BMW CE 04

From a press release by BMW:

The new BMW CE 04 – the silent revolution: A new chapter in electrically powered urban two-wheel mobility.

Urban freedom

“It’s early in the morning. The city is awakening. On the way to my garage I breathe in the still cool air. I’m wear a casually cut parka that’s both fashionable and functional at the same time. The protectors are inconspicuous but give me a sense of security. I’m ready for the day to start.

My BMW CE 04 is in the garage. I am thrilled by its futuristic design style. The low position of the battery gives the scooter an entirely new geometry – a complete departure from previous conventions. I’m glad to see it again. It’s a great feeling – every day.

For me, it’s the symbol of a new era – the era of the silent revolution.

The first birds are chirping, the urban jungle is awakening. The sounds of the city begin to swell. Everything is set in motion. People move – with each other and in parallel. Paths cross.

What will the new day bring? Tapas with friends at the little bar by the river? Or the exhibition at the modern art museum? First of all there are appointments at the office. Workshops, meetings, customer visits. This is what life feels like.

I pair my smartphone with the scooter, and with a flick of my wrist I activate the parka. Its LEDs light up. I’m quiet, but I want to be seen. It’s all so simple and smooth.

We’re off again at last. Even when I was having my breakfast, I couldn’t wait. Not even the birds notice me. I glide almost silently through my neighbourhood. I’m a part of the city again.

People start to look at me at the traffic lights. My sitting position is upright, relaxed. A new message flashes on the display, my smartphone is charging in the storage compartment.

Green light. With the scooter’s torque, I can float away ahead of the rest. I’m a rocket. But a silent one.

I feel as if I was on the Bonanza bike back in the day – cool and superior, but now connected to the world and one step ahead. Technology and style. Is this freedom? Yes – only better. No traffic jams, no having to search for a parking space. For me, it’s all time I save.

Acceleration, speed, bends – the BMW CE 04 doesn’t just master them, it redefines them. I glide through the traffic – the seat itself seems to float. It feels just right. Surfing bends is superbly enjoyable. Pure fun, from wave to wave.

The evening was beautiful, down by the river. We laughed a lot. The city motorway doesn’t forgive mistakes – my scooter sprints away and my parka glows in the dark of night. I’m clearly visible and arrive safely at my destination. Quietly, I glide into the driveway to my garage, again almost unnoticed by the birds. Good night, my city. We’ll be in touch.”

“The BMW CE 04 is our new electric star for the city. It combines an e-drive with emotion and motorcycling fun. The latest technology, and the best battery cells, which also provide power in the BMW iX. Just like the CE 04, all future new BMW Motorrad models for urban mobility will be pure electric.” Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW AG.

The new BMW CE 04 – the silent revolution: A new chapter in electrically powered urban two-wheel mobility.

With the new BMW CE 04, BMW Motorrad continues to consistently pursue its electromobility strategy for urban conurbations. As the final series production vehicle of the BMW Motorrad Concept Link originally showcased in 2017 and the near-series BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 unveiled in 2020, the BMW CE 04 opens up a whole new chapter in two-wheel urban mobility. With its electric drive, forward-looking design and innovative connectivity solutions, the new scooter merges transport and communication functions for a new brand of mobility in the urban environment.

Plenty of power and ample range for supreme riding in the city and in urban areas.

With a maximum output of 31 kW (42 hp), the new BMW CE 04 has a powerful motor and offers outstanding riding pleasure. For the classic “traffic light start” discipline from 0 to 50 km/h, it takes just fast 2.6 seconds. Even in the reduced output L3e-A1 vehicle class, 23 kW (31 hp) drive power is available. The maximum speed of both versions is 120 km/h – for speedy progress not just in the city but on main roads and motorway sections, too.

The new BMW CE 04 has an ample battery cell capacity of 60.6 Ah (8.9 kWh), providing a range of some 130 kilometres (reduced output version: 100 km). This enables day-to-day emission-free riding in the city, in an urban setting and for smaller-scale fun tours after work or at the weekend – with complete peace of mind.

Innovative electric drive with liquid-cooled electric motor.

The new BMW CE 04 has a permanent magnet electric motor mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel, as used in a similar form in BMW cars such as the 225xe Active Tourer. BMW Motorrad conducted extensive riding tests to develop a specific type of recuperation for each riding mode, giving the rider a high-level convenience. This means that optimum performance and riding characteristics are available in every situation on the road.

Short charging times and charging technology based on the system used in cars.

The lithium-ion battery is charged using the integrated charging device either at a regular household socket, a wallbox or a public charging station. When the battery is completely flat, charging time ideally lasts 4 hours and 20 minutes. With the quick charger available as an optional extra with an output of up to 6.9 kW (2.3 kW is the standard level), charging time is reduced to just 1 hour and 40 minutes when the battery is completely flat. If the battery level is only 20 per cent and the battery is charged to 80 per cent, the charging time is reduced to just 45 minutes with the optional quick charger. Depending on the market, the standard charging cable with a charging capacity of 2.3 kW comes as standard with the BMW CE 04.

A Mode 3 charging cable is required for fast charging at the wallbox at home or at a public charging station. In the same way as with BMW automobiles, BMW Charging solutions are available for the BMW CE 04, too – for maximum flexibility based on numerous customised programmes for charging at home, on the road and at work.

Increased riding stability through slip control by means of ASC (Automatic Stability Control). DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) as an ex works option.

This traction control system is available on the new BMW CE 04, comparable to the Automatic Stability Control in BMW motorcycles with combustion engine. ASC limits engine torque in relation to rear wheel slip. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), available as an optional extra, provides even greater riding safety. DTC enables even more safe acceleration, especially in banking position.

Three riding modes “ECO”, “Rain” and “Road” for efficient, day-to-day use as standard. “Dynamic” riding mode for further enhanced riding pleasure as an ex works option.

In developing the BMW CE 04, BMW Motorrad attached particular importance to providing opportunities for the rider to make an individual choice between maximum efficiency and maximum riding fun. Accordingly, the new BMW CE 04 features the three riding modes “ECO”, “Rain” and “Road” as standard. The additional “Dynamic” riding mode is also available as an ex works option, enabling the scooter to accelerate at an even swifter pace.

Directionally stable suspension with one-piece tubular steel main frame for smooth handling and a high level of ride comfort.

The main frame is a tubular steel construction. The front wheel is controlled by a telescopic fork with a slider tube diameter of 35 mm. Rear wheel control consists of a single-sided swing arm. At the rear, suspension and damping are performed by a directly controlled, fully covered spring strut. The new BMW CE 04 is fitted with generously sized tyres, with 120/70 R15 67H at the front and 160/60 R15 56H at the rear.

Powerful brake system with latest-generation ABS. ABS Pro with banking capability as an ex works option.

At the front, a twin disc brake ensures secure deceleration, supported by a single-disc system at the rear. In addition, BMW Motorrad ABS ensures a high level of active safety. ABS Pro, available as an optional extra, goes even further: By means of a banking sensor, ABS Pro also controls braking on bends, thereby offering the greatest possible safety.

10.25” TFT colour screen with integrated map navigation for convenient route planning and extensive connectivity as standard.

The new BMW CE 04 comes fitted as standard with a 10.25-inch TFT colour screen with integrated map navigation and connectivity. Its excellent readability, clear menu navigation and highly integrated operating concept put the new BMW CE 04 at the top of the scooter segment. For the first time, the new 10.25-inch colour screen makes it possible to display a navigation map in the instrument cluster, so no additional display is needed.

Powerful LED lighting units all round. Adaptive Headlight Pro and light functions as ex works options.

The lighting units on the new BMW CE 04 are based on state-of-the-art LED technology. They include a headlamp for high beam and low beam at the front. In addition to a rear light featuring LED technology, there are also LED turn indicators. The indicator lamps likewise use LED technology. Even greater safety at night is offered by the adaptive turning light Headlight Pro, available as an ex works option. Here, the rider benefits from further improved illumination of the road when cornering for even safer riding at night. Special light functions such as “Welcome” and “Good Bye” are also available as ex works options.

Future-oriented design and colour scheme.

The new BMW CE 04 embodies a new, forward-looking form of urban two-wheeled mobility in its design as well, featuring an innovative style that arouses emotions for this new drive technology while instantly identifying the scooter as a member of the BMW Motorrad family. The modern surface finish is in a striking Light White, complemented by matt black sections in the front and side areas as well as the “floating” seat. In addition, there are trend-setting wheels (solid wheels) featuring a disc-wheel look and a side stand that is integrated in the design styling. The new BMW CE 04 in Avantgarde Style (ex works option) is a striking, colourful statement of contemporary urban mobility. In this style, the colour Magellan Grey metallic is supplemented with a black/orange seat, an orange wind deflector and various graphics.

“The new BMW CE 04 is the logical and at the same time rethought continuation of BMW Motorrad’s electromobility strategy. Urban conurbations are its element. This is where it sets a new benchmark – in terms of both technology and visual style.” Florian Roemhild, Project Manager BMW CE 04.

The highlights of the new BMW CE 04:

- Rated output 15 kW (20 hp). Maximum output 31 kW (42 hp). Reduced output version: 11 kW (15 hp) or 23 kW (31 hp).
- Ample cell capacity in the battery of 60.6 Ah (8.9 kWh).
- Range of approximately 130 kilometres, Reduced output version: 100 km.
- Short charging times and charging technology based on the system used in cars.
- Increased riding stability due to slip control by means of ASC (Automatic Stability Control). DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) as an ex works option.
- Three riding modes “ECO”, “Rain” and “Road” for efficient, day-to-day use as standard. “Dynamic” riding mode for further enhanced riding pleasure as an ex works option.
- Directionally stable suspension with one-piece tubular steel main frame.
- Powerful braking system with ABS. ABS Pro with banking capability as an ex-works option.
- 10.25-inch TFT colour screen with integrated map navigation and extensive connectivity as standard.
- Powerful LED lighting units all round. Adaptive Headlight Pro and light functions as ex works options.
- Storage compartments at the side and front. The side helmet compartment can now be operated while seated.

- Actively ventilated mobile phone charging compartment with USB-C charging port.
- Future-oriented design and colour scheme.
- Extensive range of optional extras and original BMW Motorrad Accessories as well as rider equipment.

"The new vehicle architecture with flat storage battery in the underbody is what enables the numerous smart solutions that make the CE 04 so distinctive”  says Clemens Pinnekamp, Project Manager Development BMW CE 04.

Plenty of power for supreme riding in the city and in urban areas.

The new BMW CE 04 is a practical and forward-looking everyday vehicle for the journey from home to the office or to an evening get-together with friends. In short: It is a vehicle for day-to-day use in the city. BMW Motorrad has worked closely on the design of the ride concept to suit this purpose.

With a maximum output of 31 kW (42 hp), the new BMW CE 04 has a powerful motor and offers outstanding riding pleasure. For the classic “traffic light start” discipline, it takes just fast 2.6 seconds. The reduced output L3e-A1-compliant version for the European market also offers excellent performance with a rated output of 11 kW (15 hp) and a maximum output of 23 kW (31 hp). Maximum power is achieved at 4 900 rpm and 4 000 rpm respectively. The maximum torque of over 60 Nm is available from 0 to 4 900 rpm (L3e-A1 version: 0 to 3 500 rpm). The maximum speed of both versions is 120 km/h – for speedy progress not just in the city but on main roads and motorway sections, too.

As such, the new BMW CE 04 offers supreme progress in the city and in an urban environment, as well as on trips across the country – even when carrying two people. And the new scooter can even effortlessly master hill starts with two people on board.

Long ranges of some 130 km thanks to ample battery capacity.

With 60.6 Ah (8.9 kWh), the new BMW CE 04 has an ample total battery capacity and provides a range of around 130 kilometres (reduced output version: 100 km). This enables forward-looking, emission-free riding in the city and in an urban environment as well as on smaller-scale pleasure tours after work or at the weekend.

Once again, BMW Motorrad has drawn on synergy effects with BMW Automobiles as part of the development process. For example, the new BMW CE 04 uses a lithium-ion battery module manufactured exclusively with green power, as in the current BMW iX and BMW i4. Other components for controlling the high-voltage battery system also derive from the passenger car sector.
Developers paid particular attention to the high quality and durability of the batteries here so as to ensure the rider is able to make full use of the long range even after many years of service life and in cool temperatures.

One of the main technological challenges here was to achieve optimum cooling of the high-voltage battery. On the one hand it was necessary to avoid excessively low temperatures due to the fact this results in an enormous increase in the cells’ interior resistance, thereby reducing power. On the other hand, high temperatures have to be prevented since this would impact negatively on cell lifetime. In the BMW CE 04, this is taken care of by an air cooling system. Here, heat is dissipated from the high-voltage battery via a cooling plate with longitudinally arranged cooling fins on the underside of the vehicle.

Innovative electric drive with liquid-cooled electric motor.

Drive power in the new BMW CE 04 is provided by a permanent magnet EMP 156 electric motor mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel, as used in a similar form in BMW cars such as the 225xe Active Tourer. The electric motor is liquid-cooled and the radiator is installed at the front of the vehicle.

The torque is transmitted via a single-stage primary gearbox and from there via the secondary drive with maintenance-free toothed belt to the rear wheel. The total gear ratio is 10.5.

The drive electronics are located directly above the electric motor. This system not only takes care of controlling the electric motor within a range of 100 to 150 volts, it also feeds in rider commands such as the position of the throttle grip. In addition, it decides whether to recuperate and how much recuperation torque, if any, is applied to the rear wheel.

One particular comfort feature of the new BMW CE 04 is the reversing aid. It is activated from the left-hand handlebar panel, and the rider’s attention is drawn to it by the relevant indication in the TFT display. When the activation switch is pressed down, the BMW CE 04 can reverse at walking pace only, making it easier to manoeuvre.

Automatic recuperation during coasting.

BMW Motorrad conducted extensive riding tests to develop a specific type of recuperation for each riding mode, giving the rider a high-level convenience. The BMWC CE 04 is ridden in exactly the same way as a scooter with a combustion engine. The rider does not have to actively initiate recuperation: The vehicle does so automatically whenever possible. As such, the energy recovery system extends the range and increases efficiency.

For example, recuperation commences when the throttle grip is closed, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and – as in a combustion engine – the generator function of the electric motor creates a drag torque which depends on the degree of recuperation. The drag torque generated by the electric motor is like the familiar "engine brake" that takes effect when removing the accelerator in a vehicle powered by a combustion engine.

Short charging times and charging technology based on the system used in cars.

The lithium-ion battery with a voltage of 147.6 V is charged via the integrated charging device, either at a regular household socket, a wallbox or a public charging station.

Increased riding stability through slip control by means of ASC (Automatic Stability Control). DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) as an ex works option.

This traction control system is available in the new BMW CE 04, comparable to the Automatic Stability Control in BMW motorcycles with a combustion engine. ASC limits engine torque in relation to rear wheel slip.

Powerful LED lighting units all round. Adaptive Headlight Pro and light functions as ex works options.

The lighting units on the new BMW CE 04 are based on state-of-the-art LED technology. They include a headlamp for high beam and low beam at the front. In addition to a rear light featuring LED technology, there are also LED turn indicators. The indicator lamps likewise use LED technology.

In the new BMW CE 04, a U-shaped LED light guide, which also functions as the LED daytime running light (depending on market) provides the characteristic image of a BMW Motorrad vehicle, ensuring a high level of recognisability.