Electric First Responder Motorcycle
The aim of this feasibility study was to demonstrate that the WMC300FR concept can be electrified, whilst meeting the rapid charge time and drive cycle requirements of the Emergency Services, at an acceptable price point.
Project Overview
This project follows the successful completion of an NVN production readiness project and adoption of the WMC300FR (detachable battery, electric hybrid, First Responder motorcycle) into the UK Police. Whilst the WMC300FR represents a practical step towards sustainability, improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2, First Responders are looking for zero emission vehicles to fulfil their operational requirements in the future.
This project’s objective is to fully electrify this concept, and this feasibility study aims to demonstrate that this concept can be electrified, specifically meeting the rapid charge time and drive cycle requirements of the Emergency Services, at an acceptable price point.
Feasibility Study
Off-the shelf modules were considered, but rejected due to insufficient energy densities. Within a bespoke module, various cell chemistries and motor assemblies were analysed to determine if they met the Statement of Requirements. These were then considered against the packaging requirements and the desired price point. The study demonstrated that the Statement of Requirements could be met, warranting further exploration.
Market analysis within the feasibility study has shown that there are currently no other products on the market (or proposed) that meet the specific requirements (real world range, charge time and accessibility) of the emergency services market.
Project Outcomes
Identified a battery pack, drive motor and packaging assembly (incorporating a more efficient aerodynamic duct) that meets the 100 mile range, using drive cycles developed from real-world logged data collected from WMC300FR motorcycles in service. Cell chemistries, currently available, were identified which meet the rapid charge requirements, all at a reasonable market price.
For future protection, and flexibility, the 21700 cell format was specifically chosen as it is the most common battery size, meaning that any future improvements in cell chemistry are more likely to be accommodated within the existing design.
Next Steps
The feasibility study concluded that it is possible to achieve both the technical and commercial objectives and there’s confidence that this product could progress to market. The next steps are to further explore the potential solution generated as a result of the feasibility study and refine it into a proof-of-concept demonstrator to enable real world testing and confirm product viability.
As was the case in the feasibility study, commerciality will be at the heart of all of the work completed. White Motorcycle Concepts would look to fund the development through its own resources, supported by the Government grant infrastructure.
NVN Funding
Funding from the Niche Vehicle Network not only accelerates technology development, but enables a much greater analysis of the technical options available to create the optimum solution. Beyond funding, the network provides knowledgeable objective support, industry credibility and a platform to highlight technology developers’ activity to a much wider audience.