Police and first responders to get three-wheel electric motorcycles
Source: https://thedriven.io/2023/02/27/police-and-first-responders-to-get-three-wheel-electric-motorcycles/
Author: Joshua S. Hill
British automotive companies White Motorcycle Concepts and Mahle Powertrain are partnering to develop a fully electric three-wheeled motorcycle designed specifically for police and emergency first responders. The new electric three-wheeler will be based on the Yamaha Tricity 300, but will replace its combustion engine with a fully electric powertrain and fast-charging capability. Mahle and White are targeting an all-electric range of 160 kilometres and, unlike their two-wheeled cousins, the new electric three-wheeler can be driven on a standard car license, reducing the need for any specialist training. This will not be White Motorcycle’s first foray into either three-wheel motorcycles or developing for police, following the success of its WMC300FR hybrid three-wheeled motorcycle, developed in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police and on trial with emergency services across the country. Both the WMC300FR and a fully electric version make use of White Motorcycle’s patented V-Duct, a venturi duct that passes through the centre of the motorcycle, significantly reducing drag and improving performance efficiency. Back in the middle of 2021, White debuted its V-Duct on a traditional two-wheeled motorcycle, the company’s WMC250EV. “Existing electric motorcycles have been designed with the retail market in mind, and can be both expensive and slow to charge,” said Jonathan Hall, Mahle Powertrain’s head of research and advanced engineering. “Because emergency services require high levels of availability and have an unpredictable demand, retail electric motorcycles are unlikely to present a cost-effective solution.”