2025 Ducati V21L Receives Major Technical Upgrades for MotoE World Championship
Ducati’s ever-evolving MotoE machine, the V21L, has undergone significant upgrades for the 2025 season. Enhancements span across multiple technical fronts—including weight reduction, chassis revisions, and updated electronic systems—positioning the bike to push the limits of performance in the MotoE category.
An Experimental Project with a Strategic Vision
Originally introduced in 2023 as the official prototype for the FIM Enel MotoE World Championship, the V21L represents Ducati’s testbed for exploring electric mobility in racing. Through this ambitious project, Ducati has aimed to accumulate technical know-how that will enable it to launch electric road bikes aligned with its brand philosophy once battery technologies reach a mature stage.
Now in its third generation, the V21L has entered a new phase of development. As part of its agreement with FIM and Dorna, Ducati will supply 18 race bikes and 5 spares (23 total) for the series. Development continues across all key systems—powertrain, electronics, and chassis—to further optimize race performance.
Refinements Validated on Track
The 2025 updates have been track-tested by Franco Battaini, who joins as the official MotoE test rider this season. His feedback confirms noticeable improvements in riding feel and overall performance, paving the way for the bike’s competitive debut.
The first test of the updated V21L is scheduled for April 11, while the season opener is set for May 10 at Le Mans in France.
Key Technical Updates
■ 8.2 kg Lighter Thanks to New High-Density Battery
The new battery pack features high-energy-density cells, upgraded from 4.2Ah to 5Ah, reducing the total number of cells from 1,152 to 960 without sacrificing power or range. Designed to fit along the central frame line, Ducati Corse engineers implemented a unique structure where one cell is removed every six units, allowing for optimized weight distribution. This design results in an overall weight reduction of 8.2 kg, with simulations suggesting a lap time improvement of 0.3 to 0.4 seconds, depending on the circuit.
■ Advanced Electronics: Corner-by-Corner Traction Control
The electronics package has been significantly enhanced, now allowing traction control to be adjusted for each corner. Engineers can pre-configure three different traction maps, which riders can switch between during a lap. This allows for fine-tuned control based on track characteristics and rider preferences.
■ Chassis Revisions for Greater Stability
The bike’s geometry has also evolved. A new steering bushing has extended the wheelbase by 4 mm, while maintaining caster angle and trail, resulting in improved braking stability. In addition, the swingarm pivot height is now adjustable, minimizing the impact of sprocket changes on chain tension and allowing setup customization for different circuits and rider styles.
■ New Rear Wheel for Further Weight Savings
From Round 2 in the Netherlands (Assen), the V21L will be equipped with a new rear wheel design without a false damper, shedding another 600 grams. The reduction in unsprung mass directly improves handling and agility, offering riders enhanced responsiveness during races.
■ Total Weight Now 216.2 kg
All upgrades combined bring the V21L’s total weight down from 225 kg to 216.2 kg, marking a near 9 kg reduction—a significant gain in the context of electric racing, further refining the machine as a top-tier electric prototype.
Pre-Season Testing Schedule
- April 11–13: Barcelona
- May 8: Le Mans (one day before Round 1)
2025 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship Schedule
7 rounds, 14 races total
- French GP (Le Mans)
- Venue: Le Mans Bugatti Circuit
- Dates: May 9 (Fri) – May 10 (Sat)
- Dutch GP (Assen)
- Venue: TT Circuit Assen
- Dates: June 27 (Fri) – June 28 (Sat)
- Austrian GP (Spielberg)
- Venue: Red Bull Ring
- Dates: August 15 (Fri) – August 16 (Sat)
- Hungarian GP (Balaton)
- Venue: Balaton Park Circuit
- Dates: August 22 (Fri) – August 23 (Sat)
- Catalan GP (Barcelona)
- Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
- Dates: September 5 (Fri) – September 6 (Sat)
- San Marino GP (Misano)
- Venue: Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
- Dates: September 12 (Fri) – September 13 (Sat)
- Portuguese GP (Portimão)
- Venue: Algarve International Circuit
- Dates: November 7 (Fri) – November 8 (Sat)
(Photo courtesy of Ducati)