The series was conceived as an initiative to introduce electric propulsion technology into mainstream grand prix motorcycle racing, providing a high-profile platform for zero-emission competition at the sport's highest level. All competitors use identical machinery to ensure the racing is decided by rider skill rather than engineering resources.
From its inception through the 2022 season, the championship operated under the designation MotoE World Cup. The upgrade to World Championship status in 2023 represented formal recognition by the FIM of the series as a top-tier competition rather than a support category.
The series began using the Energica Ego Corsa, manufactured by Italian electric motorcycle company Energica Motor Company. From 2023, the specification bike was switched to a Ducati-supplied machine.
The Energica Ego Corsa used in the opening seasons featured a synchronous oil-cooled AC motor with permanent magnets producing a maximum continuous power output of 120 kW (160 hp). The motorcycle accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately three seconds and reached a top speed of 270 km/h. Torque was rated at 200 N·m at 5,000 rpm. The frame was a tubular steel trellis design, with a cast aluminium swingarm. Wheels were Marchesini seven-spoke forged aluminium rims, and the braking package was supplied by Brembo, consisting of 330 mm steel discs with nickel-plated four-piston monoblock calipers. The battery used low-voltage lithium-ion cells, rechargeable from zero to 85 percent in approximately 20 minutes via integrated DC fast charging based on CCS Combo technology. Race distance was approximately 35 km, equivalent to around eight laps.
The series launched in 2019 across six rounds between July and November, with 12 teams fielding 18 riders. The original schedule had been planned for May, but a fire at the Jerez test circuit in March destroyed all competition bikes, forcing a revised calendar. Italian rider Matteo Ferrari, competing for the Trentino Gresini MotoE team, became the first MotoE champion.
The second season ran over seven rounds at three circuits. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the start until July, with Jerez hosting the opening round. Jordi Torres claimed the title in his first electric-class season, with four podium finishes including one race win. Both Matteo Ferrari and Dominique Aegerter also tallied four podiums including two wins each, but retirements and lower results at other rounds prevented them from challenging for the championship.
The third season covered seven races at six locations. Belgian outfit Marc VDS withdrew from the series, citing scheduling conflicts. Jordi Torres successfully defended his championship, winning the title for a second consecutive year.
The fourth season expanded significantly to twelve races across six venues. Swiss rider Dominique Aegerter, who had twice finished runner-up in previous seasons, took the championship.
With the MotoE officially elevated to World Championship status, the series entered a new era using Ducati machinery. Mattia Casadei won the championship in the first season under the new classification.
The sixth season ran over sixteen races at eight venues. Spanish rider Héctor Garzó claimed the title.
On 11 September 2025, the FIM and Dorna Sports announced that the MotoE class would be placed on hiatus following the conclusion of the 2025 season. Alessandro Zaccone won the final championship before the suspension.
| Year | Champion | |------|----------| | 2019 | Matteo Ferrari | | 2020 | Jordi Torres | | 2021 | Jordi Torres | | 2022 | Dominique Aegerter | | 2023 | Mattia Casadei | | 2024 | Héctor Garzó | | 2025 | Alessandro Zaccone |
The MotoE series served as the sport's primary proving ground for electric motorcycle racing at the grand prix level. Its trajectory — from a support cup to a full world championship — reflected the broader motorsport industry's push toward electrification. The decision to place it on hiatus after 2025 underscored the ongoing challenges electric racing faces in terms of race distance, charging logistics, and audience engagement compared to traditional combustion-engine classes.