Zero and WMC join forces on low-drag prototype
By Ben Purvis
British engineering consultancy White Motorcycle Concepts has partnered with Zero to create a proof-of-concept prototype that shows how WMC's patented idea of routing air though a duct in the middle of the bike can be implemented in a real-world electric motorcycle - boosting range and performance without the cost or weight of additional batteries or a larger motor.
WMC has already implemented its central duct concept at both the high-speed and low-speed ends of the motorcycling spectrum, initially presenting the idea in 2021 on the WMC250EV - a machine intended to vie for the electric bike land speed record - and later developing the hybrid powered, three-wheeled WMC300FR based on a Yamaha Tricity scooter.
The WMC300FR has since gone into service with British police in limited numbers, and an all-electric version, the WMC300E+, was recently developed to create a zero-emission alternative to the original petrol-electric hybrid.
The prototype WMCSRS, based on the Zero SR/S electric sports tourer, is the most real-world adaptation of the idea so far though. Without altering the bike's chassis or its main powertrain elements, WMC's engineers, led by founder Robert White, have managed to free-up a remarkable amount of space for the company's patented central duct, creating a clear line of sight straight through the bike - entering under the nose and exiting below the seat.
The duct splits into two channels to negotiate immovable sections of the standard Zero chassis, but still allows air that would normally gather in a stagnant high-pressure zone behind the front wheel to escape through the bike.
A new aero front fender and teardrop shaped fork cowls help smooth its passage into the duct's mouth, and the seat is raised a fraction to clear its exit underneath. Other than that, the changes are limited to rearranging some of the control electronics inside the bike to clear the way for the duct.
The reward is a 10% reduction in drag, measured by computer simulation of the design, which should equate to a similar scale of increased range - all without adding any cost or weight of batteries.
Whether Zero will pursue the idea further isn't decided yet, but WMC says that the response to the prototype has been extremely positive so far.
