Zero Motorcycles has announced that it is developing Level 3 DC fast charging technology for its electric motorcycles, with availability planned for new street and dual-sport models beginning in 2027. The company also says the technology is being engineered to be retrofittable for many existing owners, a move that could significantly expand access to fast charging across its customer base.
According to Zero, the new system will utilize a CCS charging port and fast-charging module designed for the company’s street and dual sport model lineup. The manufacturer says the technology is expected to charge motorcycles with battery capacities up to 17.3 kWh from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
The company notes that the charging hardware is planned not only for future models but also as an accessory for compatible 2022-and-newer motorcycles equipped with the Cypher III operating system. Eligible models are expected to include the S, SR, SR/S, SR/F, DS, DSR and DSR/X.
“DC Fast charging is an important benefit for making the transition to electric mobility and will attract more riders to the Zero brand,” says Pierre-Martin Bos, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. He added that compatibility with existing motorcycles was a priority as the company looked to extend the value proposition for current owners while taking advantage of expanding fast-charging infrastructure in North America and Europe.
Zero currently offers a Rapid Charge System for select models, allowing customers to upgrade from the standard 6.6 kW charging configuration to 12.6 kW Level 2 charging. The company says the upgrade can reduce charging times from 20% to 80% to under 45 minutes. The planned Level 3 DC fast-charging system is expected to cut that time to less than 30 minutes on eligible motorcycles.
Additional details regarding model compatibility, retrofit requirements, pricing, final charging specifications and market availability will be announced as development progresses, the company said.
Amid the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade dispute, Toronto-based electric motorcycle manufacturer Beachman Motor is receiving $600,000 in federal funding to help the company expand into the European market.
The non-repayable funding comes through Canada’s Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario’s (FedDev Ontario) Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). It supports Beachman’s expansion into Europe, including motorcycle homologation and certification of its e-bikes for EU roads, as the company works to reduce its reliance on the U.S. market amid ongoing trade and tariff pressures.
The funding also builds on Beachman’s growing relationship with the Canadian government, including Member of Parliament Karim Bardeesy and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon, who both visited the Beachman factory in July to review the company’s electric vehicle program.
Beachman is also raising a $3 million Series A equity round, approximately 30% subscribed to date, with proceeds directed toward the same priorities as the RTRI funding — European market expansion and continued development of new electric vehicle platforms.
Stark Future has introduced the VARG SM Sköll, a limited-edition electric supermoto that pairs the company’s top ALPHA performance specification with titanium hardware and an all-black finish.
Production will be limited to 500 units worldwide, with no second run planned. First deliveries are scheduled for October. The Sköll is priced at $14,990 in the U.S.
Based on the road-legal VARG SM, the Sköll retains the standard model’s steel frame, carbon-fiber front subframe, structural 7.2-kWh battery and single-speed drivetrain. Its electric motor produces a claimed peak output of 80 hp, while tunable Dynamic Traction Control, power delivery and regenerative braking allow riders to adjust the motorcycle’s response.
The special edition weighs a claimed 272 pounds, 2.4 pounds less than the standard VARG SM. Stark achieved the reduction with 3D-printed titanium footpegs and a titanium bolt kit. The footpegs account for about 0.3 pound of savings, with the fasteners trimming nearly 2 pounds.
Nearly every eligible component receives a black finish, including the triple clamps, steering stem, swingarm, motor housing, inverter casing, docking station, map switch and charging-port cap. Black-anodized triple clamps are individually engraved, while the gold RK chain provides the only deliberate color contrast.
KYB suspension includes a 48mm closed-cartridge fork with 11.4 inches of travel and a triple-adjustable rear shock providing 11.9 inches of travel. Spring rates are selected for the rider’s weight when the motorcycle is ordered. Brembo brakes and 17-inch Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires are standard.
Stark claims up to 113 miles of urban range, 73 miles in suburban use and 50 miles under the World Motorcycle Test Cycle. Its portable 3.3-kW charger can replenish the battery in a claimed two hours on 240-volt power or 3.5 hours on a 120-volt outlet.
The Sköll also carries over Stark’s Arkenstone display with navigation, offline maps, GPX recording, lap timing and over-the-air updates.
In addition to the Sköll, Stark says it will compete in all five rounds of the 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship, becoming the first electric motorcycle manufacturer to enter the Australian series.
The Stark factory team will field riders in the SX1 and SX2 classes beginning in October. Its rider lineup will be announced before the opening round.
The entry follows Motorcycling Australia’s approval of eligible electric motorcycles for competition alongside internal-combustion models in established AUSX classes. Electric motorcycles must appear on the organization’s approved competition list, meet applicable Australian electric-vehicle standards and pass technical inspection.
AUSX organizers said the change gives manufacturers another venue to develop and demonstrate electric motorcycle technology. Technical regulations and final eligibility decisions remain under Motorcycling Australia’s authority.
“Electric motorcycles can now line up and compete against combustion motorcycles in AUSX, provided they meet MA’s eligibility and technical requirements,” said Mick Sinclair, head of partnerships and motorsport at AUSX Events. “Ultimately, racing will determine how the different technologies perform against each other.”
The championship will be Stark’s first full racing season in Australia, where the company says it has established a dealer network and rider base. Stark also competes in FIM SuperEnduro, Hard Enduro, EnduroGP and the World Supercross Championship.
At each AUSX round, Stark plans to operate a fan activation area and direct riders to free test rides through local dealerships. The five-round schedule includes stops in Townsville, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; and the Australian cities of Geelong, Perth and Newcastle.