BMW CE 02: A New Way to Ride Electric in the City

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular and diverse as technology advances and environmental awareness grows. BMW, a renowned automaker, has recently unveiled a new electric two-wheeler that is unlike anything else on the market. The CE 02 is a compact and versatile machine that can be used as either a scooter or a bike, depending on your preference and needs. In this article, we will take a closer look at the CE 02 and see what it has to offer.

What is the CE 02?

The CE 02 is a new electric two-wheeler from BMW that is designed to be a hybrid of an electric scooter and an electric bike. It has two 2kWh lithium-ion batteries that can be split and removed. It can travel up to 90km on a full charge.

The CE 02 has a unique design that combines retro and futuristic elements. It has a minimalist frame, a low seat, large wheels, and striking graphics. It also has an LED headlight, a TFT dash, and a belt drive. The CE 02 is aimed at young and urban riders who want a fun and easy way to get around the city.

How does it work with one or two batteries?

Depending on the country, you may not need a license to ride the CE 02 if you use only one battery. This version weighs 119kg and can go up to 45kph for 45km. The other version has both batteries and weighs 132kg. It can produce 15hp and reach 95kph for 90km. You can charge the batteries with a standard or a fast charger.

The CE 02 has two riding modes: Surf and Flow. Surf mode is more playful and allows you to adjust the level of regenerative braking, which recovers energy when you slow down. Flow mode is more smooth and efficient and optimizes the battery usage. You can also get the Highline package that adds a third mode: Flash. Flash mode is more sporty and powerful and gives you the best performance.

What are the features and specifications?

The CE 02 has some features that make it stand out from other electric two-wheelers. For example, it has keyless start, reverse gear, Bluetooth connectivity, and heated grips (optional). It also has a smartphone holder that lets you use your phone as an additional display or navigation device.

The CE 02 has a simple steel frame with a USD fork and a monoshock. It has a single front disc brake with single-channel ABS. It also has a single-sided swingarm that adds to its aesthetic appeal.

The CE 02 has a top speed of 95kph (for the full-power version) and a range of 90km (for both versions). It has an air-cooled synchronous motor that delivers 15hp (11kW) at 5,000rpm (for the full-power version) or 5hp (4kW) at 3,000rpm (for the low-power version). It has two removable lithium-ion battery packs with a total capacity of 4kWh.

How much does it cost?

The CE 02 costs USD 7,599 (about Rs 6.2 lakh) for the base model and USD 8,474 (about Rs 7 lakh) for the Highline model. That is similar to the price of the Kawasaki Z650RS (Rs 6.92 lakh). However, it is much cheaper than some other electric two-wheelers in the market, such as the Ather Energy models or the Revolt Motors models.

The CE 02 also benefits from some government incentives for electric vehicles in India, such as the FAME-II scheme that provides subsidies based on battery capacity. The CE 02 also saves money on fuel costs, maintenance costs, and registration fees compared to petrol-powered bikes.

What do you think of it?

The CE 02 is an innovative and attractive electric two-wheeler that offers a new way of urban mobility. It is suitable for young and adventurous riders who want to have fun and convenience while being eco-friendly. It is also flexible and adaptable to different needs and preferences.

However, the CE 02 also faces some challenges in India, such as the lack of charging infrastructure, the low awareness of electric vehicles, and the competition from other electric two-wheeler brands. The CE 02 also lacks some of the storage space and practicality of conventional scooters.

What do you think of the CE 02 as a city commuter? Would you prefer it over a petrol bike? Share your thoughts in the comments below