Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1335637
IN THE WIND P40 Electric Powersports Company Volcon Launched V olcon Inc., the first all- electric, off-road powers- ports company, was officially launched, along with its initial lineup of two- and four-wheeled electric, off-road adventure and utility vehicles. Volcon products, the company says, will focus on providing fun, family off-road ad- ventures, backcountry sportsman exploration and practical utility. Andrew Leisner has been appointed CEO of Volcon and brings nearly 25 years of execu- tive experience in the powers- ports industry to this role. Leis- ner was previously Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Bonnier Motorcycle Group, the world's largest powersports media company. He has also been a three-term, industry- elected Board Member for the Motorcycle Industry Council, the not-for-profit association support- ing the powersports industry in America. "Volcon was quickly funded with an oversubscribed seed round, confirming the enthusiasm for the category," said Leisner. "Having grown up riding with my father and continuing that tradi- tion on motorcycles and UTVs with my daughters, I am excited to help lead the evolution of the powersports industry with electric vehicles that enhance the outdoor experience while reduc- ing our environmental footprint for future generations." Bruce Riggs has been select- ed to serve as COO of Volcon. Riggs has held executive quality and operational roles at several global technology brands, includ- ing Dell, Compaq, Quanta, Gate- way and Compal Electronics. The company's first electri- fied off-road vehicle, named the "Grunt," will be delivered to customers beginning in Spring 2021. The Grunt is an easy-to- ride, two-wheeled, all-terrain, off-road motorcycle designed for exploring the outdoors, serving as a nimble utility vehicle or for off-road, family fun. Recharging will be possible in only two hours with any household outlet. The battery pack is hot-swappable and the Grunt is capable of a 100-mile range. Pricing for the Grunt will start at $5995. All Volcon vehicles will be manufactured in the USA. Product development is cur- rently underway at a temporary production facility in Round Rock, Texas. Volcon is sourcing a permanent home in the greater Austin area. The complex will contain the company headquar- ters, research and development facilities, manufacturing lines, testing grounds and a customer experience center. Volcon's retail network will include a mixture of traditional and non-traditional distribution channels, comprising powers- ports dealers, outdoor retailers and direct-to-consumer options. Further details will be shared in the near future. CN Volcon's first electrified off-road vehicle, named the "Grunt," will be delivered to customers beginning in Spring 2021.