BMW C Evolution Maxi-Scooter
AutoVolt Magazine|July-August 2017

Paul Blezard gets to grips with the technology of the BMW i3 in a traffic-busting two-wheeled package, with scorching acceleration.

Paul Blezard
BMW C Evolution Maxi-Scooter

I wonder how many Autovolt readers are aware that BMW have been selling an all-electric super scooter for more than three years? Not many, I’ll wager, at least in the UK, because BMW UK has done precious little to promote the C evolution, as it is called. It uses the same technology as the i3 in a much smaller package, but with the same addictive advantages of electric power – neck-jerking acceleration thanks to maximum torque from zero revs. Yet even when BMW had no fewer than nine of these machines carrying marshals in the 2015 London Marathon none of the millions watching realised that they were seeing the most powerful electric scooter that money could buy gliding silently alongside the elite runners, and UK sales barely exceeded a baker’s dozen. In Paris, on the other hand, helped by the more lenient French licensing rules, the C evolution was outselling BMW’s ton-up 650cc petrol-powered maxi-scooters that year and out-accelerating them from the traffic lights with a 0-50kph time of 2.8 seconds and 0-100kph in 6.2.

Yet even at a 2014 launch price of £13,500 in the UK the C evolution had two completely unpublicised attributes which should have been helping to boost sales: it was, and remains, the only BMW you can ride alone on L-plates with nothing more than a one-day Compulsory Basic

Training (CBT) assessment. And (due to a weird quirk in the EU’s EV legislation) … it actually has more than three times the power of any petrol-powered learner legal two-wheeler available!

Now, in 2017, there’s more good news. After six years of lobbying, and a lot of frustrating delays, the government has finally implemented the long-promised Plug-In Motorcycle Grant, (analogous to the electric car grant which has been running since 2011). This reduces the price of approved electric motorcycles and scooters by £1,500 or 20% (whichever is less).

Bu hikaye AutoVolt Magazine dergisinin July-August 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye AutoVolt Magazine dergisinin July-August 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

AUTOVOLT MAGAZINE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
BMW Prices Up All-Electric i4 Saloon And iX SUV
AutoVolt Magazine

BMW Prices Up All-Electric i4 Saloon And iX SUV

DUE for UK launch in November 2021, BMW has released pricing details for the new all electric i4.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 33
Volvo Trucks announces new family of heavy electric HGVs
AutoVolt Magazine

Volvo Trucks announces new family of heavy electric HGVs

VOLVO Trucks will boost its electric truck range in 2022, with the arrival of three more zero emission HGV models. Joining the FE and FL Electric trucks which are aimed at urban routes and use, the new FH, FM and FMX Electrics will cater for the heavier road transport sector.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 33
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTE
AutoVolt Magazine

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTE

Can a hybrid hot hatch really deliver the best of both worlds? Alex Grant finds out.

time-read
3 dak  |
Issue 33
REACH FOR THE SKIES
AutoVolt Magazine

REACH FOR THE SKIES

Electric flying racing cars have literally taken off, thanks to pioneering efforts from the Airspeeder team.

time-read
4 dak  |
Issue 33
POLESTAR 2
AutoVolt Magazine

POLESTAR 2

With motorsport in its DNA, has Polestar cracked the electric driver’s car?

time-read
5 dak  |
Issue 33
HYUNDAI IONIQ 5
AutoVolt Magazine

HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

The retro-inspired first instalment of Hyundai’s new-generation EV line-up has substance worthy of its head-turning styling.

time-read
5 dak  |
Issue 33
Kia EV6
AutoVolt Magazine

Kia EV6

Hot on the heels of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, sister car the EV6 heralds a fresh new design direction for Kia, as well as the first of eleven electric cars (including seven dedicated) to launch globally by 2026.

time-read
2 dak  |
Issue 33
BEAUTY... and the BEAST
AutoVolt Magazine

BEAUTY... and the BEAST

With five rounds, nine teams and no fossil fuels; the first season of Extreme E is a no-holds barred proving ground for next-generation electric technology, and the result of some competing sustainability requirements.

time-read
9 dak  |
Issue 33
Audi prices Q4 e-tron
AutoVolt Magazine

Audi prices Q4 e-tron

THE new Audi Q4 e-tron all electric SUV is now on sale on the UK, with prices starting at £40,750 OTR for the standard model and £42,250 OTR for the more swoopy, coupélike Sportback model.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 33
2021 JAGUAR E-TYPE ELECTROGENIC
AutoVolt Magazine

2021 JAGUAR E-TYPE ELECTROGENIC

The Jaguar E-Type, dubbed “the most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari needs little introduction to classic car fans the world over. Its design is so iconic that the E-Type is frequently credited as blurring the lines between definitions of art, sculpture and vehicular transportation.

time-read
2 dak  |
Issue 33