Thanks to funding from Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) 19, an initiative which aims to assist businesses in the automotive sector in advancing their low-carbon offering, Norton is now part of the movement helping to accelerate the UK towards a net-zero automotive future.
As demand for electric motorcycles and micro-mobility solutions grow, the project, Zero Emission Norton, will expand its ever-growing electric vehicle engineering capabilities and develop world-class electric motorcycles.
Guided by a design-led philosophy and a relentless commitment to perfection, the electric products will still look unmistakably Norton. The project’s team will refine the traditional Norton design DNA, but with modern twists introducing industry-leading innovations and digital solutions.
Electric products to date offer either range or performance, as the weight and size of the battery compromise vehicle design. However, using the extensive engineering and design experience within the Norton team, this project looks to eliminate that compromise while simultaneously delivering race performance and touring range.
To deliver this ambitious project, Norton will work with specialist project partners who have the same vision for innovation in production of world-class electric motorcycles. The team encompasses Delta Cosworth, HiSpeed Limited, Formaplex Technologies, M&I Materials, INDRA and academic partner WMG (The University of Warwick).
It will be working alongside these partners to develop world-class technology and products that will enhance the UK supply chain for all the critical components in electric vehicle (EV) technology including batteries, motors, chassis, cooling oils and vehicle to home chargers.
Norton Motorcycles CEO Dr Robert Hentschel said: “This significant funding investment is a momentous milestone for the brand as it marks the beginning of our electrification journey and fulfilling our ten-year product plan. Norton is an exemplar of modern luxury and unafraid to challenge the status quo, innovating for the future of mobility while staying true to our British heritage. It also brings into focus our desire to support the UK in its mission for a net-zero automotive future.
"Working alongside our world class partners, we’re confident that project Zero Emission Norton will eliminate the current dispute between a conventional and electric motorcycle to create EV products that riders desire – motorcycles that blends Norton’s uncompromising design DNA with racing performance, touring range and lightweight handling."
Ian Constance, chief executive of the APC said: “The projects receiving today’s investment highlight the breadth of technologies needed to help the UK accelerate to net-zero emissions. They’re reimagining not just vehicles, but transport in general.
“Norton is an iconic British brand with a proud history. From making motorcycles to supporting the Second World War effort to developing the world’s first production superbike, they are now looking to the future with an electric bike that will deliver both performance and range radiating from a UK manufacturing base and strengthening highly-skilled jobs and green growth.”
Each partner on the project will have a specialist part to play in project Zero Emission Norton. Delta Cosworth will design the battery pack, while HiSpeed Limited bring motor design and manufacturing skills. Formaplex Technologies have expertise in precision composites manufacturing and M&I Materials will support on applications of dielectric cooling oils. INDRA specialise in vehicle to home charging technology and WMG (The University of Warwick) major on battery technology, modelling and toolchain development.
