like the two-line headlight featured on the updated GV60 model.
Genesis will launch the GV60 Magma later this year in its home market, followed by the US, Europe, and others. Production is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2025.
Will the Genesis GV60 Magma keep up with the Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S Plaid? Priced and specs will be revealed closer to launch, but it will sit above the Performance AWD trim, which starts at $69,900 in the US. With up to 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, it can hit 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
| Horsepower | 0 to 60 mph (seconds) |
Starting Price | |
| Genesis GV60 Performance | 429 | 3.7 | $69,900 |
| Genesis GV60 Magma | ? | ? | ? |
| Porsche Taycan | 402 | 4.5 | $99,400 |
| Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (with Weissach Package) |
1,092 | 2.1 | $230,000 |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | 1,020 | 1.99 | $89,990 |
In comparison, the Porsche Taycan starts at $99,400 with up to 402 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time in 4.5 seconds. The Taycan Turbo GT, equipped with its Weissach package, packs 1,092 hp for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 2.1 seconds, but it costs $230,000.
Tesla’s Model S Plaid starts at $79,990 and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with 1,020 horsepower. Which performance EV are you choosing?
Source: CarSpyMedia
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