Italian company Energica has been chosen by MotoGP bosses to supply the motorcycles for the brand new FIM Moto-e World Cup, the electric bike racing series set to run alongside the premier class from 2019.

Competitors in the series will use tuned version of the Energica Ego, the exotic 145bhp, 150mph, electric superbike that is currently on sale to the public for road use at almost £50,000.

Recognising the role that electric vehicles will play in the future, MotoGP championship organisers Dorna have set up the FIM Moto-e World Cup. The series will run as a support class alongside the various MotoGP rounds from 2019, with all competitors mounted on identical Energica machines. Former 125cc and 250cc world champion Loris Capirossi evaluated several electric bikes, before settling on the Italian made machines. It is understood that the bikes will be modified versions of the production machines and that they will most likely be run by teams currently in the MotoGP paddock, with riders from the lower classes able to double up and compete in the E class in addition to their Moto2 or Moto3 ride, in races of around 20 minutes.

Energica are no strangers to racing. Their parent company, CRP, is a high-tech manufacturing company that has made components for Formula One cars and Grand Prix motorcycles. The company competed in the short lived electric motorcycle world championships. Speaking of their appointment, CEO Livia Cevolini said: “We are proud to have been chosen by Dorna and we are already committed to this project. The passion for engines is what brought us here, to build new dream vehicles right at the beating heart of speed, Modena, the Italian Motor Valley.

He continued: “Our history comes from racing, our passion for this sector has never faded. FIM Moto-e World Cup is an excellent project. After all, it is what we hoped since our racing years, now it can be managed professionally thanks to Dorna and its unique and long-lasting experience.”