Revolutionary Zero-WMC Sports Bike Unveils Innovative Aerodynamic Duct for Enhanced Efficiency
White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC), a pioneer in British electric motorcycle innovation for land-speed records, has partnered with Zero Motorcycles to develop the world’s first electric sports bike featuring WMC’s patented aerodynamic duct. This innovative design reduces aerodynamic drag by 10%.
The customised Zero SR/S model features a unique bifurcated aerodynamic duct that is seamlessly integrated into the motorcycle’s core. This duct routes air from the front wheel's rear to exit above the back wheel, significantly enhancing the bike’s aerodynamics. A newly designed aerodynamic front fender and fork shroud further optimise airflow, ensuring peak efficiency.
WMC and Zero initially forged their partnership at the Italian Motorcycle Show (EICMA) in November 2023, driven by a mutual commitment to pioneering efficient solutions and enhancing the range of electric motorcycles to meet evolving consumer expectations. The Zero SR/S's design is ideally suited for incorporating the aerodynamic duct.
The collaboration has accelerated the development of this groundbreaking concept. Leveraging experience from Formula 1 and world sports car programmes, WMC’s engineering team rapidly advanced the project using validated in-house modelling, computer fluid dynamics simulations, and extensive real-world testing.
Robert White, Founder & CEO of White Motorcycle Concepts, remarked on the industry’s challenge of matching electric motorcycle performance with that of petrol-fuelled counterparts. “It’s not just about battery technology; it’s about blending multiple innovations to bridge the performance gap and enhance efficiency for future benefits,” he said.
The opportunity to retrofit the Zero SR/S frame with an aerodynamic duct was immediately evident during its initial design phase. Despite some design constraints, the introduction of the duct significantly boosts performance, particularly when integrated from the outset of the motorcycle's design.
Aerodynamics are crucial, especially in competitive racing like MotoGP, where devices such as winglets enhance performance. The WMC’s aerodynamic duct offers significant improvements in power efficiency, especially at higher speeds.
The newly introduced WMCSRS concept showcases this duct within a mid-sized sports bike, marking a first in the industry. The vertical bifurcated duct captures air efficiently, navigating through the ZERO SR/S structure to enhance performance. Initial testing with F1-style aero rakes helped refine the duct design, complemented by bespoke front fenders and fork shroud enhancements.
This innovative duct design, refined through WMC’s land-speed record endeavours, optimises the dual-channel design and the bike's architecture, delivering a 10% boost in aerodynamic efficiency. This translates to increased range and speed capabilities without needing a larger battery, reducing weight, charge times, and costs.
Abe Askenazi, CTO of Zero Motorcycles, shared insights on the collaborative exploration of the duct’s potential. “Our proof of concept highlights the benefits of integrating such innovations into electric motorcycles, and we are excited to continue exploring these technological advancements.”
As the automotive industry focuses on efficiency to extend vehicle range, the next generation of electric and hybrid cars are seeing a 30% increase in efficiency over models from five years ago. The motorcycle industry, too, is poised to surpass current battery limitations by adopting complementary technologies to facilitate a transition to net zero.
The WMCSRS project exemplifies what is possible when two innovative companies collaborate to tackle significant industry challenges. The new concept will debut at Motorcycle Live from 16-24 November 2024 at the Zero Motorcycles Stand at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK.
