The new BMW C evolution.

Munich. There have been drastic changes in the requirements for individual mobility concepts, in particular for conurbations. More than ever before, individual mobility is defined today in terms of sustainability. Growing traffic volume, rising energy costs and constantly increasingly stringent CO2 restrictions on vehicles in inner cities - these are the challenges of the future.

The BMW Group has recognised these challenges and is developing serial production solutions to meet the mobility needs of today and tomorrow. As an integral part of the BMW Group, BMW Motorrad is addressing issues of individual single-track mobility and future customer needs and is developing appropriate solutions in response. In this connection, BMW Motorrad has expanded its business activities with the addition of the facet "Urban Mobility", presenting two serial production vehicles in 2011 - the maxi scooters C 600 Sport and C 650 GT.

Following the BMW Group's sustainability strategy, BMW Motorrad aspires to consistently pursue electromobility at this early stage, especially in the urban environment. In a similar way to BMW i in the automotive division of the BMW Group, BMW Motorrad's accelerated development of single-track mobility likewise stands for visionary vehicle concepts and mobility services - as well as inspiring design and a new premium philosophy clearly defined by sustainability across the entire value creation chain.

BMW Motorrad will thus be launching an appropriate premium product on the market in the foreseeable future. The concept vehicle E-Scooter was presented at the BMW Motorrad Innovation Day 2011 as the first development stage in this direction. Due to their limited performance and range, purely electrically powered scooters have been suitable almost solely for inner-city use with a restricted range of operation up to now. With its sustainable technological solutions, however, the concept vehicle BMW E-Scooter already shows a significantly extended range of operation. Shortly after this, the second development stage saw its premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt: the design study of an e-scooter made by BMW Motorrad - BMW Concept e. This embodies the aesthetic vision of an electrically powered scooter.

The third development stage now follows with the "C evolution":
BMW Motorrad presents the near-production prototype of an e-scooter as it might soon go on the market. Since it was conceived as a future-oriented vehicle for commuting between the urban periphery and the city centre, there were two particular requirements for its development: performance figures comparable to those of a maxi scooter with a combustion engine and a long range in realistic conditions of use.

With its deployment of five fully ridable "C evolution" scooters, BMW Motorrad has extended its experience in the field of e-mobility with single-track vehicles and continues to expand its expertise in this segment. BMW Motorrad is also making use of a number of events in Europe to further raise the profile and promote acceptance of single-track electrically powered vehicles, thereby preparing the market for such a vehicle with a view to launching a serial production model. In this pilot phase, the vehicles are being operated in real conditions of use and within areas which reflect their intended environment. The aim here is also to explore the infrastructure, such as establishing a network of e-mobility providers which might include vehicle rental companies and car-sharing firms.

The highlights at a glance:

• Innovative electric drive via drivetrain swing arm with liquid-cooled alternator, tooth belt and planetary gear.

• 11 kW continuous output (homologation according to ECE R85) and 35 kW peak output.

• 120 km/h max. speed.

• High range of up to 100 kilometres due to large battery capacity.

• High-voltage battery with high capacity (8 kWh) and innovative air cooling.

• Intelligent recuperation in coasting mode and when braking.

• Short charging times.

• Synergy effects with BMW automobiles and electrical safety
to car standards.

• Hybrid chassis with agile handling due to low centre of gravity.

• Powerful braking system with ABS.

• Lightweight Metzeler Feelgreen tyres.

• Multifunctional TFT instrument cluster and LED daytime running light.

• Innovative colour concept and design.

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