BBM Hiro: This Electric Motorcycle Can Add 100km Of Range In 9 Minutes Of Charging – CleanTechnica

---

Support CleanTechnica’s work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe.

---

When it comes to electric motorcycles, there’s always been a trade-off: great power usually means heavy batteries, and long range often comes at the cost of painfully slow charging. The new BBM Hiro sets out to end that compromise once and for all.

Launched by BBM Motorcycles, a young company based near Bilbao, Spain, the Hiro combines fast charging, high performance, and sustainable design in one sleek package. It’s the first electric bike that genuinely looks ready to challenge gasoline motorcycles — not just in efficiency, but in excitement as well.

From Custom Craft To Cutting-Edge Electric

BBM was founded by French brothers Benoit and Guillaume Barras, best known for creating the Hong Kong-based custom motorcycle workshop Angry Lane in 2012. After years of building one-of-a-kind motorcycles by hand, the pair turned their attention to electrics, but with the same obsession for design, detail, and individuality.

“We didn’t want to create just one motorcycle, but a platform to build multiple models. Our experience has taught us that every rider is looking for something special, and the Hiro is designed for this purpose.” — Benoit Barras, co-founder of BBM

To bring their vision to life, BBM teamed up with Saroléa, the legendary Belgian electric performance brand. Saroléa’s 170-year heritage and racing success, including at the Isle of Man TT Zero, give the Hiro a serious technical backbone. Together, the two companies have created something rare: an electric motorcycle that feels hand-built, but which also performs like a factory racer.

Power That Rivals Gas Bikes

The Hiro’s specs speak for themselves. Its electric motor produces 94 horsepower (70 kW) and 150 Nm of torque, all delivered instantly to the rear wheel. Top speed is limited to 190 km/h (118 mph), with the motor spinning up to 12,000 rpm.

Despite this power, the Hiro remains nimble — weighing in at just 200 kilograms (441 lb), the same ballpark as many 1000cc sport bikes. The carefully balanced chassis and low center of gravity give it the kind of agility riders expect from performance motorcycles, not heavy electrics. In short, it’s fast, it’s light, and it should handle beautifully.

9 Minutes To Add 100 Kilometers

But the headline feature, and what really sets the Hiro apart, is its lightning-fast charging speed. Using DC Fast Combo CCS2 technology, riders can add 100 km (62 miles) of range in just nine minutes. That’s not recharging. That’s merely a pit stop.

The Hiro can also reach 80% charge in 15 minutes on a fast charger. For everyday use, a Type 2 public station takes about 78 minutes to hit 80%, while a regular 220V household outlet does the job in roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes. With this kind of flexibility, charging stops being a limitation and becomes a quick break before you’re back on the road.

Smart, Sustainable Battery Engineering

The bike’s 12.96 kWh, 360 V battery pack uses high-rate 3C lithium-ion cells and passive cooling for stability and performance. Unlike most EV batteries, it’s repairable and upgradable, meaning owners can replace or improve individual components as technology evolves. This forward-thinking approach keeps the Hiro relevant for years and reduces waste, which is a smart move for both riders and the planet.

Range That Fits Real Life

BBM quotes a functional city range of over 220 kilometers (136.7 miles), which covers most commutes, day trips, and weekend rides. Combined with the Hiro’s rapid charging ability, it eliminates the “range anxiety” that still holds back many potential EV riders. The idea is simple: ride hard, recharge fast, and keep going.

Sustainable Materials, Built To Last

BBM’s attention to detail extends beyond performance. Every body panel on the Hiro is made from bio-composite materials, replacing conventional plastics with lightweight, eco-friendly alternatives. These components are durable, visually refined, and help lower the bike’s overall environmental footprint. It’s another sign that the company is thinking long-term — not just about performance, but about sustainability and craftsmanship.

“Almost everything on a BBM motorcycle is recyclable. We are taking extra care to select materials and operate in a way that minimizes our impact. Join us to slash tailpipe CO2 emissions, buying us time to unf*uck the planet.”

A Platform For The Future

The Hiro is more than a single model. It’s the foundation for BBM’s future lineup. Its modular design means the same platform can evolve into different styles and configurations, from sleek urban commuters to high-performance sport models.

Launch Plans & Pricing

BBM plans to showcase final pre-production prototypes at key motorcycle events starting in June 2026, ahead of full production. The expected starting price is €16,900 (~$19,616), which positions it squarely in the premium segment, but competitive with other high-performance electric bikes. With its mix of craftsmanship, advanced engineering, and speed, the Hiro is clearly aimed at riders who want more than just a commuter bike — they want an experience.

The Birth Of A New Electric Brand

BBM describes itself as a next-generation motorcycle company built on “decisive performance.” From its workshop near Bilbao, the team combines custom motorcycle artistry with state-of-the-art EV engineering to create machines that are both emotional and intelligent. The partnership with Saroléa ensures technical precision, while the Barras brothers’ design ethos keeps the human touch alive — a rare blend of style and soul that’s often missing in mass-produced EVs.

“We heard the enthusiasts who said electrics are too heavy, too slow to charge and with limited range. The key wasn’t to create something new but to balance what’s already here. Packed with all the latest tech, this motorcycle isn’t just about what’s possible, it’s about what’s rightfully expected.” — Guillaume Barras, co-founder of BBM

Riding Into A New Era

The BBM Hiro doesn’t just tick the boxes for range, speed, or sustainability — it practically redefines what riders can expect from an electric motorcycle. It’s proof that electrics can be fast, light, beautiful, and practical all at once. For the first time, charging an electric bike will feel less like waiting and more like refueling — nine minutes to freedom. The Hiro isn’t about compromising in order to ride electric; it’s about finally getting it all. For more information, visit the BBM website.

Images courtesy of BBM.