BMW shows 75 mph electric scooter
BMW says its C Evolution is the final development step toward a production electric two-wheeler.
In the last decade, BMW's motorcycle division dabbled in scooters as a green solution for crowded urban centers, producing the C1 for a few years. Now BMW is showing off the final fruits of a new project, an electric scooter designed to achieve the performance specifications of a gasoline-fueled scooter.
The C Evolution is the third generation of an electric scooter that BMW has previously shown in concept form. This two-wheeler uses an electric motor and an 8 kilowatt battery pack to drive the rear wheel. BMW says that it can go 62 miles on a full charge. Although a large battery back, it does not use liquid cooling. Instead, its casing channels air through the individual cells. As the batteries produce more heat under load, the C Evolution should be going faster as the batteries hit higher temperatures, improving the air flow.
BMW also designed the C Evolution for a top speed of 75 mph. Anti-lock brakes are one technology borrowed from BMW's extensive experience building motorcycles. However, the C Evolution also uses brake regeneration, which helps account for its range. A single swing arm supports the rear drive wheel, which is turned by a shaft. LED lights decrease the load on the battery, and the rider gets speed and battery status from an LCD.
Interestingly, BMW incorporates a J1772 charging port, the same as used in new electric cars. The C Evolution can be charged to full in three hours.
BMW is using the C Evolution as a test prototype in real world situations. The company says it plans to offer a production version in the near future.