The new BMW C evolution e-scooter – innovative e-mobility on 2 wheels

Individual mobility in conurbations

For years now, there have been drastic changes in the demand for individual mobility concepts, in particular in conurbations (metropolises).  Constantly expanding traffic volumes, rising energy costs and increasingly rigorous CO2 restrictions on inner-city traffic are the challenges that electrically powered vehicles consistently set out to tackle.

e-scooter

Following the BMW Group's sustainability strategy, BMW Motorrad moved into the field of electric mobility at a very early stage in 2012.  Parallel to the BMW i cars in the automobile sector, BMW ultimately put forward a convincing statement in the form of the C evolution e-scooter.

With the new C evolution, BMW Motorrad (BMW motorcycle) now raises the benchmark in the e-scooter segment to a new level.  Featuring a new generation of batteries with a cell capacity of 94 Ah as used in the updated BMW i3, the range has been significantly extended.  A new charge cable with a smaller diameter (thinner, easier to operate cable) is now included as standard.  New optional accessories such as the smartphone cradle also mean there are now many more ways to customise the BMW C evolution.
In the new C evolution Long Range model the continuous output is 19 kW, which is 8 more than in the predecessor model, while the range has been significantly extended to approximately 160 kilometres.  The top speed is 129 km/h (electronically limited).  In the A1 driving licence version (Europe only) the new C evolution has an output of 11 kW.  The range here is around 100 kilometres, with a top speed of 120 km/h.

Innovative electric drive via drivetrain swing arm

The BMW C evolution e-scooter is powered by a drivetrain swing arm.  The e-motor positioned behind the battery casing acts as an integrated component of the swing arm.  The physical proximity of the e-motor output shaft and the swing arm axle minimises the moment of inertia around the swing arm centre of rotation, thereby enabling an optimum suspension/damping set-up and a sensitive response.

The secondary drive is via a tooth belt from the e-motor to the rear belt pulley on the output shaft.  From here, power transmission to the rear wheel is via the planetary gear.  The e-motor and power electronics are liquid-cooled.

Reverse assist

Ever struggled to reverse a scooter or bike, trying to tiptoe-push-walk reverse it?  A particular comfort feature of the new BMW C evolution is its reverse assist, activated from the left-hand handlebar panel.  The rider’s attention is drawn to it by a slight jerk and the relevant indication in the TFT display.  When the activation switch is pressed down, the C evolution can reverse at walking pace, thereby facilitating reverse manoeuvring.

Intelligent recuperation

Recuperation takes place during braking, converting kinetic energy to electrical energy so as to charge the battery.  Here, a system of sensors is used to tap into the brake pressure levels on the front and rear wheel brake.  When the power electronics detects that the rider is braking, the e-motor builds up drag torque, thereby supporting the brake manoeuvre and recuperating.  The drag torque generated by the e-motor is like the familiar “engine brake” feeling that takes effect when backing off the accelerator in a vehicle powered by a combustion engine (and the same effect you get when driving a BMW i3 or i8).  

If recuperation takes place during coasting or braking, this increases the range by between 10 and 20 per cent, depending on the riding profile.

BMW C in SA

This electro-powered scooter is not destined for South Africa.  A pair of petrol-engined models are available:  BMW C 650 Sport and C 650 GT, which BMW markets as maxi scooters.