The project brief
The brief
Brompton, the manufacturer of the iconic folding bike, engaged WAE in 2017 to support the production of an electrified version. WAE partnered with Brompton to do the product design of the battery pack for their first electric bike, alongside the full system design for the motor, inverter and gearbox.
The work
The innovative front-hub machine incorporated the electric motor, inverter, planetary gearbox and sprag clutch. The unique design and positioning of the inverter (patent pending), allows for the entire unit to be significantly more compact than competitor systems. The Brompton Electric features a 300Wh battery, a lightweight and powerful front hub motor, intelligent sensors and connectivity.
The outcome
Brompton drive unit
Compact 250W electric drive incorporating planetary gearbox, sprag clutch and patented innovative inverter design
Formula E electric motor
40,000 RPM ultra-efficient (~99%) e-motor
Formula E inverter
Silicon Carbide inverter with high-speed and intelligent control philosophy
