BMW's latest affordable electric motorcycle hits the production line

author: FutureCar Staff    

BMW Motorrad has started production of its commuter electric motorcycle, the BMW CE 02, following its recent unveiling. The CE 02 is positioned as a smaller and lower-power alternative to the CE 04 electric motorbike. Priced at $7,599, it is significantly cheaper than the CE 04, which costs around $12,000.

RideApart reports that BMW is partnering with TVS Motor Company for the production of the CE 02. TVS Motor Company is a well-known player in the global two-wheeler industry, with a wide range of motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. The CE 02 is being manufactured at TVS's Hosur facility near Chennai and is set to be launched internationally in Europe and North America, with no specific plans for the Indian market.

The compact electric motorcycle is designed to attract a younger and more urban audience. With a top speed of 59 mph (95 km/h), it is suitable for urban and suburban areas but not for highway use. The CE 02 is expected to come with various accessories for customization, including a removable skateboard that can be used as foot platforms when parking some distance away from the rider's destination in areas that prohibit motorized vehicles.

Similar to Kawasaki's urban electric motorcycles, the BMW CE 02 features a pair of small removable batteries with a total capacity of 3.92 kWh, providing a maximum range of 56 miles (90 km). The bike is equipped with an 11 kW peak-rated motor, making it powerful for a smaller commuter bike. However, the real-world range is likely to be lower than the stated maximum when traveling at higher speeds or using the higher-power riding mode.

It is worth noting that BMW Motorrad recently issued a stop sale notice for its gasoline-powered motorcycles in North America, which was likely due to an emissions issue. The notice has since been removed, but during that time, the electric CE 04 was the only model available for sale.

FutureCar Staff