BMW C Evolution, the evolution of urban mobility

The lines are known, the stylistic inspiration is clear, crystalline, and comes from the first maxi-scooter produced by BMW, the C600. But here, in the C evolution, are more...hi-tech, also thanks to the combination of colours: white, the "energy saving" color par excellence, and green.In short, for those who don't know yet, we are talking about the full-electric scooter from Monaco, which will inaugurate a new chapter in the sector “Urban Mobility”.

Here's how BMW interprets the electric theme. Big lie if I said there is no influence of world “i” on four wheels. Even for two wheels, the game was played on three fronts: creating a cutting-edge vehicle, with a fascinating design and with the maximum level of suitability for daily driving. And then there's room for the electric motor to have fun zero driving and emissions, a new extremely silent driving experience.

We say goodbye to the internal combustion engine with this "electrifying" powertrain made up of a Liquid-cooled permanent synchronous motor, by a toothed belt and a planetary gearbox. The nominal power is 11 kW (15 HP), the peak power rises to 35 kW (47,5 HP). The C evolution reaches a maximum speed of 120 km/h (electronically limited) thus allowing acceleration values ​​to be achieved which partly exceed those of maxi-scooters already on the market. Before needing to be recharged at the home socket, the air-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 8 kWh provides a maximum autonomy of 100 kilometers. With a completely discharged battery, the charging time with a current of 12 A is approximately 4 hours (at 220V / 16 A = 3h).

Furthermore, the search for maximum efficiency passes four driving modes, each of which recovers energy from the release phase and brakes in a different way. In driving mode “Road” the maximum acceleration value, approximately 50 percent recovery in the release phase and full recovery in the braking phase are made available. As "EcoPro” the acceleration and, consequently, the energy demand are limited, but on the other hand maximum recovery is achieved. In driving mode “Sail” the system does not recover in the release phase, so that, when the throttle control is released, the C evolution advances practically free from braking torque. For particularly dynamic driving, in the “Dynamic” maximum acceleration is combined with a high recovery value.

Great attention to safety. The C Evolution, as with its internal combustion "brothers", is made with a steel trellis frame, with upside-down fork and rear lateral monoshock to support the wheels. The brakes are disc with ABS. To support active safety the Torque Control Assist (TCA) which helps to avoid slipping of the rear wheel, especially on wet surfaces during strong acceleration/deceleration phases. However, what characterizes the C Evolution is the central element, the battery casing, built in die-cast aluminum which houses the steering head support in the front section.

The C evolution has an innovative character and it shows. It has reverse gear, LED daytime running lights and heated grips. The instrumentation is a large color TFT display: speed, data relating to average "fuel" consumption, total consumption, battery charge status in kWh, average speed, on-board network voltage, high-voltage system voltage and remaining range in kilometers depending on the driving mode selected guide.