A British manufacturer has unveiled an electric motorcycle which claims a 100-mile range, 100mph performance and a 15-minute rapid recharge. The WMC300E+, produced by White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) is aimed, not at private buyers, but at fleets and the emergency services. It follows on from WMC’s similar three-wheeler petrol/electric hybrid, shown last year.

Like that one, the WMC300E+ is based on Yamaha’s Tricity 300 tilting trike, but in this case with an electric motor and 11.9kwh lithium-ion battery in place of the 300cc single. The chassis also incorporates WMC’s patented V-Duct system, which improves aerodynamics by guiding some air through the middle of the chassis rather than forcing it up, over and round the bike and rider. The battery, developed by MAHLE Powertrain, is claimed to deliver a range of 100 miles at an “aggressive emergency services drive cycle,” or 125 miles on the standard cycle. Using standard CCS rapid charging, as on many electric cars, allows that 15-minute recharge.

Several WMC concepts have been unveiled in the last few years. Another British start-up focussing on electric motorcycles – Maeving – is building on its success with the RM1 commuter bike, moving to a larger factory in Coventry with a capacity of 7500 bikes per year.

Jim Freeman, Chair of the BMF said: “The hybrid was interesting; this is as well. 100 miles range, if genuine, would be enough for urban duties, especially with such a fast recharge time.”

Electric Propulsion – MAHLE Powertrain

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of White Motorcycle Concepts