Driving report: BMW C Evolution

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Driving report: BMW C Evolution

BMW C Evolution: BMW on the eco trip

BMW on the eco trip – six-cylinder freaks and speed junkies may still smile. With the large scooter C evolution, however, the Munich-based company would like to prove how much the topic is important to them. Now they presented the first prototype.

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This is what the future looks like: the battery charge status on the right, the speed in the center and the charge status underneath.

For some the downfall of the (driving) fun society, for others the promise of another 100 years of individual transport: The attitude towards e-vehicles is usually also a question of individual attitudes. But what should a manufacturer like BMW do? The answer can only be a decided both-and, because so far there are no final answers to many questions (development of battery technology, alternative power generation). But there is the C evolution, albeit only as a roadworthy prototype. A large scooter – and thus a vehicle concept that the Munich-based company seems to have been made to meet the requirements in their own specifications. First of all premium, of course, such a supermarket electric gnome would look a bit puny in the model range.

Driving report: BMW C Evolution

BMW C Evolution: BMW on the eco trip

Bmw c evolution

Bmw

Pretty, but not allowed: the C evolution backlit its drive concept on the side covers.

So respect when starting off. With an electric scooter? Just for comparison: the maximum rear wheel torque of a Suzuki GSX-R 1000 is around 600 Newton meters. Fortunately, the matter is not quite as dramatic. It is absolutely convincing. Accompanied only by a slight whistle, the 265 kilogram (C 600 Sport 252 kg) heavy C evolution marches off, converts the commands of the throttle hand (can you say that?) One-to-one into propulsion, shows neither constant speed jerks nor uncontrollable increase in power, in short: can do these things as well as one would wish for many a combustion engine in ride-by-wire times. During intermediate sprints he pushes so hard and silently that even adult men become children again, who look at the multicolor display with fascination to observed the charge status of the batteries and the current status. 

Bmw

Studies and reality: they often do not go together. With the C evolution, yes. There were only rear-view mirrors, large headlights and slightly different proportions.

What do the other reservations do? Lame, honest, boring? Even with the study, the Bavarians proved that the otherness of the concept also leaves room for creative freedom. Of course, the C evolution lost some of its visual dynamics on the way to series production. Nevertheless, it is also a real eye-catcher with headlights and license flat holders, transports the subject of electric just as quickly as the water-cooled motor, which is integrated into the single-sided swing arm very close to the pivot point. 48 HP (35 kW) are at the top, BMW specifies 15 HP (11 kW) as continuous output, the top speed is sealed off at 120 km / h. Much more crucial (and also much more entertaining for commuting) is the torque that is available from the first meter. "Please be careful when starting off", gives Christian Ebner, the technical manager of the project, along the way. "The rear wheel is practically 590 Newton meters from a standstill, and the Metzeler Feelgreen tires with reduced rolling resistance have not yet started."

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Attention high Voltage! The on-board voltage of the BMW C evolution is between 100 and 150 volts. All corresponding cables are orange.

The motor of the C evolution automatically turns into a generator when coasting and charges the batteries again, the harder the driver applies the brakes, but without affecting the normal braking feeling. "During normal driving, one percent battery capacity corresponds to one kilometer", Ebner had previously explained. After 16.5 miles (around 27 kilometers), the display still reports 70 percent Reserve. So that’s largely true, even if the drive behind the BMW tour guide did not allow for full-flow excesses (that’s what you have to call it). If the batteries are empty, around three hours at a household socket should be enough to recharge them. The question still remains: What will a C evolution cost as a series vehicle when it comes onto the market in 2014? As always, the BMWers, who are buttoned up in this regard, are silent about this. After all, so much: the electric scooter does not have to meet the usual return requirements. But there is one thing that bargain hunters can already figure out: At the current price of electricity, the 100 kilometers cost around two euros "Fuel costs" to have. Seriously!

Technical specifications

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Complex, compact – and packed: the majority of the C evolution consists of batteries that form the backbone in the aluminum housing. There is still space for a helmet in the storage compartment under the seat bench.

engine
Water-cooled electric motor with recuperation on the rear wheel, voltage range 100 to 150 volts, lithium-ion storage modules, capacity 8 kWh, integrated charger, charging time ideally around 3 hours, drive unit swing arm, toothed belt.
Continuous output 11 kW (15 HP)
Maximum power 35 kW (48 PS)
Maximum speed 10,000 / min
landing gear
Carrying battery box made of cast aluminum with integrated storage of the drive unit swing arm, rear frame made of steel, upside-down fork, Ø 40 mm, single-arm drive unit swing arm, directly hinged strut, double disc brake at the front , Ø 270 mm, double-piston floating caliper, disc brake at the rear, Ø 270 mm, SECTION.
Cast aluminum wheels 3.50 x 15; 4.50 x 15
Tires 120/70 R 15; 160/60 R15
Metzeler Feelgreen tires
Dimensions + weight
Wheelbase 1591 mm, steering head angle 64.6 degrees, caster 92 mm, spring travel 115/115 mm, seat height 810 mm, weight 265 kg, range up to approx. 100 km, top speed 120 km / h (sealed off).

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