2014 BMW C Evolution scooter

[Richard230]

After years of development, BMW has finally announced that their C Evolution electric scooter will be in their showrooms in 2014.  But I am not betting that it will be introduced to the U.S. market next year.  BMW typically sells the first year of any new motorcycle model in Europe before it distributes the vehicle to the U.S., just in case there are problems that need to be addressed by the nearby factory.  U.S. models will follow a year later - at least.  Here is a link to the Ride Apart article about the new scooter, including photos, a video and comments from both Ride Apart and a few readers.  Nothing about the price, though.  It looks expensive to me:

http://rideapart.com/2013/09/2014-bmw-c-evolution-first-photos-and-specs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HellForLeather+%28Hell+For+Leather%29

[Shinysideup]

From the article:

"That electric motor develops a continuous 15bhp, good for a 75mph top speed, but can peak at up to 47bhp. Combined with 53lb-ft of torque — more than a 600cc supersport bike develops — acceleration is very strong. 0-62mph takes 6.2 seconds.

The 8kWh battery capacity is said to be good for “over 62 miles” of range in realistic city driving conditions while a typical European 220v/12a outlet can charge the battery from flat to full in four hours."

From Wes Siler in comments:

"584 lbs."

ABS, traction control, heated grips... nice.

Cost will mean whether this catches on in Europe. Given the scooter culture of European cities, this seems like a good entry point for BMW's foray into EV's.

I just got back from Basel and I would have loved to have the sport bike/scooter/moped exhaust sounds replaced with some of these.