Bringing electric mobility to UK first responders is the WMC 300E+ three-wheeler electric motorcycle (e-bike). You might remember the WMC (White Motorcycle Concept) name from the WMC250EV, the electric world speed record motorcycle. For the 300E+, WMC recognises first responder vehicles have different requirements from e-bikes used in the retail and personal use market segments.
Getting around that problem, WMC has
designed the 300E+ with a unique battery design, developed and constructed by
specialist engineering company Mahle Powertrain. The Lithium Cobalt Oxide and
Nickel Manganese Aluminium battery is constructed in a ‘T’ shape, conforming to
the space constraints imposed by the 300E+’s three-wheel configuration. The
battery pack includes key components from Mahle Powertrain’s M³x battery module
concept, with cooling methods that improve cell thermal performance and
maintain consistent temperatures. With a 11.9 kWh capacity, the battery has a
built-in DC-DC converter, providing a direct connection for the traction motor,
charger, and 12V system of the bike.
This allows for quick recharging in under
15 minutes using a standard CCS charger. Despite the size of the battery pack,
the design of the 300E+ provides enough under seat storage space for a single
full-face helmet along with enough power for auxiliary equipment like lights,
sirens, and radios. The 300E+ boasts of a 160 km/h maximum speed with a 160 km
range based on the more intensive emergency services drive cycle, translating
to 200 km in normal duty cycle use. Aerodynamic design is also incorporated
with the WMC300E+’s patented V-Duct, running through the middle of the
motorcycle that significantly reduces drag and improves overall performance,
stability, and energy consumption.
