BMW Motorrad has expanded its business activities introducing two serial production vehicles in 2012 the maxi scooters C 600 Sport and C 650 GT.  Yesterday, 2012/7/27, the C evolution scooter was launched.

     There were two particular requirements for the development of the C evolution: performance figures comparable to those of a maxi scooter with a combustion engine and a long range in realistic conditions of use.

     The highlights at a glance:
     • Innovative electric drive via drivetrain swing arm with liquid-cooled alternator-power electronics and a tooth belt. The alternator is positioned behind the battery casing and integrated in the swing arm.

• 11 kW (14 bhp) continuous output and 35 kW (46 bhp) peak output.

• 120 km/h (74.6 mph) max. speed. In terms of acceleration from 0 to 60 km/h, the scooter comfortably holds its own against current maxi scooters a capacity of 600 cc or more.

• High range of up to 100 kilometres (60 miles) due to large battery capacity. The range is preserved even after many years of service life and in very cold weather.

• Intelligent recuperation in coasting mode and when braking. By regaining energy during coasting or braking, the range of the two-wheeler can be extended by 10 to 20 per cent, depending on riding style.

• Short charging times. The battery is charged via the integrated charging device, either at a regular household socket or a charging station. When the battery is completely flat, charging time ideally lasts less than three hours.

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

• Hybrid chassis with agile handling due to low centre of gravity. The chassis is literally the torsionally rigid battery case. The weight of the vehicle is at a level comparable to maxi scooters with a combustion engine. A 40 mm upside-down fork is equipped at the front. At the rear, a single shock is provided on the left-hand side. The spring travel is 115 millimetres at front and rear.

• Powerful braking system with ABS. Two 270 mm with 2-piston floating callipers are equipped at the front, a single rotor with the same specifications at the rear. Steel braided lines are also equipped.

• Lightweight Metzeler Feelgreen tyres with optimised rolling resistance in the sizes 120/70 R15 at front and 160/60 R15 at rear. Rolling resistance was reduced by 25 per cent as compared to the Metzeler Feelfree tyres. At the same time, the Metzeler Feelgreen tyres provide reduced hysteresis response and a new tread with specially created tread grooves for optimised rolling resistance.

• Multifunctional TFT instrument cluster and LED daytime running light. At the back there is a rear light in LED technology.

• Innovative colour concept and design.

     Comments: The instant torque, (it should be really great by the way), is expected to counteract the low power output.
     It is not mentioned at the press release, any sound producing apparatus enhancing road safety would be welcomed, as electric vehicles cannot be heard easily especially on urban environment.
     On rural environment, due to the silence of the motion, a pedestrian could assume that the road is empty.