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.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.