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Harley-Davidson creates new position dedicated to EVs

Harley wants to go big on electric motorcycles, and having a dedicated C-level executive will support that goal.

2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire
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2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire

More electric motorcycles are coming our way.

Harley-Davidson

Automakers aren't the only ones looking to an era of electric vehicles this decade -- count motorcycles makers in, too. This past Wednesday, Harley-Davidson named its first Chief Electric Vehicle Officer, a newly created position to help implement the company's EV plans.

Ryan Morrissey, previously of management consultancy Bain & Company, will take the new position having made a career out of working with OEMs to transition companies to EVs and more sustainable fleets. Harley-Davidson remains deep in a transitionary period after releasing its strategic turnaround plan called "The Hardwire." Through 2025, the motorcycle-maker won't only focus on profits, but will create a brand more focused on electric motorcycles.

This includes a division solely focused on zero-emissions bikes that will work to court what the company previously called "traditional nonriders." When Harley announced this new division, it certainly sounded like a lot of new research and development will happen there. Meanwhile, the company will open a new certified preowned program to bring more traditional riders into the brand.

Morrissey will clearly have an important role in the company moving forward. With the Livewire the brand's banner electric motorcycle right now, the new CEVO will hope he can guide Harley to a future full of the buzz the flagship bike created at launch.

Harley-Davidson's LiveWire is the sporty electric streetbike we need

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Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on March 15, 2021 at 7:09 AM PDT

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Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
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