Can-Am Goes Electric: Two Wheels, Zero Emissions, and a Hint of Nostalgia

Image Credit: Can-Am/BRP.

Well, well, well. Look who's back in the two-wheeled game. Can-Am, known for its chunky four-wheelers and those quirky trikes, has decided to dust off its motorcycle heritage and jump headfirst into the electric future. And they're not just dipping their toes; they're cannonballing in with two brand-spanking-new electric motorcycles, the 2025 Pulse and Origin.

Some electric motorcycles are all flash and no substance, while others are so serious they make you want to yawn. But Can-Am seems to be striking a balance – they're excited about electric tech, but they're not afraid to acknowledge that there's still a learning curve. It's refreshing, really.

Image Credit: Can-Am/BRP.

Both the Pulse and the Origin are powered by a Rotax E-Power motor that puts out a respectable 47 horsepower and 53 lb-ft of torque. That's not going to blow your socks off, but it should be plenty for zipping around town or tackling some light off-roading. The 8.9-kWh battery is said to be good for up to 100 miles of city riding on the Pulse, or 90 miles on the Origin. That's not exactly groundbreaking, but it's a decent start.

The Pulse is the more city-centric of the two, with a comfortable seat height of nearly 31 inches and a curb weight of 390 pounds. It's got a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, so you can navigate the urban jungle with ease. And with a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, it's no slouch either.

Image Credit: Can-Am/BRP.

The Origin, on the other hand, is designed to handle both city streets and dirt trails. It's got a taller seat height of 34 inches and a longer wheelbase, and it tips the scales at 412 pounds. It also has a slightly slower 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds, but that's to be expected given its off-road capabilities.

Now, here's where things get a little interesting. Can-Am recently had to rescue some of its test riders who ran out of juice while testing the Origin off-road. Oops. It seems that the 90-mile range might be a bit optimistic if you're planning on doing any serious off-roading. So, if you're thinking about taking the Origin on an adventure, you might want to pack a charger... or a really long extension cord.

Image Credit: Can-Am/BRP.

Both bikes are available for pre-order now, with the Pulse starting at $13,999 and the Origin starting at $14,499. That's not exactly cheap, but it's in line with other electric motorcycles on the market. If you're looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint and have some fun at the same time, these bikes might be worth a look.

Overall, I'm quite optimistic about Can-Am's return to two wheels. They're clearly passionate about motorcycles, and they're not afraid to take risks. The Pulse and Origin might not be perfect, but they're a step in the right direction. And who knows, maybe in a few years, we'll all be zipping around on electric Can-Ams, reminiscing about the days when we used to fill our tanks with gasoline.