California-based EV manufacturer Alta Motors gets major backing from Harley-Davidson

On March 1, 2018, Harley-Davidson announced the company’s investment in Alta Motors, an American motorcycle manufacturer that specializes in lightweight electric vehicles. The news of Harley-Davidson’s move with Alta Motors coincides with a plan to release an all-electric motorcycle, derived from Project LiveWire, by next year. H-D has come forward to say that the development of the new bike is on track.

Alta Motors (formerly known as BRD Motorcycles) is a startup that is based in Brisbane, California with financial backers including two of Tesla’s co-founders, Martin Eberhard and Marc Trapanning. It is known for its current Redshift line of dirt bikes and supermotos. Harley-Davidson's new status as an Alta Motors stakeholder shows American commitment to the technological advancements of the EV industry.

"Earlier this year, as part of our 10-year strategy, we reiterated our commitment to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders, in part, by aggressively investing in electric vehicle (EV) technology. Alta has demonstrated innovation and expertise in EV and their objectives align closely with ours. We each have strengths and capabilities that will be mutually beneficial as we work together to develop cutting-edge electric motorcycles,” said Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson President and CEO.

"We believe that EV is where global mobility is headed and holds great appeal for existing riders as well as opportunity to bring new riders into the sport. We intend to be the world leader in the electrification of motorcycles and, at the same time, remain true to our gas and oil roots by continuing to produce a broad portfolio of motorcycles that appeal to all types of riders around the world."

"Riders are just beginning to understand the combined benefits of EV today, and our technology continues to progress," said Alta Motors Co-Founder, Marc Fenigstein. "We believe electric motorcycles are the future, and that American companies have an opportunity to lead that future. It's incredibly exciting that Harley-Davidson, synonymous with motorcycle leadership, shares that vision and we're thrilled to collaborate with them."