By Charles Carter, 03/11/22
British startup White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) has developed a pioneering E-motorbike design with a hole or duct running through the middle of it, from front to back, reducing drag by 69 percent.
The approach will enable the innovative bike, called WMC250EV, to achieve twice the mileage for the same charge compared with current equivalent electric motorcycles on the market, according to the company.
The team is planning an attempt to break the world speed record for semi-streamlined electric motorbikes this year.
The current record stands at 228mph, set in late 2021 by six-time MotoGP world champion Max Biaggi riding a Voxman Wattman.
The patented (UK) central duct system, called V-Air, reduces the area of material colliding with the air at the front of the machine, reducing air resistance.
To make space for the duct, the bike employs hub-centre steering allowing the forks traditionally used for steering to be removed and the handlebars to be repositioned.
Both wheels are powered by electric motors within each hub which incorporate regenerative braking technology.
The batteries are housed in the bottom half of the chassis.
Aerodynamics simulation of WC250EV at 250mph
The central duct increases downforce and stability, as well as reducing drag and boosting energy efficiency.
With range anxiety and lack of charging infrastructure for E-motorbikes a challenge, this could help with adoption, if the technology is incorporated in future mass market models.
The V-Air also allows for a more even distribution of weight loading across the front and rear wheels.
This stops the front wheel from lifting under acceleration which in turn means it can be powered and incorporate a kinetic energy recovery system, extending the range.
The central duct approach could also be used in fossil fuel bikes to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
In fact, WMC has already integrated it into a hybrid electric three wheel scooter, WMC300FR, that is due to be piloted by Northamptonshire Police.
The scooter will have 15-20 percent energy efficiency improvement compared with equivalent models, according to the company.
Links
https://whitemotorcycleconcepts.com/
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