Electric Superbike Twente unveils Nexus-TR 35 kilograms lighter and fundamentally redesigned for MotoStudent 2027

Student team Electric Superbike Twente (EST) unveiled its latest electric racing motorcycle, Nexus-TR, at De Grolsch Veste in Enschede, the Netherlands. Following the team’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ title at the previous edition of MotoStudent, EST used the past development year to redesign the motorcycle across virtually all key areas. The result is a 35-kilogram weight reduction, from 185 kg to 150 kg, a completely redesigned battery pack, and improved reliability.

The unveiling was followed by a live television appearance. Electric Superbike Twente appeared live on Ziggo Sport Race Café in Hilversum with Nexus-TR, where the team discussed the new racing motorcycle and its ambitions for MotoStudent 2027.

Nexus: more than just racing

The name Nexus, Latin for ‘connection’, represents this year’s theme: more than just racing. It reflects the connections behind the team and its motorcycle: from the unique collaboration between the University of Twente (UT), Saxion University of Applied Sciences and ROC van Twente, to partnerships with regional high-tech companies, talent development and the MotoStudent competition itself. During the unveiling, EST also announced that rider Wouter van Wensveen will continue to represent the team in the 2027 MotoStudent competition.

Key technical innovations

The development of Nexus-TR focused on three key objectives: weight reduction, efficiency and reliability. Chassis & aerodynamics:

• Almost 40% lighter frame: Targeted structural optimisation has reduced the frame weight to just over 6 kg.
• Full-carbon subframe: While previous versions used aluminium and fibreglass, the new subframe is made entirely from carbon fibre. At 3 kg, it is the lightest subframe in the team’s history.
• Hybrid cooling system: To improve cooling of the electric motor specified by the MotoStudent organisation, EST has developed a cooling tank using an ice-water mixture and copper finned tubes. This significantly lowers the coolant temperature before it reaches the motor. Powertrain & electronics
• 20 kg weight reduction in the battery system: The new battery pack combines 510 cylindrical cells in two modules (126 V, >500 A) with an integrated DC-DC converter. This eliminates the need for a separate low-voltage battery, while the redesigned battery housing further contributes to the overall weight reduction.
• Faster charging and more efficient BMS: The battery pack can be fully charged and balanced in less than one hour. The redesigned Battery Management System (BMS) is 70% smaller and 90% more energy-efficient.
• Less wiring, more data: The new electrical architecture halves the number of physical wires running across the chassis. The CAN-FD network also provides eight times the data throughput, enabling faster and more reliable communication between the motorcycle’s systems.

Looking ahead

With the unveiling of Nexus-TR, the current team hands the project over to the next generation of students. They will immediately begin a testing phase to validate the collected data and pursue further innovations in preparation for MotoStudent 2027.

About Electric Superbike Twente

Electric Superbike Twente is a student team affiliated with the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and ROC van Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands. The team designs and builds fully electric racing motorcycles to drive innovation in sustainable motorsport.

For interview requests, further information or press images, please contact: Sam Bolluijt, Technical Manager, Electric Superbike Twente, E: s.bolluijt@electricsuperbiketwente.nl, T: +31 6 24991818