BMW Boss motorcycles: electric two-wheelers? In the next five years, only to the city

Last year BMW unveiled two prototype electric motorcycles with impressive looks (Vision DC Roadster) or performance (E-Power Roadster). However, BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Schramm has denied that e-bikes have a chance to conquer a market other than urban transport. At least in the coming years.

BMW Electric Motorcycles - Is the company working on prototypes and saying it doesn't make sense?

The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster (below) is an attempt to adapt the design of a classic motorcycle to electric drive. It is difficult to say for what purpose this test was carried out, since the company has been selling the BMW C evolution electric scooter for several years. But it was done, the prototype was built, and the effects are impressive.

And that's not all: a few weeks ago, BMW Motorrad introduced yet another electric motorcycle, the E-Power Roadster. Its battery is likely 13 kWh (the Vision DC Roadster had 12,7 kWh) and comes from a BMW 225xe Active Tourer. The engine, in turn, was borrowed from the hybrid BMW 7 Series.

Effect? DC Roadster my 1 Nm of torque on the rear wheel and during acceleration leaves behind the BMW S1000R (source, photo below):

Although the company had two prototypes of true electric motorcycles last year, its president has distanced himself from this market segment. In his opinion, in the next five years, yes, we will see BMW electric motorcycles are built for city driving.

But in the touring, off-road or sports segments, Schramm is not waiting for them (source).

> Energica motorcycles (2020) with 21,5 kWh batteries and above

It sounds as if the automaker said, “Yes, we see interest in electric vehicles in many segments, but for us only the regulations and emission standards are important, not some customers. This is why we know that hybrids will win.

> Honda: Hybrids will play a key role. Electricity? And does anyone even want them?

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