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Stark Future and Wanxiang A123 partner to industrialise the 26120 cell for high-performance electric motorcycles
The motorcycle-first 26120 mm format targets higher energy density, faster charging, and superior thermal control
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Barcelona, Spain, January 2026; Stark Future, the world's fastest-growing motorcycle company, has entered a strategic partnership with Wanxiang A123 to bring the 26120 cylindrical cell into series supply for next-generation electric motorcycles. Purpose-built around the packaging realities of two-wheel performance, the 26120 format advances energy density, charging speed, and thermal management far beyond car-adapted cells.
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Technical Advantages
Unlike common 21700 cells, the 26120 geometry leverages motorcycle chassis width to increase volumetric efficiency and reduce module complexity, cutting mass and enabling cleaner thermal paths. An aluminium enclosure improves heat transfer and lowers weight, supporting sustained high loads in off-road and street applications.
Target performance includes ~330 Wh/kg energy density and ~10–15 minute ultra-fast charging, setting a new benchmark for premium electric two-wheelers.
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Partnership Development
Stark Future's initial 26120 development began in partnership with EVE Energy, whose early-cell programmes validated the motorcycle-first format and accelerated lab and field testing.
Consistent with Stark's multi-sourcing approach to strengthen resilience, scale, and innovation, Stark is now pleased to add Wanxiang A123 as a series-supply partner for the 26120 format. This diversified model ensures performance continuity for riders and gives Stark the flexibility to industrialise the platform at speed across products and regions.
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A123's High-Power Technology
A123's proprietary high-power powder technology is engineered for high-rate discharge and rapid charge acceptance with inherently stable safety characteristics, ideal for repeated hard acceleration and aggressive regen. The low-impedance cylindrical architecture optimises the jelly-roll, tabs, and current collectors to cut internal resistance and heat rise at high C-rates.
The aluminum can acts as a heat-spreader, simplifying pack cooling and sustaining output across long motos or repeated heats. Integrated safety features include robust separators, controlled venting, and pack-level BMS logic (cut-out, fault isolation, cell monitoring) tailored for motorsport, supporting quick post-event discharge and scrutineering.
This foundation enables fast charge and durability, delivering aggressive fast-charge profiles with long cycle life under partial-charge operation, and proven real-world resilience validated for vibration, shock, and wide-temperature use, matching the demands of off-road and variable-weather riding.
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Global Scale & Innovation
With 20+ years of innovation and 700+ core patents (including 500+ invention patents), Wanxiang A123 supplies leading OEMs. A global footprint, 3 R&D bases and 5 laboratories across China, the U.S., and Europe, combined with approximately 80 GWh of cell capacity, enables a "global R&D + local supply" model that moves quickly from prototype to mass supply.
A123's high-power pedigree, including F1 battery programs, underpins the 26120's pulse-current capability, fast-charge durability, and wide-temperature resilience demanded by premium two-wheelers.
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Large cylindrical demand in electric two-wheelers accelerated in 2024 (shipments up ~150%), making 26120 a timely platform for next-generation motorcycles.
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Dr. Jack Li, General Manager of A123: "A123 has always focused on the high-power lithium-ion battery technologies. The development of the 26120 not only fully demonstrates the technical advantages accumulated by A123 over the long term but also reflects our courage and capability to continuously pioneer and innovate in emerging fields."
Anton Wass, CEO & Founder, Stark Future: "Motorcycles deserve their own battery architecture, not hand-me-downs from the car industry. With 26120, we unlock capacity and reduce weight while improving charge time. It's a step change for electric performance."
With 26120 prototypes now being tested at Barcelona R&D, Stark Future will integrate the format into future platforms, advancing our position at the forefront of electric motorcycle technology.
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About Stark Future
Stark Future is a Barcelona-based premium electric motorcycle manufacturer redefining performance and sustainability in the powersports industry. Founded in 2020, the company has grown to become the fastest-growing Spanish company in history, combining cutting-edge technology with world-class design and engineering. Stark's flagship model, the VARG, is the most powerful motocross bike ever created, delivering unmatched power, precision, and sustainability. With a rapidly expanding global presence, Stark Future's mission is to accelerate the motorcycle industry's shift toward sustainability by building motorcycles that outperform expectations on every level.
About Wanxiang A123
Wanxiang A123 is a global battery innovator focused on high-power lithium iron phosphate technologies, fast-charge capability, and rigorous safety engineering. With 20+ years of R&D, 700+ core patents (500+ invention patents), 3 R&D bases and 5 laboratories across China, the U.S., and Europe, and approximately 80 GWh of production capacity, A123 supports leading automakers and premium mobility brands worldwide. Its motorsport heritage (including F1 programs) and global R&D + local supply model make A123 a natural partner for advanced cylindrical formats like 26120 in high-performance two-wheelers.
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Ride anywhere, anytime
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