BMW’s actually making the futuristic CE 04 electric scooter
BMW’s actually making the futuristic CE 04 electric scooter
For years, we've heard about BMW's electric city scooters, which are not to be confused with electric kick scooters. BMW Motorrad Concept Link, a concept vehicle that envisions the future of expensive micromobility, was unveiled by the German automaker in 2017. Following the November 2020 unveiling of BMW's latest concept scooter, the CE 04, the company is now moving forward with production.
The company announced on Wednesday that the new CE 04 will become an official part of its 2022 lineup, with a global market launch expected in Q1. It's a lovely ride with a decidedly retro-futuristic vibe, evocative of how people in the 1970s and 1980s might have imagined a "futuristic" vehicle would look.
BMW has sold electric scooters in the past. It released the C Evolution in 2014, but it never really took off in the United States. Perhaps it was because it was innovative. Perhaps it is due to the $13,000 price tag.
The CE 04 is priced at approximately $12,000. Now that the BMW Motorrad Concept Link's entire purpose is to provide "a vision of what will be significant in the urban environment in the future," perhaps BMW doesn't care if it doesn't sell like hotcakes. However, until BMW develops a scooter that is significantly less expensive than its gasoline counterparts (a new Vespa costs less than $5,000), the automaker's new scooter is unlikely to take cities by storm.
With a battery pack capacity of 8.9 kWh, compared to the Evolution's 12.7 kWh, BMW should be able to produce this vehicle and profitably sell it for significantly less than the asking price. Particularly given the automaker's increased access to higher-quality technology and the lower cost of batteries today versus five years ago.
According to a BMW Motorrad spokesperson, the CE 04 is priced in the mid-range of the motorcycle market, which is still significantly less than the cost of an electric car.
“For some people, this could be an entry point into electric mobility at a fraction of the cost,” he said.
One with the city
“The new BMW CE 04 is a logical and rethought continuation of BMW Motorrad's electromobility strategy,” said Florian Römhild, BMW CE 04 project manager. “Urban areas are a component of it. This is where it establishes a new standard – both technologically and visually.”
The CE 04 will be marketed as an urban vehicle in Europe and Asia, but in the United States, where that category does not exist, the scooter will target the urban commuter.
The CE 04 has a maximum output of 42 horsepower and a top speed of 75 miles per hour, which means it can travel on America's congested highways. It has an estimated range of 80 miles and can be charged in less than two hours at home or at any public charging station. Riders can select from ECO, Rain, or Road modes to maximize efficiency, or opt for the Dynamic mode, which is included in the Premium package for an additional $1,650.
The avant-garde design incorporates a flat battery in the center of the vehicle for smooth, low rides, as well as the design freedom to incorporate a storage compartment for the helmet and charging cable that is accessible while sitting. The regenerative braking system assists in recharging the battery, which is likely to occur frequently if the rider is in the city.
As with all modern vehicles, the handlebars feature a 10.25-inch color display with integrated navigation and connectivity to the rider's device, as well as a USB-C charging port.
The vehicle is standard in "light white," but you can upgrade to the way more badass "Magellan grey metallic avant-garde" color for an additional $225. Both styles feature vibrant orange accents.
More to come?
“Our CEO stated that because it is a 04, there is space beneath and above the 4, which indicates that there is room for additional electrified scooters in our future,” the spokesperson stated.
BMW has not announced any additional models or a timeline for their production, but the CE 04 is part of BMW's overall plan to deliver approximately 2 million fully electric vehicles to customers by 2025 and 10 million by 2030.
“Things are moving at such a rapid pace that we may see new additions to the CE range within the next year or two,” the spokesperson explained.
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