The new electric BMW could be the perfect companion to the CE 04
March 23, 2023
BMW it was a reference house in the movement of the two electric wheels. The C Evolution scooter was produced for almost ten years before leaving the market and being replaced by today’s CE 04. Despite the experience in the BMW sector has never produced a real electric motorcycle, limiting itself precisely to scooters mainly intended for driving in the city. Only until today though.
The situation could change soon as BMW’s first electric motorcycle could be an urban-oriented two-wheeler that shares parts with the CE 04, as illustrated in this new patent application. Let’s analyze the drawings together.
The concepts that have been seen in recent times concern the two futuristic Vision DC Roadster and Vision Next 100 which “replicate” the style of the classic BMW boxer and the prototype E-Power Roadster, hampered by its heavy, bulky batteries and a motor from the company’s auto division.
Although the idea of a high-performance, long-range electric motorcycle may be tempting for a certain market segment, concrete examples are extremely rare on two wheels. Although companies of the caliber of Zero and Energica have shown that electric motorcycles can compete with their medium-weight “rivals” with internal combustion engines – albeit at a high price – theand limitations on range and charging speed continue to be a major obstacle when it comes to convincing buyers to finalize the purchase.
The situation changes with the small “engines” intended for everyday mobility. In fact, it is no coincidence that BMW’s first ten years in the electric two-wheeler sector focused on scooters and that competitors are largely following the same path. The next logical step is to use similar technology and performance in a motorcycle package, as seen in this new patent from BMW.
Is the electric G310 coming?
The motorcycle illustrated in the patent is clearly of very similar dimensions to those of the G310, with a shape reminiscent of the G310R, but with a larger front wheel, similar to that of the G310GS. However the striking feature is the layoutwhich appears to “recycle” the components of the CE 04 into a build more compact and with the characteristics of a real motorcycle.
All the elements related to the electric motor seem to have been borrowed from the CE 04. The motor, therefore, would unleash 42 hpwith a torque of 62 Nm, sufficient to compensate for the extra mass of the electric propulsion during acceleration.
Fundamental rotation of the engine of 90 degrees, thanks to which the shaft now rotates longitudinally rather than crosswise. The engine was also angled upward at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The battery pack has also been tilted greatly improving the handling of the motorcycle.
Reusing components from the CE 04, BMW should be able to keep production costs lowAlthough, an electric motorcycle will still be much more expensive than a motorcycle with an internal combustion engine. To get an idea, BMW CE 04 scooter prices start at 13.500 euro.
And would you like to see an electric G310? Tell us in the comments!
