http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorcycle_manufacturers/bmw/10915636/BMW-C-evolution-electric-scooter-review.html BMW C evolution electric scooter review 23 Jun 2014
[image http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02949/BMW_C_evolution_2_2949819b.jpg The C evolution has a range of about 60 miles. It also handles well ] Is the BMW badge enough to tempt buyers of two-wheelers towards battery power? As the first electric model from a major motorcycle manufacturer, BMW’s C evolution scooter is a significant machine. But it faces the considerable challenge of igniting the market for battery-powered biking. It is five years since the Isle of Man’s inaugural TT Zero race for electric bikes, which triggered a flurry of interest and was followed by US firm Zero launching a range of electric roadsters. But Zero pulled out of the UK last year after selling only a handful of bikes. The C evolution has the advantage of having been developed alongside the firm’s recently released i3 electric car. Its bodywork hides a large aluminium box that contains three of the eight lithium-ion battery cells that power the i3. The liquid-cooled motor, located ahead of the rear wheel, produces a maximum of 48bhp: more than most maxi-scooters, and enough for a top speed of 75mph. And the C evolution benefits from a licensing quirk that means it is rated at just 15bhp – the most it can produce indefinitely – so can be ridden on a restricted A1 licence. With its throttle open the C evolution surges forward at a very entertaining rate, the whine from the motor and transmission soon lost to wind tumbling over the low screen. The four riding modes, selectable from the right handlebar, are much more distinct than most bikes’. Road mode gives a conventional level of engine braking, plus some regeneration to help recharge the batteries; Dynamic mode supplies more engine braking and regeneration; Sail has hardly any engine braking, allowing the C evolution to coast for a long time; and Eco Pro boosts range but cuts performance, so is best left for when the charge level is low. Range is arguably a more important aspect of the C evolution’s performance than its speed. BMW claims that in normal use it is good for 60 miles. This seemed accurate on the launch in Barcelona, where it completed a varied 40-mile ride, at respectable pace, indicating just over 20 miles to go. That figure of 60 miles would make it a practical proposition for many commuters, although its range on a cold night might be substantially lower. Handling is excellent, even though at 265kg the C evolution is slightly heavier than BMW’s conventional C650 GT, itself no lightweight. Firm, well damped suspension allows enthusiastic cornering, backed up by the scooter rarity of traction control. The broad dual-seat is comfortable, but the bulky batteries leave room for only one helmet beneath it. The inevitably high price of £13,500 is balanced to some degree by reduced running costs. A full charge, which takes about four hours, costs less than £2. But the lack of a network of reliable public charging points means that most owners would be forced to recharge it at home or work. If that is a possibility, the C evolution is enjoyable and capable enough to be worth considering. Whether the British motorcycling public is ready for it is another matter. THE FACTS BMW C evolution Drivetrain Liquid-cooled electric motor, single-speed transmission Price/on sale £13,500/now Power/torque 48bhp @ 4,650rpm/53lb ft @ 0-4,500rpm Top speed 75mph (electronically limited) Range 60 miles (estimated) Verdict Quick, fine-handling scooter that is fun to ride, but suffers from lack of storage space, plus familiar electric vehicle drawbacks of high price and modest range Telegraph rating Three out of five stars [© telegraph.co.uk] ... http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/urban_mobility/k18/urban-mobility_c-evolution.html¬rack=1 BMW C EVOLUTION For all EVLN posts use: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/template/NamlServlet.jtp?macro=search_page&node=413529&query=evln&sort=date http://egpnews.com/2014/06/community-calendar-june-26-2014-july-2-2014/ EV Day @White Memorial&MAOF Resource Fair 6/29 1-4p Los Angeles, CA http://www.bbc.com/news/business-27970466 Fit & Leaf EV airbag recall http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140621/A_NEWS/406210328 2yrs/260 San Joaquin County plugin motorists pocketed $.5M rebates http://www.slashgear.com/lapd-adds-zero-mmx-electric-motorcycle-to-patrol-fleet-20334645/ LAPD adds Zero MMX electric motorcycle to patrol fleet ... http://www.complex.com/rides/2014/06/lapd-bought-military-grade-electric-motorcyle The LAPD Copped a Military-Grade Electric Motorcycle http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/company-cars/2014-06/uk-universities-surge-ahead-with-electric-fleets/ 7.73% of 116 UK universities' fleets are EVs http://www.kpbs.org/news/2014/jun/19/sdge-broke-promise-reduced-rates-some-electric-veh/ EV Owners Angry @SDG&E Utility Revoked Low EV Rates & Doubled Them + EVLN: $600 option to use all 36kWh of the 2014 Mercedes B-ClassED pack {brucedp.150m.com} -- View this message in context: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/EVLN-13-5k-BMW-C-evolution-e-motorcycle-handles-well-r-100km-ts-120kph-tp4670162.html Sent from the Electric Vehicle Discussion List mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org For EV drag racing discussion, please use NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
