Novus, a German electric motorcycle startup, has secured new investment worth tens of millions of dollars and is pushing to enter the U.S. market in 2027. It is expanding in Europe on the back of a distinctive carbon-fibre body and a high-performance electric drivetrain, while also moving to target North America.

Electrek, an electric vehicle outlet, reported on Oct. 19 that Novus plans to use the funding to expand its European business and enter the U.S. market. Its main model, the Novus One, has already entered mass production, and deliveries in Europe began early this year.

Novus describes the Novus One as a “lightbike,” a form between a scooter and a motorcycle. It said the vehicle is aimed at being a means of transport that is easy to access for general consumers as well as existing motorcycle users. It features a lightweight body and an electric drivetrain without a clutch or gears to reduce the burden of operation.

The most striking element is its distinctive design with an empty space in the centre of the body. The Novus One uses a carbon-fibre monocoque frame to create an exterior that differs from typical motorcycles. The design was led by former chief designer Rene Renger (르네 렝거), who was responsible for designs such as Volkswagen’s Golf and ID. Buzz. Novus said design and engineering, as well as final assembly, are carried out in Germany, and that most parts are sourced from Europe.

Its performance also stands out among urban electric two-wheelers. The Novus One weighs 121 kg, and its hub-mounted drivetrain produces a maximum output of 25 kW and peak torque of 430 Nm. In its highest performance mode, it reaches 50 kph from a standstill in under 2 seconds, and its top speed is 130 kph.

Its battery capacity is 6.2 kWh. The company puts its maximum range at 150 km based on low-speed urban riding, and charging the battery from 0 percent to 80 percent takes 90 minutes. It supports 3 riding modes and also includes smartphone connectivity, keyless operation and over-the-air software updates.

Another feature is that vehicle grades can be differentiated through software based on the same hardware. The L3e version with full output can reach 130 kph, while the L1e version is limited to 45 kph. Licensing requirements and related regulations needed for actual operation vary by country and market.

Its high price is cited as an obstacle to mass adoption. The pretax price of the Novus One Founders Edition starts from 21,300 euros, or about 32 million won. It has a distinctive design and performance, but compared with typical urban electric two-wheelers, it has a relatively high barrier to entry.

Novus is also developing a follow-up model called the Novus Two with a lower price burden. The company aims to start production at the end of 2027, and plans to set the price at a level significantly lower than the Novus One. If the Novus One is a model that shows its technological capabilities and brand identity, the Novus Two is expected to be a product aimed at securing a broader consumer base.

Novus’ task ahead is to link its distinctive design and performance to actual sales growth. As it pushes for U.S. entry after starting mass production and customer deliveries in Europe, the price competitiveness and production expansion of the follow-up model are expected to be important variables for business growth.