BMW C evolution
Full details have emerged for the electric scooter from BMW, with a peak output of 47hp and a top speed of 120km/h. Range is 100km, and a full charge takes four hoursBMW Motorrad’s C evolution scooter – a new zero-emission chapter for the German company – has been uncovered, which will sit alongside the conventionally powered C 600 Sport and C 650 GT in the company’s ‘urban mobility’ line-up.
The C evolution is powered by a liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor via a toothed belt and ring gearing. The rated power output is 15hp, with a peak output of 47hp. This enables the C evolution to achieve a top speed of 120 km/h, and BMW claims it produces better acceleration than some maxi scooters powered by engines with displacements of 600cc or more.
The 8kWh capacity of the air-cooled lithium-ion high-voltage battery allows the C evolution to complete 100km before it needs to be charged from any domestic mains supply. When plugged in to a standard 220V domestic socket with a 12A charge current, recharging fully from empty takes around four hours.
Energy regeneration takes place automatically both when coasting with the throttle closed and when braking.
There are four ride modes:
- Road: full accelerating power is available, while energy is recuperated at a rate of approximately 50 per cent when coasting with the throttle closed. Recuperation takes place during braking as well. The standard operating range is achieved in this mode.
- Eco Pro: the drag torque when coasting is increased significantly, and a maximum recuperation rate together with the restricted accelerating power and the resulting limit on energy output enables the range to be extended by 10-20 per cent. The higher drag torque manifests itself for the rider as a sharper decelerating torque when the throttle is released. The highest range is achieved in this ride mode.
- Sail: the electric motor does not build up drag torque, and recuperation only takes place when braking. As a result, riders will notice that next to no braking torque is generated when the throttle is released, allowing the vehicle to glide along virtually free of any braking effect -- a riding experience that is unheard of on conventionally powered two-wheelers.
- Dynamic: for extra-dynamic performance, this mode combines full accelerating power with a sharp rate of recuperation and therefore a high level of drag torque.
As far as the chassis is concerned, the C evolution no longer has a main frame in the conventional sense. The central component is the battery casing made from diecast aluminium, which has a steering head support made from steel tubing attached to it at the front and, at the rear, the single-sided swing arm as well as a rear frame, also made from steel tubing.
There’s an upside-down telehydraulic fork, and a spring strut mounted on the left at the rear. As on all vehicles from BMW Motorrad, the C evolution comes equipped with anti-lock braking.
The new C evolution is available with Torque Control Assist, which works in a similar way to the traction control on BMW motorcycles with combustion engines. TCA limits the motor's torque depending on the slip at the rear wheel.
To ensure optimum controllability of the drive torque for the rider, the electric motor's control electronics monitor the rear wheel speed and reduce the drive torque if a certain plausibility threshold is exceeded. TCA is a particularly useful aid for the rider when starting off and prevents uncontrolled spinning of the rear wheel on road surfaces with reduced grip.
Other features include a reversing aid which enables easy manoeuvring at walking pace, a LED daytime running light, and heated grips.
A large TFT colour display in the instrument cluster offers a wealth of information. Apart from the current speed, the rider is also kept informed of data such as the average consumption in kWh/100 km, total power consumption, battery charge status in kWh, average speed, voltage of the on-board electrical system and the high-voltage system, as well as the remaining range in kilometres taking into account the selected ride mode. A bar graph furthermore indicates the current level of energy draw or regeneration.
The C evolution is the first electrically powered two-wheeler to meet the ISO 26262 standard for functional safety and the ECE R100 standard governing high-voltage safety, both of which have been ratified by the leading carmakers.
No word yet on Australian availability and price.
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