The world’s fastest electric motorcycle has a new aerodynamic challenge

Electric motors now offer a practical alternative to their internal combustion engines thanks to fast-charging models that boast up to 200 miles of urban land. But, a little-known British company wants to make future electric motorcycles much faster. To achieve this, White Motorcycle Concepts has built a unique prototype that claims to be able to break a ground speed record. The current record holder, former world champion Max Biaggi, drove a Voxan Wattman at a top speed of 254 mph through two races in opposite directions for a flying kilometer that averaged 228 mph.

As the name of the WMC250EV suggests, it could end up beating that speed by a considerable margin. A quick look at the concept tells you right away why it stands out: The bike features a hole that goes from front to back. This duct system, nicknamed “V-Air”, makes it the most “efficient aerodynamic motorcycle in the world”, according to its creator. By forcing air through the middle of the bike instead of around it, the WMC250EV reduces resistance to 70 percent – figures that have been tested at the UK’s Horiba MIRA facility.

Removing the top of his bike meant that the company had to be even more creative with the rest of the design. The electric transmission and battery packs are stacked in the lower half. It also uses a two-arm suspension system. The rear wheel is powered by a pair of 30kW electric motors, while two 20kW ones power the front wheel. Together, they provide a total of 100kW, or 134 hp, depending Top Gear.

Although the plan is to eventually bring the technology to the masses, this specific concept is entirely suited to its rider, Rob White. A veteran of motorsport with stints in Formula One, Le Mans Prototype, V8 supercar and World Endurance Championship racing teams, White had his laser-scanned silhouette to build the bike’s body.

The technology will now be put to the test with an attempt at the semi-simplified British electric motorcycle record later this year followed by the world record in 2022. White believes that a speed of more than 250 mph is possible.