Having a BMW electric motorcycle is the next logical step for those who want to have a bike that is both environmentally friendly and also safe. As the demand for greener transportation increases, more and more manufacturers are releasing new models of motorcycles. This includes the newest from BMW, the CE 04.
CE 04
Developed as part of the Concept Link project, BMW has reimagined the electric motorcycle with the CE 04. The CE 04 is designed to be a luxury and eco-friendly urban mobility vehicle. It's built around a compact drivetrain and is incredibly easy to handle. It's a surprisingly quick commuter that delivers plenty of performance to squeeze past traffic.
The CE 04 has a claimed maximum range of 80 miles. It also offers Dynamic Traction Control. This system adds a corner-sensitive element to anti-lock protection. It also offers three standard rider modes: Road, Eco, and Dynamic. The Dynamic mode provides full power and a more aggressive throttle curve.
The CE 04 also includes automatic stability control. The system prevents the rear wheel from spinning when it gets too fast for its ability. It also features adaptive lighting. The CE 04 can cruise at a speed of 70 mph. Its battery can be charged at home or from a public charging station.
A new 2.3 kW charger is also built into the CE 04. It can be used for a standard four-hour recharge. It's also available as an optional 6.9 kW version that will shorten the charge time to just one hour 40 minutes. The CE 04 can also be charged at home by plugging into a normal wall outlet.
The CE 04 is built around a lithium-ion battery. It has a cell capacity of 60.6 Ah. The battery is rated for 81 miles of range, but it's only a fraction of what the bike can do. The battery can be recharged from a public charging station, or at home using a standard household socket.
The CE 04 is not a cheap vehicle to buy, though. Its starting price is PS11,700. The base model only has a 20 horsepower electric motor. The highest-spec test model was priced at PS13,930. The CE 04. Despite its cost, it boasts a number of high-end extras. It's equipped with a USB-C powerlet for phone use, a watertight glovebox, and a flip-down charging port cover. It's also included in an extended warranty.
TVS Motor Company
Having been in partnership for a few years, TVS and BMW have announced a long-term strategic agreement to develop a range of electric motorcycles. The two companies have a shared 310cc platform, which will be used to build new motorcycles.
The first project of the partnership will be a mass-market electric motorcycle. While the first product is not expected to be launched for at least two years, the two companies will develop products that will be exclusive for both companies and sold worldwide. Until now, the two have primarily collaborated on sub-500cc bikes.
The agreement is expected to expand the partnership into new and innovative concepts, creating a global market for the company's aspirational products. The two companies are also discussing new architectures and technologies, and working together to deliver the latest in automotive technology. The goal is to meet growing environmental demands and to provide eco-friendly technology for a changing demographic.
As part of their agreement, TVS has invested $15 million in electric motorcycle startup Ultraviolette Automotive. The Bengaluru-based startup is currently testing the F77 electric motorcycle, and expects to launch it in the first half of 2022. In addition, the company has plans to start production of Chetak, an electric scooter, in 2023.
In the meantime, the two companies are developing other platforms for urban mobility. In addition to the shared platform, TVS will be responsible for designing the future BMW Motorrad products. This will include the supply chain management and industrialization. They are also discussing different mobility concepts and architectures, and will be showcasing their fresh technology in the next 24 months.
While the results of the TVS Motor Company and BMW electric vehicle strategy are yet to be revealed, it is likely that many of the company's existing models will be converted into EVs for the mainstream market. The company is likely to use its engineering prowess and manufacturing expertise to provide world-class quality, while introducing new concepts to the market.
The two companies have already been collaborating on small motorcycles and 500 cc bikes, but this will be the first time they have developed a platform for mass-market electric motorcycles. They are aiming for a global market in the next decade, and are developing products for different segments of the two-wheeler industry.
Future plans
Getting an electric motorcycle on the road is a goal for BMW Motorrad. The brand has shown prototypes of high-powered electric motorcycles. However, it's not clear when BMW will actually make a real-world model. Rather, it's more likely that the company will begin its partnership with TVS on models with lower power.
BMW and TVS have been working on a project that focuses on mass-market electric motorcycles. While it's not yet clear what the actual product will look like, the two companies will produce exclusive products for global markets. They've already partnered on small two-wheelers such as the baby GS and the Apache RR 310. The partnership also provides BMW access to manufacturing technology and engineering knowledge from TVS.
The most important part of the project is that it's intended to be a win-win for both companies. TVS will benefit from the design and engineering expertise that BMW has, while BMW will have the opportunity to offer consumers a unique product in the electric two-wheeler market. Ideally, the two companies will tap into future technologies in the electric motorcycle space and develop a platform to cater to both future electric vehicles and the existing one.
The future BMW and TVS electric motorcycle will be built on a common platform. The two companies will design future products and contribute to the supply chain. Eventually, the two companies will sell their products both in the Indian and international markets.
The main idea of the project is that it's a big step towards the BMW group's goal of having two million electric vehicles on the roads by 2023. However, it won't be available for at least two years. The BMW Motorrad electric motorcycle will be designed for urban environments, not the touring or off-road segment.
It's no secret that the BMW Group has had an eye on the future of electric vehicles for some time. The firm showed off a highly specialized concept bike in 2016 that was a step forward in terms of technology.
The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY is a relatively small motorcycle with a high-tech variable speed limit system. The top speed is estimated to be 15mph, while the range is 68 miles. It has a pedal-less powertrain, but it also has a smartphone connection that automatically limits the speed.
Safety features
Using an advanced electric motor, the BMW C1-E electric motorcycle offers a exemplary level of rider protection. It also provides enough power to make city driving an enjoyable experience. It has a high level of passive and active safety, and is powered by Vectrix components.
The BMW C1-E study was developed as part of the eSUM (European Safer Urban Motorcycling) project. It demonstrates the possibility of two-wheeled single track systems that can be incorporated into an electric vehicle.
The BMW C1-E has a high level of active safety, with safety features such as a self-righting system. This is a useful feature that allows the bike to be more stable, especially when accelerating or braking. If the motorcycle suddenly starts to turn right, the computer will correct the position. The system will also prevent a rear-ender in heavy traffic.
The C1-E also features a self-securing seat-belt for the rider. It works in conjunction with the air vent in the seat back, which directs fresh air from the nose up onto the inside of the windscreen. This is designed to keep the rider's arms from flailing outside the safety cell.
The safety cell in the C1 is made of carbon-fibre, which crushes in a crash from above. The safety cell is mounted on a collapsible "crumple zone" component. It also includes an energy-absorbing impact element at the nose end.
The BMW C1-E's safety features have been enhanced from the BMW C1 two-wheeler. The seat-belt is highlighted in red on the sides of the saddle.
The front wheel is also protected by a hidden linkage, which ensures that the wheel turns with the bars. It also features a brake light system that transmits information on sudden heavy braking to other vehicles. It will warn the driver if they're in a networked car, and can help warn cars behind them to move out of the way.
The BMW C1-E's active safety features include a traffic light phase assistant, which warns the driver of approaching red lights. It will then tell the rider how fast to drive in order to maintain a safe speed. It also communicates with traffic light management systems, which will tell the rider what the appropriate speed to drive in the presence of a green light is.