White Motorcycle Concepts UK tackles climate change with hybrid First Responder and emergency services vehicle, the WMC300FR hybrid scooter.
In a Project devised in conjunction with the UK Northamptonshire Police force, WMC reveals the WMC300FR as yet another example of great British Engineering innovation, providing a pathway for government agencies to proactively tackle challenges raised by recent COP26 summit on climate change.
Officially released, White Motorcycle Concepts [WMC] revealed its groundbreaking new electric hybrid scooter, the WMC300FR. In response to recent national objectives aimed at combating the effects of climate change and reducing costs, the bike is designed specifically to be used as a fully operational first response vehicle.
The WMC300FR is based on the Yamaha Tricity, with an integrated 5kW electric motor, powered by two batteries totaling 1.344kWh. With a standout design that beautifully integrates their aerodynamic venturi technology reducing the drag co-efficient more and more as you speed up.
Rob White, Chairman and CEO of the Northamptonshire-based company, has developed the WMC300FR using the same patented technology that it developed for its all-electric WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator destined for breaking the world electric land speed record over the next year. In First Responder, however, the main objective is not so much to achieve ultimate speed, but to significantly increase range, viability, and reduce CO2 footprint, along with reducing costs.
The three-wheeled scooter, created in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police and with the assistance and guidance of Northants Chief Constable Nick Adderley – the Motorcycle Lead for UK Police – is the result of thorough research into drag reduction aerodynamics that took nearly three years of development. This, together with the latest generation of hybrid technology, can reduce emissions by up to 50% of that of comparable motorcycles and scooters.
The First Responder features WMC’s patented Venturi Duct, which enables air to flow through the vehicle instead of around it, thereby reducing drag. Aerodynamic front fenders aid in this system, which funnels the air towards the venturi, reducing overall frontal resistance and requiring less energy for propulsion.
The scooter is based on the Yamaha Tricity 300 and uses the same 292cc single-cylinder 4 stroke ICE motor, but on the WMC300FR a hybrid power assist uses two 56V 12Ah removeable batteries by EGO Power+.
These unique & innovative batteries can be fast charged in multiples of 6 from a standard three-pin plug, removing the need to wait during re-charge. Moreover, this feature ensures that the First Responder is ready to step into service even before all infrastructure are in place to cope with legislation that will require phasing out all petrol and diesel-powered sales by 2030.
Up to 5 kW of power assist is available in the First Responder hybrid system. This assists with acceleration and range while reducing fuel consumption in lower speed ranges, as the aerodynamic venturi effect becomes more prominent as speed increases.
With UK regulation, and due to the minimum width between the two front wheels, the scooter can also be ridden by anyone holding a regular car drivers’ license (in most countries). Aside from the obvious ecological benefits for emergency service fleet managers, first responders, many of whom do not hold motorcycle licenses, can benefit from this vehicle as well.
An outstanding aspect of the MC300FR First Responder, which is part-funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles [OZEV], the Advanced Propulsion Centre [APC], and Niche Vehicle Network [NVN], is how it employs local residents, contributes to the economy, and saves taxpayers’ taxes while contributing to a greener future.
“COP26 showed that there is a will by all Governments around the World to reduce their CO2. We need to turn this will into action and lead by example. By adopting vehicles like the WMC300FR we are able to show the World what is possible and how innovation can be part of the solution for CO2 reduction without compromising our functional role in society.
As well as meet the green agenda we also need vehicles that are fit for purpose and what we see in the WMC300FR is one of the first vehicles that can achieve both these aims. We are only 2 fleet cycles away from having to meet the targets set by central government and so I am delighted that we have started those conversations now, with the WMC300FR.”
Nick Adderley – Northants Police Chief Constable & UK Police lead for Motorcycles
“As the national Police chief lead for motorcycling, it is incredible to have been involved in this project from the off, incorporating what we needed in a first responder vehicle. One of the things that I was really clear on in our initial discussions was that the motorcycle should have presence and stand out in our community Policing, provide accessibility to officers and be reflective of the professionalism of the police service, the WMC300FR ticks all those boxes. I think that introducing the WMC300FR will make a real difference and I know that this will be welcomed by the police service.”
Nick Adderley – Northants Police Chief Constable & UK Police lead for Motorcycles
“We were encouraged by the great reception the launch of our WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator and the high level of interest that the project has subsequently gained. Whilst our concept in its most extreme form will help us go faster, its real-world application is all about improving range and reducing down time – major considerations in the electric vehicle industry at present.”
Rob White – WMC CEO
“As the recent COP26 summit highlighted, we are still at the beginning of a revolution in aggressive
Rob White – WMC CEO
carbon reduction and this global shift in thinking presents a unique opportunity to think radically about
motorcycle design, finding the most efficient and cleanest way to power the future of transport. I am delighted to reveal our first product, the WMC300FR, which we have developed specifically for the first responder market. As well as the duct there are a whole host of innovative features that mean the motorcycle reduces CO2 by up to 50%. For us this is just the starting point and we will continue to innovate to accelerate the de-carbonization of the automotive sector.”
Source: White Motorcycle Concepts