by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Serial 1 e-bikes aren’t the only new two-wheeled EVs Harley-Davidson is releasing in 2021. This year, Harley-Davidson also has an updated version of its sole electric motorcycle, the LiveWire. Only now, because LiveWire is technically a sub-brand, it has a new name: the LiveWire One. Recently, I got to ride it at the 2021 International Motorcycle Show in Chicago. And in the process, I experienced that riding an electric motorcycle brings some distinct delights.

What makes the 2021 LiveWire One different than the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire?

Spec	2021 LiveWire One	2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Power	105 hp	105 hp
Torque	86 lb-ft	86 lb-ft
Final drive	Belt	Belt
0-60 mph time	3.0 seconds	3.12 seconds (Cycle World)
Claimed city range	146 miles	146 miles
Front suspension	Fully-adjustable Showa SFF-BP inverted fork	Fully-adjustable Showa SFF-BP inverted fork
Rear suspension	Fully-adjustable Showa BFRC mono-shock	Fully-adjustable Showa BFRC mono-shock
Curb weight	562 lb	549 lb
Starting price	$21,999	$29,799

At first glance, the 2021 LiveWire One looks almost identical to the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire. They have the same horsepower, torque, claimed range, and roughly identical 0-60 mph times. Both electric Harley motorcycles also have the same 45° maximum lean angle. And like the ‘original’ LiveWire, the 2021 One has a 110-mph top speed.

In addition, both the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire and 2021 LiveWire One come standard with cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, rear-wheel-slip control, and regenerative Brembo brakes. Each also comes with a 4.3” TFT touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a USB-C outlet. Plus, both bikes can recharge from 0-100% in an hour when hooked up to a DC fast charger.

So, what’s changed now that the Harley-Davidson LiveWire is now its sub-brand’s leading product? Besides the lower price, slightly higher curb weight, and new color scheme, essentially nothing, Cycle World says. At least, nothing mechanical. Harley-Davidson claims that the One has “evolved software and hardware” compared to the 2020 bike.

In short, the 2021 LiveWire One is basically a cheaper 2020 LiveWire. However, that’s not exactly a bad thing. Against rivals like the Zero SR/F, the LiveWire’s sticker price was a noticeable disadvantage. But with that drawback gone, what’s left is an electric motorcycle Cycle World called “the four-star general of electrics.”

At least, in theory.

Riding and believing the 2021 LiveWire One, my first EV, at IMS Chicago

Although I’ve written about two- and four-wheeled EVs, I’ve never actually driven or ridden one. That changed at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021 when I took the new LiveWire One on a multi-mile test ride. As I haven’t ridden the 2020 bike, I can’t say what’s different about the 2021 One. But I can confirm what Motorcyclist said about the earlier LiveWire: this bike is “exhilarating to ride.”

Numbers on a page don’t describe what a rush accelerating an electric motorcycle like the 2021 LiveWire One is. There’s no delay while you flick a shifter or balance the clutch; just twist and go. Once you do, the LiveWire pulls effortlessly forwards with a sound like the Jetsons meets a mini turbine. If you’re worried that electric motorcycles are too quiet, the One should set your mind at ease. And leave you giggling within a few minutes.

How does the 2021 LiveWire One ride and handle?

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But the acceleration isn’t the only thing the 2021 LiveWire One does well. It’s a standard motorcycle, with mid-set foot controls and a comfortable, upright riding position. Yes, you do feel the bike’s 562-lb weight when you’re stationary, Roadshow reports. But it’s a different story once you’re moving. The LiveWire One is fun to ride on sweeping roads, transitioning between corners surprisingly easily, Motorcyclist says. Although it’s not a sportbike, it’s stable in the corners; it rides comfortably, too. Plus, the Brembo brakes offer excellent levels of feedback.

Speaking of, like the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire, the One lets the rider know it’s switched on through haptic feedback. It’s a gentle pulse through the seat that Harley-Davidson calls the ‘heartbeat.’ This sounds gimmicky, but it’s genuinely helpful, especially for electric motorcycle newbies, Car and Driver notes. And I’m inclined to agree.

As for the rest of the bike, the 2021 One’s screen is easy to read even in bright sunlight. And all the switchgear feels solid. Some riders might not like that it has Harley’s traditional turn-signal buttons, rather than a single switch. But overall, the One is a solid, thrilling electric motorcycle.

Is Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle worth buying?

2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire review: Fun with electricity https://t.co/JArqvjPZ0I

— Roadshow (@roadshow) April 30, 2020

As noted earlier, the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire’s relatively high price made it a tough sell for some. And admittedly, at just under $22K, the 2021 One isn’t exactly cheap.

However, it now costs roughly the same as the Zero SR/F, another sporty electric standard motorcycle. And it’s now about $2000 cheaper than another “scary quick” motorcycle, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, Car and Driver notes. But is that enough to make the One a worthwhile purchase?

The answer to that question depends on how and where you ride. If you mostly stick to urban or mixed highway/city riding, going electric makes a lot of sense. But if you plan to do a significant amount of long-distance touring, it’s a different story. That’s not to say you couldn’t do road trips on a LiveWire: Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman did. It’s just that they’re not the bike’s strong suit.

Nevertheless, Harley-Davidson is slowly expanding the LiveWire dealership network, with more dealers to come in fall 2021. So, if you get a chance, test-ride a 2021 One. It might just make you understand what makes riding electric motorcycles a distinct experience.

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RELATED: Italdesign’s Ducati 860-E Pulls an Icon to a Neo-Retro Electric Future

The post 2021 LiveWire One Thrills Like Only an Electric Motorcycle Can appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Porsche is where it’s at when it comes to vehicles that can offer premium performance with good reliability ratings. Even its line of EVs impresses a whole range of reviewers. But, these models aren’t exactly cheap. 

However, to help offset the cost of a Porsche, you can take advantage of the federal tax credit program that would save you money when the tax season rolls around. According to electrek, you could qualify for up to $7,500.

How does the Tax Credit Work?  

The Tax Credit is an incentive to get consumers to purchase electric vehicles or some hybrid models instead of gas-powered ones. The IRS offers a tax credit of $2,500 up to $7,500 to help make the transition to electric cars much easier for those hesitant to switch over. How much you receive will depend on the battery size and your income tax figures.

However, the credit isn’t for just any EV on the market. It’s only available for vehicles purchased after 2010 when the tax break became available. It’s also only available to the original owner, who purchased it new. Some of these EVs don’t qualify. Tesla and General Motors vehicles are no longer eligible for the incentive.

According to the IRS, an EV that draws propulsion energy from a 5 kWh battery qualifies for $2,500. On top of that, you can get $417 for each kWh of battery capacity that goes over the initial 5 kWh. The maximum amount allowed is $7,500. The credit is only available for manufactured EVs that haven’t surpassed the 200,000 vehicles produced mark. 

Porsche’s stamp on the EV industry

U.S. Senate panel advances EV tax credit of up to $12,500 https://t.co/UhiWfF0Fgi pic.twitter.com/TwzgrS8UrZ

— Reuters (@Reuters) May 27, 2021

Porsche isn’t a new player in the automotive game, but it is rather new to the electric vehicle game. The company’s plan for the future is to switch at least 50 percent of its models over to an electric drivetrain around the year 2025. Porsche also hopes to take it one step further by changing the way vehicles are produced. The automaker wants to provide a factory that has zero impact on the environment. 

As for tax credits, you’ll get a range of incentives with the Porsche models. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the 2020 Cayenne E-Hybrid, qualifies for a $6,712 credit. The 2020 Panamera 4 E-Hybrid model also gives you $6,712 toward your taxes. The lowest amount available is the 2015 918 Spyder, which still gets you $3,667.

For the electric models, like the 2021 Taycan 4S and the Taycan Turbo, you can expect the full $7,500 credit. Even the Turbo S and the 2021 Taycan EV qualify for the same incentive due to each model’s fully electric drivetrain and being a brand-new version.

How to benefit the most from the tax credit

If you’re in the market for an EV and want to take advantage of the federal tax credit, there are a few things to keep in mind. One, find a brand-new EV that’s on the list of qualified vehicles for the credit. Remember, it’s only for the original owner and will still depend on the amount of your owed taxes. If you only owe about $5,000 to the IRS, that’s the amount of credit you would receive, which would put you at zero. No refund will be given. 

The $7,500 incentive is what dealers will use to entice you to purchase the vehicle. You won’t get that amount subtracted from the price of the car. It’s only for placing on your tax form when you fill out your taxes next year. If you owe taxes, then this incentive could still provide a benefit. 

EV tax credit for up to $7,500: How to claim the electric car benefit this year https://t.co/Af8B2bVwmI

— CNET (@CNET) June 14, 2021

On top of the federal tax credit, there are a few other discounts to take advantage of. Check with the state you live in to see what’s available to help offset the cost of a brand-new electric vehicle. For example, California has a rebate that you could qualify for. If you’re eligible, you could get $2,000 to $4,500 on top of any federal credit you might qualify for.

Getting one of Porsche’s EVs might be a worthwhile purchase if you qualify for the federal tax credit and any state rebate options you might be eligible for. Any type of incentive to help offset the cost of the Porsche EV is always welcome. 

Related: The Porsche Taycan Is a Cool EV, but Is It Fun to Drive?

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