In a significant shift for the world of motorsport, the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and commercial rights holder Dorna Sports have jointly decided to suspend the MotoE World Championship following the conclusion of the 2025 season. This move brings a planned end to the seven-year experiment in all-electric grand prix racing, which ultimately struggled to capture the hearts of fans and mirror the rapid growth many had hoped for in the high-performance electric motorcycle market.
Launched in 2019 as the MotoE World Cup, the series was conceived as a pioneering support class for MotoGP. Its mission was clear: to serve as a live laboratory for electric motorcycle technology and a beacon for a more sustainable future in racing. Using a single spec of bike to ensure close, competitive racing, the championship began with Italy’s Energica supplying the Ego Corsa machines.
The series took a major step forward in 2023, rebranding as a full World Championship and switching to a new, purpose-built electric bike from the legendary Ducati, the V21L. Despite this prestigious partnership and technological progress on the track, the engagement from the broader motorsport audience failed to ignite.
In a candid statement, FIM President Jorge Viegas addressed the decision, noting, “Despite all the best efforts to promote this innovative category together with Dorna, the truth is that we haven’t reached our objectives, nor has the industry associated with performance electric bikes.” This admission highlights a core challenge: the commercial and technological evolution of performance electric motorcycles has progressed slower than the racing series itself.
The suspension of MotoE also reflects a broader strategic pivot within the MotoGP ecosystem towards sustainability. The premier class, with its massive global audience, has made a formidable commitment to adopting 100% sustainable fuels by 2027. With major manufacturers funneling immense resources into this transition, the parallel development path of a standalone electric series may have become less of a priority.
It is crucial to note that the series has not been permanently canceled. The term “suspension” leaves the door open for a potential return. However, the announcement signals that a revival is not anticipated in the immediate future. The story of MotoE serves as a compelling case study in the complex balance between technological innovation, market readiness, and the irreplaceable element of fan passion in the high-stakes world of motorsport.
