One of the big problems with electric motorcycles is the balance that must be achieved between weight and performance. The more autonomy we want, the greater capacity we need and that, normally, means adding a few kilos. But what happens when we are only going to travel a few kilometers around the city and we don’t need all that energy? Well, we continue carrying the same weight.
That is precisely what Clandestine Design Group, an Australian studio that has presented the Cellcius C-01, wants to change. An electric hypersports concept with a quite peculiar solution: its batteries can be inserted and removed depending on the use we are going to give the motorcycle. And we are not talking about a small difference, because according to its creators it can go from 220 to 160 kg simply by removing some modules.
The Cellcius C-01 uses a system called Hex-Core, made up of eight interchangeable battery modules, distributed on its sides. Each one has a capacity of 3 kWh and weighs approximately 10 kg, so the complete set offers 24 kWh and weighs 80 kilos.
The idea behind this electric motorcycle is that it is the user themselves who, based on their needs, chooses how many they need at any given time. For urban trips it would be enough to install two modules, with a capacity of 6 kWh and a total weight announced for the motorcycle of 160 kg. If we want to make longer trips or take advantage of all its features, we can mount all eight and reach 220 kg.
With the complete configuration, Clandestine announces a power of 195 HP, although it has not detailed what features it would offer with fewer batteries or the autonomy available in each case.
The electric motorcycle “lends” you its batteries so you can use it as a power bank
Another advantage of this approach is that it is not necessary to have a garage with a charging point. The modules can be removed and transported home to connect to a conventional socket.
The project even includes a specific backpack to carry the batteries and a home charging station to store and recharge them.
But there’s more, because batteries can also function as portable electricity sources thanks to V2L technology. In this way, they could be used to power electronic devices during camping or a work day, for example.
Consideration has also been given to taking advantage of the spaces left free by the removed modules, with a luggage system designed to occupy those spaces.
Beyond the batteries, the Cellcius C-01 opts for a quite unique configuration. Instead of using a conventional chain, it proposes an axle transmission made of carbon composite material.
The cooling is also different, with a system that takes advantage of the Venturi effect to channel air through the bike and evacuate heat. The set is completed with adjustable Öhlins suspensions, Brembo brakes and an angular body that leaves a good part of its mechanical elements visible.
Its creators call this style Technical Brutalism, a design philosophy in which the batteries themselves are part of the aesthetic that, to say the least, is peculiar and perhaps not for all tastes.
The innovation behind the Cellcius C-01 has already received several design recognitions, including awards at the Tokyo Design Awards and the Australian Good Design Awards 2026. But the negative part is that it is only a concept for which there are no production plans or real data on autonomy, prices…
What it is, and there is no doubt about it, is a peculiar idea.
