BMW Motorrad has revealed its latest creation – the C evolution electric scooter. The BMW C evolution is a spin-off from the company’s E-scooter concept presented at the BMW Motorrad Innovation Day 2011. BMW says that its C evolution has a range of up to 62 miles on a single charge, with a top speed of 75 mph giving it highway capability - albeit briefly.
Even better is its ability to fully recharge its battery in three hours using an integrated charging device via a charging station or a regular socket. With its 11 kW continuous output and 35 kW peak output, the C evolution is relatively powerful and speedy. It also features ABS brakes, to ensure maximum safety. BMW is currently testing a prototype version of the C evolution electric scooter in London, and the company expects a production version to be up and running soon.
While the C evolution may look a whole lot more conventional than the i-Series, it does share some of the technology. The li-ion storage modules are the same as in the i3, for instance, and have been designed for cold climates and irregular charging patterns.
Meanwhile, an air cooling system saves weight and power, with specially designed ducts guiding airflow through the chassis to keep the battery from overheating. A die-cast aluminum casing with longitudinal ribs gives plenty of surface area, and functions as a huge heat-sink.
In front of the driver there’s a TFT color display which shows remaining charge and range, together with details on whether the automatic power recuperation system – which tops up the battery as the bike slows – is active.
While America still looks mighty large, in terms of this scooter's limited range, it's bound to be a hit in Europe, where scooters excel in city delivery work. If it can be built with Piaggio's twin front wheel system, so it can remain upright without a stand, and be sold at a competitive price (ie as a loss-leader) it could become a common sight.
However the C-Scooter's relative silence is probably going to require the installation of some kind of noise-maker, or the pedestrian toll in crowded thoroughfares might be a problem. ––Paul Duchene
