Stark Future and Wanxiang A123 team up for development of new higher energy density, faster charging, and improved heat control battery cells for next generation motorcycles – 10–15 minute ultra-fast charging anyone? 

Stark Future has announced a strategic partnership with Wanxiang A123, a Chinese company specialising high-power lithium iron battery technology, to develop and supply the 26120 cylindrical cell for their next generation of electric motorcycles.

Stark and A123 say the purpose-built 26120 battery cells are designed around the realities of two-wheel performance and will be a step change with new levels of energy density, charging speed, and thermal management “far beyond car-adapted cells”.

10–15 minute ultra-fast charging

Unlike common rechargeable battery cells, the 26120 has cleaner thermal working efficiency with improved heat transfer and lower weight, making it able to support sustained high loads in off-road and street applications.

Target performance, they say, includes ~330 Wh/kg energy density and ~10–15 minute ultra-fast charging, setting a new benchmark for premium electric two-wheelers.

26120 prototypes are being tested at Stark’s Barcelona R&D department, which they say will integrate “into future platforms”. We take that to mean the next generation Varg models but also the street bikes and Alg Adventure model which they proposed last year (2025).

A123’s Fast Charge, Long Life 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 aluminium can acts as a heat-spreader, simplifying pack cooling and sustaining output across long motos or repeated heat cycles. 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 enables fast charge and durability, they say, 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.

Partnership Development for Stark

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 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.

Laboratories across China, the U.S. and Europe

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.

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.”

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.

Photo Credit: Stark Future