As Can-Am (owned by Quebec-based BRP) brings its two new electric motorcycles to the market, they’re not just looking for showroom approval. They’ve also submitted them up for judges’ consideration for the iF Design Award—and they’ve won.
The iF Design Awards are handed out in Europe as a recognition of great design work (duh, it’s in the name). This year, the judges went through almost 11,000 entries from 66 countries. Selecting the winners took the 131 jurors (from 23 different countries) three days. You can read more about the contest here.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the iF Design Award. I want to acknowledge the work of the passionate team who designed these motorcycles, reaffirming once again BRP’s commitment to developing products that shift the paradigm,” said Denys Lapointe, BRP,’s Chief Design Officer. “The Can-Am Pulse and Can-Am Origin redefine electric motorcycle riding. They have distinct personalities, but have one major thing in common: they blend iconic style with forward-thinking technology, providing people with unparalleled riding experiences.”
The two new motorcycles are the first Can-Am motorcycles since the 1980s. Over the past two decades, Can-Am has made plenty of three-wheelers for street use, but no dirt bikes or street motorcycles since their old off-road bike lineup was canceled around 40 years back. When Can-Am’s first motorcycles came to market, they won races; now, they’re winning design awards.
Can-Am says its engineering is key to differentiating between their EV motos and the competition; they’re not just skin-deep successes:
“Within the overall design ecosystem, the Can-Am Pulse and Can-Am Origin share several key attributes that set them apart from the competition. This includes stunning aesthetics that give a distinctly Can-Am look and presence, as well as integrated technology such as a liquid-cooled power system, which limits battery degradation over time while simultaneously optimizing the range and charge time. It allows riders to experience quick and efficient charging – going from 20% to 80% in 50 minutes – using Level 2 charging at home or at automotive charging stations.”
It all sounds great, but with tariff threats flying around and a moto public that still distrusts battery bikes, awards alone will not be enough to build up a groundswell of buying excitement.
