BMW launched the production of electric scooters with C-Evolution back in 2014. Now, the German manufacturer has made another big step with the futuristic CE 04 shown in Thailand at the 39th Thailand International Motor Expo last month.
CONCEPT
The CE 04 uses a smaller version of the battery cells used in the electric I car series, indicating that BMW's two-wheel division stepped around the corner to the four-wheel department and grabbed some of its technology.
This move not only kept development costs low but also maintained reliability and safety, keeping BMW Motorrad one step ahead of some of its closest competitors. The designers have created a stunning design without being restricted by conventional engine placement.
POWER
Maximum output is quoted at 42hp at 4,900rpm with up to 62Nm of torque. The top speed is claimed at 120kph, with 0-50kph taking 2.6sec and 0-100kph 9.1sec.
Electrical consumption is rated at 7.7 kWh/100km, and the CE 04 has a range of 130km (WMTC).
FEATURES
There are three riding modes -- Road, Rain and Eco, which come as standard along with ABS and traction control (TC). If you purchase the Dynamic package, your CE 04 will get an additional riding mode as well as adaptive headlamps, and the rider aids will become lean-sensitive, which means the ABS and TC will safeguard the CE 04 against a locking or spinning wheel even when it's banked over in corners.
The seat is fixed in contrast to the majority of ordinary petrol scooters, which have removable or hinged seats that provide access to storage beneath. A full-face helmet can fit in the storage, which is cleverly accessed from the side like a pannier or massive glove box.
An additional splash-proof storage compartment for a mobile phone is located up front and is cooled by an electric fan to protect your gadget from overheating. The charging port is located on the right, opposite the phone compartment, and the ignition and both storage compartments are keyless and automatically lock when you walk away from the bike. The 10.25-inch full-colour dash has a connection as well as integrated map navigation.
Weight and CG design
It weighs in at a reasonable 231kg, although that's still 25–30kg heavier than a regular petrol-equivalent. However, the battery cells have been designed to run horizontally just centimetres over the road and all that weight being carefully placed low in the chassis does help with handling.
The CE 04 is narrower than a typical scooter, especially at the rear, and easily glides through traffic, making it simple to manoeuvre through rush hour traffic in complete silence. Showa suspension should provide a comfortable ride at all times.
Yes or No?
If money isn't an issue, the CE 04 is above any petrol equivalent. The BMW is more exciting due to its swift and silent acceleration, and it is easier to commute through the urban jungle due to its slimness, it has a reverse gear, and it is packed with style and technology.
It's a piece of design and engineering genius.
Charging options
Domestic socket
Use the standard Mode 2 charging cable featuring a conventional Schuko plug to simply charge the CE 04 at a domestic socket. With a 2.3kW output, the scooter will go from 0-80% in around three-and-a-half hours using the 5m-long cable.
BMW wallbox
It is possible to use the optional quick charger. At up to 6.9kW and with a maximum charge current, the same 0-80% process will take a mere 65 minutes.
Public columns
Depending on the charging column, you can hit the 0-80%, 65-minute figures.
