The current scenario of the electric motorcycle world is a lot like the story of the rabbit and turtle. Start-ups represent the rabbit with their rapidly evolving technology and performance, whereas the popular names are going the turtle way by biting the time and focusing on the long game. Now, the turtles might win in the long run, but the current headlines all come from EV startups that have mesmerizing electric projects.
The latest example comes from across the pond in India, where Ola Electric has revealed an interesting lineup of electric motorcycles. While all of them have their own USPs (more on that in a bit), the real head-turner is what the company calls “Diamondhead”. Why, you ask? Well, because it looks inspired by none other than the Tesla Cybertruck!
The Ola Diamondhead Looks Outlandish And Edgy
Many companies have built electric motorcycles inspired by the Cybertruck, but the Ola is perhaps the best at it so far. The angular LED headlight is the most obvious reminiscence here, creating a wide-body aesthetic unseen on motorcycles, let alone electrics. This is bejeweled into equally edgy body panels all around that hide all internals (battery, motor, electronics) inside them. Heck, even the handlebar and wiring sit inside the body panels for a squeaky-clean appeal.
The rear end follows the same trend, as you get a sleek LED tail lamp integrated into the panels. This is topped by a tiny plate holder and hugger. Interestingly, both the fenders are carved from carbon fiber, which backs up Ola’s claim this would be its flagship motorcycle.
The Ola Diamondhead Will Feature Hub-Center Steering
Design aside, the Diamondhead has a unique front suspension, similar to Bimota’s hub-center steering. Complete with a frontal swingarm, such systems offer a direct handlebar feel for you, unbothered by bumps or undulations. The rake/trail remains constant regardless of where you’re riding, so steering weight and feel are consistent. Plus, the hub-center enables a simpler chassis design since no headstock is needed. Ola hasn’t shed light on the Diamondhead’s chassis type, however.
Like the hub-center, we expect Ola to load its flagship EV with a plethora of technology too. A touchscreen infotainment display will come standard here, replete with features like cruise control, hill hold, hill descent control, auto-canceling turn signals, ride modes, and smartphone connectivity. The latter should include bits like geo-fencing, biometric unlock, turn-by-turn navigation, music playback, and take-me-home lights. Pretty loaded, don’t you think?
The Ola Diamondhead Should Be Fast Enough To Keep You Entertained
Ola has shed little light on the performance numbers of the Diamondhead. But luckily, its class-leading electric scooters (sold only in India) help us paint a picture. For instance, the company’s flagship scooter comes with an 11 kW motor, good enough for a 75 mph top speed. The claimed range lies at almost 120 miles, thanks to a four kWh battery pack.
These numbers are already on par with entry-level EVs in America like the Ryvid Anthem, CSC RX1E, and the popular Sondors MetaCycle. So it’s safe to expect the Diamondhead to outperform these motorcycles. This would put it in the ballpark of the new LiveWire S2 Del Mar, provided Ola Electric expands operations to America.
Ola Has Three More Electric Motorcycles In The Works
Like what you see? Well, then you’d be happy to know the company has three more motorcycles in the works, called Adventure, Roadster, and Cruiser. The ADV serves duty as the company’s dedicated off-roader, evident from its tall stance, windscreen, and spoke wheels. Whereas, the roadster and cruiser are both strictly for the city. Between the last two, it’s the cruiser that looks more appealing to us due to the flowing and beefy design. We also dig the Hossack-type suspension, identical to the uber-premium Curtiss One electric motorcycle.
Will The Ola Electric Motorcycles Come To America?
Ola Electric is currently focusing its operations on the Indian market and hasn’t commented on its global intentions yet. So whether these motorcycles will reach American shores (directly or via an importer) remains unclear for now. That said, the full reveal of Ola’s first electric motorcycle is scheduled for the end of next year, in case you’re planning to import one yourself. These shouldn’t cost a lot too, considering Ola scooters cost $1,800 in India. Even if the motorcycles cost thrice as much here, $5,400 is still a strong price point.
Would you consider the Ola electric motorcycles, based on this first look? Let us know in the comments!