A Harley-Davidson-owned electric motorcycle producer is using hemp-based composite in the fenders of a newly introduced model.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based LiveWire Group, Inc. said it introduced hemp and other sustainable materials in key components for the first time in developing the new electric cruiser, named S2 Mulholland.
The fenders were supplied by C2 Renew, a material designer and custom compounder based in Fargo, North Dakota. C2 Renew uses recycled plastics and locally sourced agricultural byproducts to produce biocomposite materials.
Other recyclables
In addition to the eco-friendly hemp fenders, the motorcycle’s radiator shrouds and wiring caddies are manufactured from discarded ocean fishing nets, while the seat is made from petroleum-free, recyclable silicone rather than leather or vinyl.
The 84-horsepower S2 Mulholland can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
Priced at $15,999, the S2 Mulholland is rated at 121 miles of city riding range and 73 miles of highway range at 55 mph on a full charge. The bike’s 10.5 kWh battery can be charged from 20 to 80% in just under six hours using a Level 1 charger; that same charge can be achieved in 78 minutes with a Level 2 charger.
Sales are limited to the U.S. and Canada for 2024, with rollout in other markets planned for 2025.
LiveWire struggling
Harley-Davidson, also headquartered in Milwaukee, spun off LiveWire in a $1.7 billion merger with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), and the independent company went public in 2022. But Harley-Davidson, Inc., also based in Milwaukee, still owns roughly 90% of the company.
LiveWire had losses of $109 million on revenues of $38 million in 2023, when it sold 660 units of its first EV motorcycle model, the Del Mar. Harley-Davidson extended a loan of up to $100 million to the EV maker last month, according to the Milwaukee Business Journal.
