BMW Motorrad Unveils
2013/12/17 | By Quincy LiangThe global electric-scooter (e-scooter) market has fallen far short of industry and government expectations for many years, but new initiatives are afoot to pave the way for wider adoption of the eco-friendly two-wheelers. BMW Motorrad is one of the powered two-wheeler (PTW) makers at the forefront of this trend
The Germany company has been working hard in vehicle electrification and trying to find a niche market for its electric vehicle (EV) products. The firm's recently debuted "C evolution" e-scooter, billed as an urban mobility solution combining "dynamic riding fun with zero emissions," presents new hope for the company and the industry as a whole.
In the electric-car sector, Tesla Motors Inc.'s new Model S premium electric sedan provides a useful lesson to global EV makers: the demand is there if the product is appealing and finds a niche.
BMW "C evolution"
In keeping with the BMW Group's sustainability strategy, BMW Motorrad is taking a fully committed approach to electric mobility. As with BMW i, the company's newly announced pure electric car series, development of the C evolution revolved around creating a visionary vehicle concept offering maximum everyday practicality and an inspirational design.
The C evolution is driven by a powerful drive unit with liquid-cooled electric motor and air-cooled high-voltage battery, giving the e-scooter a range of 100 kms (62 miles) under normal conditions. The e-scooter is powered by a drivetrain swing arm with liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor via a toothed belt and ring gearing. According to BMW Motorrad, the rated power output is 11 kW (15 hp), with a peak output of 35 kW (47 hp). This enables the C evolution to achieve a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph, electronically limited) and gives it better acceleration than some maxi scooters powered by engines with displacements of 600 cc or more.
The generous 8 kWh capacity of the air-cooled lithium-ion high-voltage battery allows the two-wheeler to cover a range of up to 100 kms (62 miles) before recharging, which can be done from any power supply. When plugged in to a standard 220V domestic socket with a 12A charge current, recharging fully from empty takes around four hours (with 220V / 16A = 3 h).
Intelligent recuperation and four ride modes ensure riding fun and efficiency in the C evolution. The scooter uses a form of energy regeneration unprecedented on a single-track vehicle. Recuperation takes place automatically both when coasting with the throttle closed and when braking.
Supreme Safety
As part of the BMW Group, BMW Motorrad was able to harness synergies with BMW Automobile during development of the C evolution. The scooter uses the same energy storage modules and electronic components as those in the BMW i3, bringing electrical safety to passenger car standards. The C evolution is the first electrically powered two-wheeler to meet the ISO 26262 standard for functional safety and the ECE R100 standard governing high-voltage safety, both of which have been ratified by the leading carmakers.
As far as the chassis is concerned, the C evolution no longer has a main frame in the conventional sense. The central component here is the battery casing made from die-cast aluminum, which has a steering head support made from steel tubing attached to it at the front and, at the rear, the single-sided swing arm as well as a rear frame, also made from steel tubing. The task of wheel suspension and damping is performed by an upside-down tele-hydraulic fork at the front and a spring strut mounted on the left at the rear. As on all vehicles from BMW Motorrad, the C evolution comes equipped with a safety-boosting anti-lock brake system (ABS) together with powerful disc brakes.
Torque Control Assist (TCA)
The new C evolution is available with Torque Control Assist (TCA), which works in a similar way to the Automatic Stability Control feature on BMW motorcycles with combustion engines. TCA limits the motor's torque depending on the slip at the rear wheel.
To ensure optimum controllability of the drive torque for the rider, the electric motor's control electronics monitor the rear wheel speed and reduce the drive torque if a certain plausibility threshold is exceeded. TCA is a particularly useful aid for the rider when starting and prevents uncontrolled spinning of the rear wheel on road surfaces with reduced grip (for example, on wet cobblestones).
LED DRL
A host of other features further underline the innovative character of the C evolution. For instance, it is equipped with a reversing aid that enables easy maneuvering at walking pace. The scooter is also a first-in-class with its LED daytime running light (DRL), which dims to double as a sidelight. And for added comfort on cold days, there are heated handlebar grips.
A large TFT color display in the instrument cluster offers a wealth of information. Apart from the current speed, the rider is also kept informed of data such as the average consumption in kWh/100 km, total power consumption, battery charge status in kWh, average speed, voltage of the on-board electrical system and the high-voltage system, as well as the remaining range in kms taking into account the selected ride mode. A bar graph furthermore indicates the current level of energy draw or regeneration.
Inspirational Design
BMW Motorrad says that the C evolution also charts new territory in terms of styling and color scheme. Design-wise, the C evolution fits harmoniously into the BMW Motorrad family, while the color combination of light white non-metallic and electric Green symbolizes its ability to blend maximum eco-friendliness with superb dynamic performance.