White Motorbike Ideas (WMC) and Zero Bikes have collaborated to prototype the world’s first electrical sports activities bike with WMC’s patented aerodynamic duct, lowering drag by 10%.
The businesses first linked on the 2023 EICMA bike present, the place they shared a imaginative and prescient centered on advancing electrical car effectivity and efficiency. The design of Zero’s SR/S mannequin made it a perfect candidate to combine WMC’s aerodynamic expertise.
The ensuing WMCSRS idea encompasses a bespoke bifurcated duct that channels air from behind the entrance wheel and exits above the rear wheel. To reinforce airflow by the duct, WMC additionally designed a brand new aerodynamic entrance fender and fork shroud.
“The entire trade is presently dealing with an enormous technical and business problem to provide an electrical bike with efficiency near its petrol equal,” mentioned Robert White, Founder and CEO of White Motorbike Ideas. “This downside requires a mix of improvements to bridge the hole, not simply counting on battery expertise alone.”
In accordance with White, when he first noticed the Zero SR/S structure, he acknowledged the chance to retrofit WMC’s patented duct expertise. The ensuing proof-of-concept demonstrates the potential advantages of integrating aerodynamic enhancements into electrical bikes.
“Aerodynamics is a sizzling matter, particularly in MotoGP, the place winglets and different gadgets enhance lap instances, although this effectivity profit doesn’t all the time translate to retail bikes,” White defined. “Our clever aero duct enhances aerodynamic effectivity, positively impacting energy consumption, particularly at excessive speeds.”
The WMCSRS encompasses a vertically bifurcated duct that picks up air behind the entrance wheel and navigates the prevailing Zero SR/S construction, exiting slightly below the seat. Utilizing F1-style aero rakes, the engineering group analyzed the airflow to optimize the duct’s efficiency.
“From our preliminary assembly at EICMA, we now have been to know the potential impression of WMC’s aerodynamic duct,” mentioned Abe Askenazi, Zero Bikes CTO. “We’re dedicated to innovation, and whereas battery growth is advancing quickly, we imagine a mix of applied sciences is the important thing to creating the electrical bikes of the longer term.”
The ten% enhance in aerodynamic effectivity from the duct can be utilized to both lengthen the bike’s vary or scale back battery measurement and weight, chopping down on prices and cost instances.
“This proof of idea has given us invaluable insights into the potential advantages of integrating an aerodynamic duct into electrical bikes,” Askenazi mentioned. “We’ll proceed to discover complementary technological developments to ship market-leading merchandise for our clients.”
The collaboration between WMC and Zero demonstrates the potential for progressive partnerships to deal with the challenges dealing with the electrical bike trade.
