Finnish electric motorbike maker Verge Motorcycles has established a new B2B division, Verge Next, to license and commercialise its in-wheel motor technology for use by other manufacturers in the two-wheeler industry. The initiative aims to bring Verge’s proprietary drivetrain, originally developed in partnership with Donut Lab, to a broader market that includes electric motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, and bicycles.
The focus of Verge Next is the Donut Motor, a compact in-wheel drive system that boasts high torque and power density. Weighing 40 kilograms, the motor delivers 4,300 Newton metres of torque and an output of 630 kW. While initially designed for motorcycles, Donut Lab has since adapted the technology for various vehicle formats. The motor can also be deployed in multi-motor configurations, depending on application requirements. Verge says the new business unit will offer a “comprehensive suite of solutions for improving ride comfort, performance, and cost efficiency” across a wide range of two-wheeled electric vehicles.
“Our goal is to help manufacturers develop even better and more innovative electric vehicles,” said Marko Lehtimäki, CEO of Donut Lab and Chairman of Verge Motorcycles. “With Donut Lab making these exciting technologies available to the entire industry, the Verge Next team features extremely high level competence especially in the development and manufacture of two-wheeled vehicles using these unique innovations.”
Verge Motorcycles CEO Tuomo Lehtimäki added that the company is responding to growing interest from OEMs. “We are responding to the wishes of several manufacturers to gain access to our technology platform and components for use in their own vehicles,” he said. “Verge Next is an ever-developing ecosystem, allowing industry operators to improve the safety, driveability, and other key characteristics of their products.”
The launch of Verge Next follows a recent milestone for the company. Verge Motorcycles set a new Guinness World Record by achieving the longest distance travelled on a single charge with an electric motorcycle, covering 311 kilometres with its Verge TS Pro.