With a 0 to 60 of 6.2 seconds, BMW’s C evolution is no electric Vespa wannabe

By Peter Braun Published May 1, 2014

It appears that BMW means business with electric motors – and not just for cars. Today the Bavarian automaker announced the release of the all-electric C evolution scooter, bringing us that much closer to finally being able to get that Lightcycle from Tron we have always wanted.

Make no mistake, the C evolution is no tinny Vespa clone, it’s actually much closer to a motorcycle. The design fits into the maxi scooter class between the 600-cc displacement C 600 Sport and C C650 GT. By the way, as a non-motorcycle person, it took me several moments to realize ‘maxi-scooter’ has nothing to do with feminine hygiene. The more you know, I s’pose.

The performance is also on the motorcycle side of the equation. At maximum output, the C evolution can put out 47 horsepower and 53 pound-feet of torque, good for a 0 to 60 acceleration of 6.2 seconds. Compared to a sportbike, that might be small potatoes but it is still brisk enough that BMW has had to fit a stability control system to keep the torque from flipping you off like a rag doll.

As for the practical matters of range and charging, the C evoltion is good – if not spectacular. At a full charge, the scooter will go 62 miles and charge from zero to max power off of a standard 220 volt outlet in four hours. That is comparable with plenty of bigger EVs.

BMW C_evolution — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Impressively, the C evolution can also recoup energy like a hybrid by running the electric motor as a generator off of the coasting energy of the bike. This function can be regulated by switching the system between Eco Pro, Road, and Dynamic. These functions control the amount of power available as well as the degree of energy recovery.

While the total package of the C evolution may not be quite as exciting or wild as some of the other electric bikes out there, like the tire-shreddingly quick Sarolea SP7, or the Johammer J1, which I am pretty sure is just visiting from the future, the Bimmer has some advantages. It will come supported by the entire BMW system, and is based on a proven design. In short, it should actually work the way it is supposed to. And that is worth a lot.

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Peter is a freelance contributor to Digital Trends and almost a lawyer. He has loved thinking, writing and talking about cars…

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eaton treehouse ev charging news releases

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More than 113 years later, Eaton is again seeking to lead innovation in the current energy transition.
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The collaboration also integrates into Eaton’s “Home as a Grid” approach, which supports the two-way flow of electricity, enabling homeowners to produce and consume renewable energy when they need it, Eaton says.
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Projects to change homes and EVs into energy hubs have multiplied recently.
Last month, Nissan joined ChargeScape, a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) venture that is already backed by BMW, Ford, and Honda. ChargeScape’s software wirelessly connects EVs to power grids and utility companies, enabling consumers to receive financial incentives for temporarily pausing charging during periods of high demand. Eventually, consumers should also be able to sell the energy stored in their EVs’ battery back to the power grid.
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Cars

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and EVs offer big incentives as year nears its end

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It’s no secret that automakers and dealerships typically climb over each other to offer the best incentives before the year ends. But this year’s sales season is expected to be particularly competitive, with slowing sales translating to greater urgency to clear inventory.

According to research from Kelley Blue Book, the respected vehicle-valuation firm, overall incentives on new vehicle sales were up by 60% in October compared to the previous year.

Cars

Jeep, Ram EREVs will get 690-mile range with new Stellantis platform

A 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger sits in a vineyard.

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