BMW has been in the electric two-wheeler business for nearly a decade now, all thanks to the 2014 C Evolution and the currently in-production CE-04 scooters. Yet, even with the experience, we haven’t seen an e-motorcycle from the S 1000 RR-maker. Lucky for us, that’s exactly what it plans to do next, as the Bavarian giant has now filed patents for its first electric motorcycle. Like Kawasaki, BMW has its eyes on the beginner motorcycle segment rather than competing with big EVs from Zero and Energica. The E-Beemer will still likely outperform the company’s gas-powered G 310 R, though.
The BMW Electric Motorcycle Will Employ The CE-04’s Battery-Motor Setup
A quick look at the patent reveals a simple motorcycle. But a deeper look reveals the electric Beemer borrows its battery-motor combination from the CE-04. The setup’s been cunningly repackaged into a compact motorcycle engine-like layout, achieved via a 90-degree turn and 45-degree tilt for the motor. Likewise, the battery has a sharp tilt, which creates a tall, short configuration rather than the CE-04’s long, short arrangement. This, in turn, should help raise the center of gravity to aid in sportier riding dynamics.
And before you question BMW’s decision to plonk a scooter’s powerhouse in a motorcycle, don’t forget the CE-04 produces 42 horsepower and 46 pound-feet. This is eight ponies and 26 pound-feet more than the BMW G 310 R–all of which should be much more tractable too, thanks to the absence of a gearbox. We just hope the motorcycle has more range than the CE-04’s WMTC-measured 80-mile quote. That way, weekend rides will at least be an option.
Besides this, the patent reveals upside-down forks, monoshock, and a minimalistic tail. All these could be identical to the G 310 R, which will help BMW cut production costs. You wouldn’t be wrong to expect better features, however, since Bluetooth connectivity, ride modes, and USB charging are all staples on electric motorcycles nowadays. Plus, we might also see a storage compartment (for your knick-knacks) inside the faux fuel tank, hinted by the hollow shape shown in the patent.
The BMW Electric Motorcycle Will Likely Debut Next Year
Considering we’re yet to see the EV in the flesh, the BMW electric motorcycle will likely debut at the end of 2023 or early 2024. And while all the part-sharing will help Beemer cut down on costs, we still expect it cost upwards of $12,000, considering the CE-04 itself retails at $11,795. Though the price will be over twice the G 310 R’s $4,995 MSRP, it’ll still be acceptable by electric motorcycle market standards. After all, the 47-HP Fuell Fllow is priced at $11,995.