The Concept Link design study gave an initial preview for the successor to the C evolution electric scooter as early as 2017, when it was shown at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Lake Como, Italy. The Concept Link featured a touchscreen instrument panel and luggage compartment beneath the rider's seat, using space made available through an electric traction motor; the "Link" name referred to internet connectivity features, including the ability to plot routes and select music based on the rider's appointment calendar.[1] As an accessory, a jacket wirelessly linked to the scooter allowed the rider to manipulate controls by making specific gestures.[2]
An updated concept named Definition CE 04 was shown in November 2020 at BMW's "Next/Gen 2020" virtual show; at the time, BMW hinted a closely related production model would follow.[3] The Definition concept included a large screen in the instrument panel, connected to the user's smartphone; the matching riding jacket was illuminated for visibility and contained a pocket that would charge the phone wirelessly.[4] By March 2021, leaked patent images indicated that BMW had completed the design for a production version of the CE 04 with very few changes from the earlier Concept Link and Definition concepts.[5]
In July 2021, BMW officially presented the final production version of the CE 04,[6] which is scheduled to go on sale in February 2022.[7][8] The "04" in the name refers to the market segment (400 cc gasoline-powered scooters) at which it is intended.[9] The suggested retail price is US$11,795 in the United States[10] and £11,700 in the United Kingdom.[11] At Milipol 2021 in November, BMW showed a CE 04 equipped with a police package, which adds typical emergency vehicle equipment including LED strobe lights, siren, additional secured storage, and extra radio.[12]
Design
Styling
The CE 04 implements the styling from the Concept Link in production form with changes to make it road-legal, including mirrors and license plate mounts;[5]The Verge noted the Concept Link looked like "[it would] be right at home in a sci-fi movie like Blade Runner" in 2017[13] and called the follow-up Definition CE 04 concept of November 2020 "straight out of a William Gibson novel. The elongated, low vehicle body and the diagonally rising front end create a clean break from the look of scooters as we know them." Deliberate rear panel gaps were left to provide a hint of the mechanics of the scooter.[3]
Powertrain and battery
The powertrain of the CE 04 is derived from BMW automobiles. The traction motor is a shortened version of the electric motor used in the X3 xDrive 30e and 225xeplug-in hybrid models, generating a peak of 42 hp (31 kW) (20 hp (15 kW) continuous)[14] and 46 lb⋅ft (62 N⋅m) of torque.[10] The scooter can accelerate from 0–30 mph (0–48 km/h) in 2.6 seconds.[14] The maximum speed is 75 mph (121 km/h).
A derating version is available, for driving license reasons and their specifications are reduced to 31 hp (23 kW) (15 hp (11 kW) continuous).[15]
The electric traction motor is mounted to the chassis, not the swingarm, reducing unsprung weight. A toothed belt drive is used to transmit power from the motor to the rear wheel.[9] Three driving modes are available (Eco, Rain, and Road), controlling the amount of throttle response and regenerative braking; an optional driving mode (Dynamic) provides the most aggressive throttle response and strongest regeneration.[9]
The scooter is equipped with a 147.6 V, 60.6 Ah / 8.9 kWh (8.5 usable) lithium-ion storage battery originally designed for the iX and i4.[10] The battery is attached to a cooling plate with fins, allowing heat to dissipate through the air.[16] Estimated range is 80 mi (130 km) and 62 mi (100 km) for the derating version, using the WLTP cycle.[10] It is capable of AC charging at up to 6.9 kW; it is not equipped with a DC fast charging inlet. Charging times (for battery state from 0% to 100%) are estimated to range from 4 hours, 20 minutes (using a 2.3 kW / Level 1 AC supply) to 1 hour, 40 minutes (6.9 kW / Level 2). On Level 2 charging, it takes 45 minutes to bring the battery from 20% to 80% state of charge.[16]
The CE 04 is fitted with mechanical brakes made by the Spanish brand JJuan; the front fork has twin 265 mm-diameter (10.4 in) discs with 4-piston fixed calipers, while the rear wheel is equipped with a single 265 mm (10.4 in) disc and single-piston floating caliper. A two-channel anti-lock braking system from Bosch is fitted; as an option, the ABS Pro system includes a tilt sensor, regulating braking during cornering.[16]
Features
The instrument panel features a 10.25 in (260 mm) TFT color screen with integrated navigation and connectivity with the rider's smartphone through a Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi connection. Additionally, it features a ventilated smartphone storage compartment with a USB-C charging port. LED lights are standard. Traction control is available as an option.[14] An adaptive headlight is optional, which provides additional light depending on lean angle.[16]
A reversing aid is provided, controlled by a handlebar-mounted switch on the left side. When activated, the vehicle reverses at a walking pace.[16]
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