Check out the first electric motorcycle that just rolled off the Can-Am assembly line

Can-Am, a subsidiary of BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), marked a significant milestone this week when its first electric motorcycle rolled off the assembly line.

The long-awaited event took place at the company’s assembly plant in Querétaro, Mexico, ushering in a new chapter for the brand as it leverages its storied powersports heritage to launch a new line of modern electric commuter motorcycles.

The first Origin model to roll off the assembly line, part of Can-Am’s new electric range, represents the company’s first foray into the fast-growing electric motorcycle market. The Pulse and Origin bikes are designed specifically for urban commuters Environmentally conscious trail riders are designed and feature a sleek design, sporty performance and the promise of zero-emission, low-maintenance riding that the company hopes will attract both new riders and seasoned veterans.

“Today we celebrate the first Can-Am electric motorcycles rolling off the assembly line,” noted Can-Am CMO Josee Perreault. “With this milestone, Can-Am brings new energy to the global electric motorcycle market. Drawing on over 80 years of powersports experience, these all-new, all-electric bikes are further proof that innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Today is the day we reclaim our two-wheeled heritage. Can-Am motorcycles are officially here!”

The first two models in Can-Am’s electric lineup were originally unveiled in 2022 before officially launching earlier this year.

The Can-Am Pulse is designed to be a naked road bike, while the Origin is more of a dual-sport version, although both feature the same Rotex drivetrain.

The motorcycles will come to market next year with 8.9 kWh battery packs, putting them at the lower end of battery capacities for full electric motorcycles today. These batteries provide an estimated urban range of 100 miles (160 km) and 90 miles (145 km) for Pulse and Origin, respectively. The capacity of the batteries is just under the capacity of models offered by LiveWire such as the Del Mar and Mulholland, but higher than that of Zero Motorcycles’ entry-level electric vehicles.

The good news is that smaller batteries charge faster. The company claims a charge time of 20-80% in just 50 minutes when using a Level 2 charger. For city trips, 90-100 miles is probably enough for most drivers. But don’t expect to spend too much time on the highway with a modest battery like this. Trail riding with the Origin may require careful selection to ensure charging options are available nearby. However, more and more off-road routes are starting to install charging networks, although the pace has been slow so far.

The bikes also share a 47 hp (35 kW) electric motor. With 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration times of 3.8 seconds and 4.3 seconds for the road-going Can-Am Pulse and dual-sport Can-Am Origin, respectively, it seems like they will Both models utilize every single watt available to them. And with an enclosed chain case driving the rear wheel, the bike is reportedly quieter than most other chain-drive electric motorcycles.

The Pulse is priced at $13,999, unless you want the ’73 Pulse model with a few additional color options and body options, plus fancy LED lights, for a total of $15,999. It costs just a bit more to get started with the Origin, starting at $14,499 for the standard version or $16,499 for the Origin ’73 edition.

These prices are well above those of smaller commuter motorcycles available from U.S. companies like Ryvid, but are below flagship electric motorcycles from companies like LiveWire and Zero.

But Can-Am isn’t just hoping for pricing to win over riders, but also for the motorcycles’ supposedly unique riding experience. “We have put years of product design, development and engineering into them to optimize the driving and ownership experience,” said Denys Lapointe, Can-Am chief design officer. “They are contemporary, technologically advanced and designed to be easy and fun to ride regardless of your experience. Once riders get behind the handlebars, they’ll realize we’ve designed them from the ground up with them in mind, from the agile handling to the comfort and ergonomics that make them feel at one with the bikes. This is about awakening the energy in every rider!”