White Bike 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 motorbike 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 great candidate to combine WMC’s aerodynamic expertise.
The ensuing WMCSRS idea incorporates a bespoke bifurcated duct that channels air from behind the entrance wheel and exits above the rear wheel. To boost airflow by means of the duct, WMC additionally designed a brand new aerodynamic entrance fender and fork shroud.
“The entire trade is presently going through an enormous technical and business problem to supply an electrical motorbike with efficiency near its petrol equal,” mentioned Robert White, Founder and CEO of White Bike Ideas. “This downside requires a mix of improvements to bridge the hole, not simply counting on battery expertise alone.”
In line 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 scorching matter, particularly in MotoGP, the place winglets and different units enhance lap occasions, although this effectivity profit doesn’t at all times translate to retail bikes,” White defined. “Our clever aero duct enhances aerodynamic effectivity, positively impacting energy consumption, particularly at excessive speeds.”
The WMCSRS incorporates a vertically bifurcated duct that picks up air behind the entrance wheel and navigates the present Zero SR/S construction, exiting just below the seat. Utilizing F1-style aero rakes, the engineering staff analyzed the airflow to optimize the duct’s efficiency.
“From our preliminary assembly at EICMA, now we have been to grasp the potential affect of WMC’s aerodynamic duct,” mentioned Abe Askenazi, Zero Bikes CTO. “We’re dedicated to innovation, and whereas battery improvement is advancing quickly, we consider a mix of applied sciences is the important thing to growing the electrical bikes of the long run.”
The ten% improve in aerodynamic effectivity from the duct can be utilized to both prolong the motorbike’s vary or cut back battery measurement and weight, reducing down on prices and cost occasions.
“This proof of idea has given us beneficial insights into the potential advantages of integrating an aerodynamic duct into electrical bikes,” Askenazi mentioned. “We are going to proceed to discover complementary technological developments to ship market-leading merchandise for our clients.”
The collaboration between WMC and Zero demonstrates the potential for modern partnerships to handle the challenges going through the electrical motorbike trade.
