Motorcycles

BMW i3 batteries give C evolution e-scooters a handy boost

BMW i3 batteries give C evolution e-scooters a handy boost
BMW's C evolution e-scooter will come in two varieties, both to be launched at the Mondial de L'Automobile, Paris 2016
BMW's C evolution e-scooter will come in two varieties, both to be launched at the Mondial de L'Automobile, Paris 2016
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The new C evolution is very similar to the old model looks wise
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The new C evolution is very similar to the old model looks wise
The C evolution has benefitted from the latest in battery technology
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The C evolution has benefitted from the latest in battery technology
There are two C evolutions available, a full performance version and an A License version for Europe
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There are two C evolutions available, a full performance version and an A License version for Europe 
The C evolution is unmistakably a BMW
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The C evolution is unmistakably a BMW 
The scooter will hit 129 km/h in its more powerful guise
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The scooter will hit 129 km/h in its more powerful guise 
Full power models are blessed with a more exciting graphic on the flank
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Full power models are blessed with a more exciting graphic on the flank
The grips on the new BMW C evolution
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The grips on the new BMW C evolution
The grips on the new BMW C evolution
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The grips on the new BMW C evolution
The display carries over from the last C evolution
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The display carries over from the last C evolution 
The display carries over from the last C evolution
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The display carries over from the last C evolution 
BMW's scooters are quick and practical
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BMW's scooters are quick and practical 
The new charge cable is slimmer than before
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The new charge cable is slimmer than before 
The two C evolution models side-by-side
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The two C evolution models side-by-side 
The C evolution will cover between 100 and 160 km on a charge
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The C evolution will cover between 100 and 160 km on a charge
The C evolution has gained a bit of range and performance, thanks to developments made by the "i" division at BMW
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The C evolution has gained a bit of range and performance, thanks to developments made by the "i" division at BMW 
BMW's C evolution e-scooter will come in two varieties, both to be launched at the Mondial de L'Automobile, Paris 2016
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BMW's C evolution e-scooter will come in two varieties, both to be launched at the Mondial de L'Automobile, Paris 2016
The full color display was a highlight of the last C evolution, and carries over to this model
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The full color display was a highlight of the last C evolution, and carries over to this model 
Just plug in and play with the new C evolution
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Just plug in and play with the new C evolution 
The new C evolution gets on the move in its natural habitat
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The new C evolution gets on the move in its natural habitat 
The new C evolution gets on the move in its natural habitat
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The new C evolution gets on the move in its natural habitat 
View gallery - 20 images

When it's not turning out fire-breathing super bikes, BMW Motorrad has a knack for fun little scooters. In Sport and GT form a well-ridden C650 scooter can mix it with sports bikes, and the C evolution puts a touch of iPerformance electric power into a congestion-fighting package. It's the C evolution which has come in for some attention, with the fitment of high capacity batteries from the i3 for better range and performance.

There will be two models in the new and improved C evolution range, designed to cater to long range commuters and new inductees into the two-wheeled world. In full powered, Long Range form, there's 19 kW (26 hp) of power on tap for a top speed of 129 km/h (80 mph). That's 8 kW (11 hp) more than the outgoing model could manage, although both the old and new scooter share the same 35 kW (47 hp) peak output.

Extra power aside, the new Long Range bike has been given a significant range boost. Thanks to more energy dense 94-Ah batteries from the recently refreshed i3, 160 km (99 mi) of range is now possible on the one charge, which is an improvement of 60 km (37 mi) on the old model.

The new C evolution is very similar to the old model looks wise
The new C evolution is very similar to the old model looks wise

Alongside the Long Range model will be a less powerful European version, designed to meet the limitations of the A1 driving license. There's 11 kW (15 hp) of continuous power from the motor, with the same 35 kW (48 hp) peak as its bigger brother. Top speed is pegged at 120 km/h (75 mph), and there's around 100 km (62 mph) on offer from the battery pack.

Alongside the performance improvements, BMW has worked to refine the details of its electric commuter. The integrated charging cable is now slimmer than before, and a new set of paint and trim finishes give buyers the opportunity to further customize their ride. Beyond the trim options, very little has changed on the C evolution. The same color display that won so many fans on the old model carries over, and the bars and seating position are standard BMW fare.

The current C evolution is already available in Europe and the UK, but the new models, which will make their world premiere at the Mondial de L'Automobile, Paris 2016, will also be available in the US, Japan, South Korea and Russia.

Source: BMW

View gallery - 20 images
7 comments
7 comments
Gizmowiz
Finally.
JanVejbor
What matters probably more than the range improvement is the price. With the current price of around 16 k €, the machine costed the price of two small cars. Ok, motorcycles have never been a low-price toy, neither are electric vehicles as such. Nevertheless the L3e (>85 km/h) e-scooter market was never more stretched than in recent years where one could buy either a 5k € chinese E-Scooter with a poor reliability and finish, or this 16 k € bimmer. In my opinion even in spite of being a premium line, this scooter should not cost more than 8-9 k € before incentives if BMW wants to get some market advantage.
ChairmanLMAO
There must be rules somewhere that says if its electric it must be ugly. Wouldn't want to appeal to the masses and drive customers away from our bread and butter.
dhz
So now with the extra range and power the BMW is still slower, far heavier, and has 35% less range than the ZEV Electric LRC 15 while costing $4,000 more than the ZEV? To match the BMW range and speed specs equally, ZEV sells a model S8500LR at $8900. Lot more reasonable for the performance offered.
benito
Eligible for tax credits? Inquiring minds want to know
Tom Lee Mullins
I think that is really nice. It seems electric vehicles are becoming a viable alternative to gas powered ones.
LarryWolf
DHZ is right. BMW is too little too late and a joke.