All Tests – BMW C Evolution electric scooter test: evolutionary! – A promising electric scooter

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BMW C Evolution electric scooter test: evolutionary !

All Tests - BMW C Evolution electric scooter test: evolutionary! - A promising electric scooter

Presented in its final form in Frankfurt on September 10, the BMW C Evolution electric scooter is currently being tested in France in a prototype version. Site slipped on the handlebars of this 125 cc equivalent for a test… electrifying !

A promising electric scooter

On paper, the promise of. In the first place, it is the first "juice" model developed by a major manufacturer: admit that it is all the same more reassuring than the many "chinoiseries" offered here and there. !

Especially since Behème has solid experience in the field of electricity through its automotive branch: a pledge of seriousness and high technological content. On the other hand, it is accessible to the greatest number: its continuously developed power is announced at 11 kW (15 hp), which makes it the legal equivalent of a 125 cc thermal scooter..

The BMW C Evolution will therefore be accessible to A and A1 licenses, but also to motorists (B license) who have followed the 7-hour training: a panel as large as the reactor of a nuclear power plant. !

Inserted into the swingarm, its motor is powered by an 8 kWh lithium-ion battery. Eight-year warranty, this sophisticated "battery" would be capable of peak power of 35 kW, or 47.6 hp! Enough to make the rear slip when starting without the anti-slip which the standard versions will be equipped with. An essential device as this scooter sends "the watts": faith of MNC, who tested a prototype version without traction control !

The appearance of the C Evolution is reminiscent of the thermal scooters of the range (C600 Sport and C650 GT), but it is only a "family" resemblance. Its design is completely new and first of all does not use a conventional frame: it is the casing housing the battery that acts as a frame-shell, on which are connected a rear single-arm suspended by a combined single-shock absorber and a 40 mm inverted fork.

The single-arm integrates both the electric motor and the water-cooled synchronous electric machine, which drives the rear wheel via a toothed belt. Heavier than the thermal C 600 Sport (265 kg announced in running order against 249), the C Evolution is however livelier: 0 to 100 km / h announced in 6.2 s, against 7.1 s for the thermal. The maximum torque of the electric is given for 72 Nm, when the twin 650 thermal only displays "only" 66 Nm…

The full-color dashboard uses matrix technology TFT discovery on the K1600 and includes all the useful information: odometer, trips, outside temperature, traction mode, remaining range, state of charge in kWh, average speed, average consumption in kWh / 100 km. A bar graph displays the energy consumption and the state of the energy recovery system during deceleration and braking, the gain in range of which is estimated by Behème at "about 10 and 20% possible".

Unlike our test versions, the "real" C Evolution will be enhanced with traction control and four driving modes (Dynamic, Standard, Rain and Economy). The cosmetic will change little, but the backlight of the logo will be dropped, as will the painted cover of the swingarm..

We should also be able to place a full-face helmet in the trunk located under the saddle, for the moment classified "secret-defense" because of an analysis system specific to the prototype … Finally, reverse assistance, non-existent on the proto, will be marketed on the production model.

Easy and efficient

The size of the C Evolution, similar to the BMW C600 Sport maxiscooter, is relatively impressive. Small riders will have to check that they put their feet correctly before making a decision, because the arching effect (the width which requires the legs to be spread) is quite significant despite a relatively low saddle height (780 mm).

As with the BMW C thermal scooters, the unfolded stand activates a parking brake: an undeniable asset on a daily basis, especially when parking on a slope. As on a traditional scooter, once the crutch is folded, we start with the double rear brake action plus "Start". Except that no noise comes to signal the start-up: you must check the digital display, which is also very rich in information..

Even to raise the scooter from its stand, no violent effort is necessary because the weight – placed low since the batteries are flush with the ground, in the box – is not very sensitive. It’s even better as soon as you drive: from the lowest speeds, the C Evolution is both stable and easy: you turn around relaxed … and in silence! The mechanics do not indeed deliver any noise and it is hardly if we perceive the rolling noise of the tires on the roadway..

At the first roundabout, beware of the formidable efficiency of the "watts" reduction! Without traction control – which will be welcome as standard! -, we feel that the available vigor would soon have overcome the grip of the rear, despite the good tire fit retained (Pirelli Diablo Scooter). Here we are quickly in the Chevreuse Valley, where the legal speed of 90 km / h is reached in the blink of an eye.

The acceleration from a standstill is therefore lightning, thanks to the immediately available torque delivered by the electric motor. But the covers are also very convincing! At 75 km / h behind a truck, you don’t wonder if the engine will struggle, as is sometimes the case on a classic 125: you screw and you double, without a shadow of a doubt! The braking is just as efficient, very powerful and dosable, and the ABS is not very sensitive (a little more at the rear, but without this being prohibitive).

On this day heralding the first coldness of autumn, the size of this C Evolution is welcome: the legs and bust are well sheltered and the windshield, low but wide and well-designed, protects the shoulders and body quite well. head. The only downside is a fairly firm comfort: the saddle is well designed, wide and comfortable, but the suspensions are more calibrated sport than comfort..

BMW assured us that this point would be improved on the marketed version: to be checked upon its release, announced for the first quarter of 2014, without for the moment more details on the price plan….

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