Motorcycle BMW CE 04 2022 | The city without pollution, on two wheels

When we are already building electric cars, why not use the technology to produce electrified two-wheelers? BMW answers this question with the CE 04 2022, an electric maxi-scooter for urban use.

(Barcelona, ​​Spain) Tailor-made for Europe

If there is one common characteristic of the streets of major European cities, it is the dizzying number of scooters that circulate there and the way in which they do so. Weaving between lanes, continual zigzags and even the occasional encroachment in the opposite direction allow the ladies, gentlemen and youngsters riding these little machines to arrive at their destination in record time – and to park there almost anywhere. Chaos that would drive North American drivers crazy, a daily urban broom there. Slim, practical, easy to maneuver and offering 130 km of range, the new electric CE 04 was specifically designed for this environment, but BMW is still offering it here for 2022.

An electric design

Even a complete newcomer to motorcycling instantly perceives the particular aspect of the CE 04’s design. to electricity. The battery pack, motor, and other major components not only come in a variety of shapes, but also offer multiple placement options. In the case of the CE 04, the desire to create an elongated silhouette marked by a bare rear and leaving enough room for a storage compartment in the center led to the choice of a battery pack housed flat under the feet and a motor positioned just behind.

From four to two wheels

The most unusual technical characteristic of the CE 04 is the automobile origin of the main components of its electric motorization. The 42hp motor, for example, is exactly one-third the electric motor of the X1 hybrid compact SUV, while the 8.9kWh battery pack is one of 11 modules that power the German automaker’s iX electric SUV. The motor is liquid cooled, but the battery pack is cooled by the air that passes under it. This is such a unique and interesting case in the motorcycle world, since you literally never see a single automotive part.

Silence, we roll

The procedure for starting the CE 04 voluntarily imitates that of a petrol scooter: “ON” button, brake lever pulled, “Starter” button. “Ready” appears on the large 10.25” screen and despite the perfect silence, the CE 04 is ready. The accelerator responds naturally and, with a start of rotation, we begin to move forward without the slightest noise. Even under full throttle, the CE 04 never emits more than a slight hiss. As for the actual autonomy, it obviously depends on the conduct. In the city, doing everything to drain the battery, we are talking about a hundred kilometers. With more gentleness, the 130 km announced therefore seem legitimate.

A small urban rocket

One of the most fun things to do at the controls of the CE 04 is to wind the throttle all the way from a stop, when the light turns green. The thrust is as immediate as it is surprising and always leaves car traffic far behind. Even at higher speeds, performance is still sufficient, such as when entering the motorway or overtaking on a secondary road, until the top speed is electronically limited to 120 km/h is reached. Note that the CE 04 is equipped with a reverse gear and that several modes can be selected to maximize performance, energy regeneration or autonomy.

healthy behavior

Thanks to a reasonable weight, wheels with a generous diameter for a scooter, judicious weight distribution and good quality suspensions, the CE 04 offers unsurprising behavior that is very easily tamed. Whether it’s knitting through rush hour traffic, negotiating a series of bends or zipping through a fast lane, the CE 04 remains stable, nimble and predictable. The mass doesn’t get in the way during slow maneuvers, while for tighter situations, reverse gear comes in handy. As for the excellent brakes, they are hardly used because of the slowing down caused by the regeneration function.

Conclusion

It’s extremely difficult to imagine the satisfying electrification of a touring bike or an adventurer with today’s technology. But as the CE 04 demonstrates admirably well, the urban mission of a scooter makes an electric version quite plausible. BMW also offers a version intended for police forces patrolling the city for whom autonomy is generally sufficient. Otherwise, barely an hour is enough for a good recharge with the optional fast charger. The $15,000 that BMW is asking for is a considerable sum and reflects the fact that this is new technology. But besides the question of cost, there is decidedly little to reproach the CE 04.

Travel and accommodation costs were paid by BMW.

Bertrand Gahel is the author of motorcycle guide.