The second-generation 2020 Energica Ego electric motorcycle has been revealed as part of a special track run involving 2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg, who debuted it with a special track run at Paul Ricard.

A week before the latest version of the zero-tailpipe emissions machine is formally revealed under the lights at EICMA in Milan, the Italian firm invited the 23-time F1 grand prix winner and son of 1982 F1 World Champion Keke Rosberg to the south of France to throw his leg over the 2020 model.

With the finer details – most notably range and power – being kept under wraps until 5 November when it breaks cover in front of the world’s press, we can only go on what we’re looking at to spot what’s new.

From the outset, there exterior modifications have been kept to a relative minimum, with the Energica Ego’s chiselled fairing, sunken circular headlights and exposed frame all once more in striking evidence.

What’s new appears to be limited to more aesthetic details, such as colours and decals, though the brighter palette does accentuate the Ego’s dynamic stance further.

What can we expect from the 2020 Energica Ego?

While he doesn’t go into detail, Rosberg assures the 2020 model offers reduced weight, more torque and greater range, the latter of which is becoming an increasingly crucial specification as the two-wheel market takes electric power more seriously.

Indeed, with Harley-Davidson throwing its hat into the ring with the LiveWire and Zero making ground with the SR/F range, Energica stands at the forefront of the European electric motorcycle technology as a time when the likes of KTM, BMW and Honda have expressed in only vague terms of what their future plans are to roll out zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles.

The new Ego comes as Energica rides a publicity wave on the back of its participation in the MotoE World Cup, which competes in support of the MotoGP World Championship on selected rounds.

We can assume the investment pumped into the MotoE project mechanically will be filtering into the Energica Ego range, whether that be in the form of a racing specification range-topper like the Ego45 or if it being developed for standard use across the Energica range.

Watch the full video from Nico Rosberg's YouTube channel