White Motorcycle Concepts [WMC] unveiled its revolutionary new electric hybrid scooter WMC300FR, designed specifically for emergency services use.
The British engineering company, founded by Chief Executive Officer Rob White and based in Northamptonshire, has based the WMC300FR on the same patented technology central to its all-electric WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator with which it intends to break the world electric land speed record over the next 12 months.
In the case of First Responder however, the key objectives are not so much to achieve ultimate speed as to significantly increase range and viability while reducing CO2 footprint and running costs for emergency service fleets.
The three-wheeled scooter, developed in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police, and with the cooperation and guidance of the Northants force’s Chief Constable Nick Adderley – the Motorcycle Lead for UK Police – is the result of nearly three-year’s worth of research into pioneering drag reduction aerodynamics. This, paired with the latest generation of hybrid technology, can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% of that of comparable conventional motorcycles and scooters.
The First Responder features WMC’s patented Venturi Duct, which reduces drag by pushing air through the vehicle, rather than around it. This system is aided by aerodynamic front fenders, which funnel the air towards the venturi, reducing overall frontal resistance and meaning less energy is required to propel the vehicle forward. The scooter is based on the Yamaha Tricity 300 and uses the same 292cc single-cylinder four-stroke motor, but the WMC300FR features hybrid power assist utilising two robust & proven 56V 12Ah detachable lithium ion batteries from industry leader – 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 go into service long before the infrastructure is in place to cope with targeted legislation that will phase out all petrol and diesel-powered sales by 2030.
The First Responder’s up to 5kW power assist hybrid system works predominantly in the lower speed ranges of the vehicle, which improves acceleration and range and removes the need to use so much petrol until the venturi effect of the aerodynamics becomes prominent as the speed increases, maximising fuel saving.
Because of the minimum width between the two front wheels, the scooter can also be ridden with anyone holding a regular car drivers’ license (in most countries). In addition to the obvious ecological benefits for emergency service fleet managers to consider with the vehicle, this also significantly widens the accessibility to first responders, many of whom do not hold a motorcycle license.
Funded in part by government grants from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles [OZEV], Advanced Propulsion Centre [APC] and Niche Vehicle Network [NVN], one of the most outstanding aspects of the WMC300FR First Responder is that it is a tangible example of the scheme paying back into the community through job creation, economic growth, tax savings and all while working towards a greener future.
Here you can see the video…
Source: White Motorcycle Concepts
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