Harley-Davidson LiveWire Gets High-tech Connection via Panasonic
Collaboration makes H-D first mass-market manufacturer in N.A. with a cellular-connected electric motorcycle.
Panasonic Automotive announced today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas that it is expanding work with two-wheel mobility manufacturers by providing connectivity solutions on the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle, which is due in dealerships in August.
The LiveWire electric motorcycle offers riders a high-performance motorcycling experience infused with a new level of technology. The collaboration with Panasonic Automotive, with its systems like the OneConnect connected service platform, makes Harley-Davidson the first mass-market manufacturer in North America with a cellular-connected electric motorcycle.
Another notable announcement at CES came directly from Harley-Davidson, which announced that it is now accepting pre-orders for the LiveWire, which will run around $30,000.
Panasonic Automotive connects riders to their motorcycle through a cellular connection to the telematics control unit (TCU) utilizing Panasonic’s OneConnect service. The OneConnect service complements the latest version of the Harley-Davidson App and the new Harley-Davidson Connect service. Together, these systems link LiveWire riders with their motorcycle through their smartphone providing features such as:
- Motorcycle status: Information available through H-D Connect includes battery charge level and available range, and charging status including time to completion. This allows the rider to remotely check the motorcycle status from any location where sufficient cellular signal is available. A charge station location finder is integrated into the H-D App.
- Tamper alerts and vehicle location: Through the H-D App, H-D Connect indicates the location of the parked LiveWire and alerts can be sent to the rider’s smartphone if the bike is bumped, tampered with or moved. GPS-enabled stolen-vehicle tracking provides peace of mind that the motorcycle’s location can be tracked (Requires law enforcement assistance. Available in select markets).
- Service reminders and notifications: Reminders about upcoming vehicle service requirements and other vehicle care notifications will be provided to the rider through the H-D App.
“Our technology will help provide a new level of convenience and peace of mind to motorcycle riders,” said David Taylor, executive director product strategy and business development, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America. “From battery charge status to vehicle tracking, riders will have a better understanding of their vehicle and can focus on enjoying the ride.”
ALSO SEE: 2020 LiveWire Electric Bike Production Details Released
“Harley-Davidson is taking the lead in the electrification of motorcycles, and we’re excited to be working with Panasonic Automotive to make that a reality,” added Marc McAllister, vice president product planning and portfolio, Harley-Davidson. “Their team has the knowledge and drive to create an incredible product to help us connect consumers to their riding information.”
Panasonic Automotive also included FICOSA and Cubic Telecom in the development of the LiveWire motorcycle. FICOSA, together with Panasonic, designs and manufactures the TCU to be installed on LiveWire and other motorcycles. Cubic Telecom, based in Dublin, will provide the 3G, 4G and LTE cellular data connectivity in more than 50 countries. This includes the platform required to manage the lifecycle of the eSIM installed in the TCU and operate the service.
Launching this August, the LiveWire pushes the boundaries of performance, technology and design in the two-wheel world. The high-performance motorcycle is designed to lead in a new category Harley-Davidson plans to populate by 2022 with a full portfolio of lighter, smaller and even more-accessible electric vehicles.
The LiveWire motorcycle is on display at the Panasonic booth of the Las Vegas Convention Center during CES 2019.