NORTHAMPTON, UK: White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC), the company behind the British electric motorcycle land-speed world-record programme, has launched a new fully-electric rapid-charging motorcycle that is the first in the world designed specifically to meet the needs of fleets and first responders globally.
The WMC300E+ offers a 100-mile range when measured against the aggressive emergency services drive cycle (125 miles against the standard drive cycle), yet can be recharged using a standard CCS charger in under 15 minutes thanks to a unique battery concept developed by MAHLE Powertrain.
“The whole industry is facing a huge technical and commercial challenge to produce an electric motorcycle with performance close to its petrol equivalent,” said Robert White, founder & CEO, White Motorcycle Concepts.
“Current electric motorcycles are focussed upon retail needs, but fleet customers, and particularly emergency first responders, demand high levels of availability that, due to charge times, existing solutions just can’t deliver. Following processes and procedures learnt whilst in F1, our in-house engineering team has rapidly developed the concept.”
The battery cell features advanced Lithium Cobalt Oxide with Nickel Manganese Aluminium chemistry.
A DC-DC converter is integrated within the battery pack, allowing the traction motor, charger, and the bike’s 12V system to be connected directly to it, simplifying the overall implementation.
Special consideration was given to the need to power ancillary equipment such as lights, sirens and radios by emergency responders.
The battery’s highly space-efficient design, despite its generous 11.9 kWh capacity, has allowed the practical under-seat storage to be retained and can easily accommodate a full-face helmet.
In addition, it is capable of speeds of up to 100mph while maintaining excellent aerodynamic stability, even when equipped with heavily-laden panniers.
The bike’s striking design helps to make riders more visible – a key requirement in emergency response roles – while its ability to be ridden on a standard car licence removes the need for specialist training.
This also makes it ideal for use in other services such as paramedic first responders and last-mile delivery duties, while its minimal charging footprint means it can be deployed easily, even where space and power considerations are limited.
Beyond delivering zero-emissions transport for rapid response fleets, the project continues WMC’s sustainability focus through the use of recycled carbon-fibre in the motorcycle’s construction, while the ‘right-sized’ battery pack with fast charging capability, developed by MAHLE Powertrain, reduces the use of rare earth materials and minimises downtime.
Partially funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s second round of the Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator (ARMD2) programme, the project builds on the success of the WMC300FR hybrid three-wheeled motorcycle, developed in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police and on trial with emergency services across the UK.
