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Harley-Davidson plugs LiveWire back in

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Production of the Harley-Davidson electric LiveWire motorcycle has started again after being stalled a few days this week over a problem with one home charger.

The company says it was only a “single occurrence”. There was no problem with the motorcycle, only the charger.

“We take pride in our rigorous quality assurance measures and our drive to deliver the world’s best motorcycles,” their press statement says.

They had asked owners only to charge their bikes with the DC fast charger supplied at some HD dealerships. However, they say it is now safe to use any method to charge them.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycleHarley-Davidson's electric LiveWire short circuit
LiveWires on DC fast chargers

Even though it doesn’t arrive in Australia until late next year, Harley-Davidson Australia had issued this statement:

As we lead in the electrification of motorcycles, we have delivered our first LiveWire motorcycles to authorized LiveWire dealers. We recently discovered a non-standard condition during a final quality check; stopped production and deliveries; and began additional testing and analysis, which is progressing well. We are in close contact with our LiveWire dealers and customers and have assured them they can continue to ride LiveWire motorcycles. As usual, we’re keeping high quality as our top priority.

We also asked how many Aussie orders they had and how many dealers were installing the DC fast charger:

We are not in a position to share any specific details and we are currently working closely with our dealer network as we get ready to welcome what will be a very exciting product for Australian and New Zealand customers.

Phone and other electrical devices can have issues with chargers overheating and causing a fire.

In March, the entire fleet of 18 Energica electric motorcycles for the MotoE series were destroyed in a blaze that was blamed on a short circuit in one of the charging units.

electric garage fire energica short circuit
Energica garage explodes in flame

Electric fires

Electric vehicle and charger fires can be caused by short-circuits, power surges, impact, excessive discharge or overheating.

They also cause special concerns for fire fighters.

Lithium batteries are obviously made with lithium which is highly flammable and stored in mineral oil.

short circuit
Tesla goes up in flames

While it is not toxic, it can cause nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue and a dazed feeling.

Electric vehicle and battery fires can also release sulphuric acid, carbon monoxide, copper and cobalt.

Fire fighters can’t douse the flames with water as the high voltage can cause an electric shock or electrocution.

Instead, they have to disconnect the power supply (usually an orange plug) and contain the fire to let it burn itself out.

LiveWire short circuit

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle electric highways short circuit
Riding the LiveWire in Orgeon

This temporary hiccup with Harley’s electric motorcycle program follows a month delay in deliveries to US dealerships where it has created a lot of interest, but not a lot of sales.

Buyers are apparently baulking at the $US29,990 price (about $A44,000).

Some dealers are even rejecting the expensive DC fast-charger installation which is a requirement of being able to sell the bike.

PR exercise

So Harley has two major PR exercises going at the moment to rescue the LiveWire.

Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor are currently shooting Long Way Up from the bottom to the top of the Americas, riding LiveWire motorcycles.

Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire
Ewan and Charley pack their LiveWire bikes for the trip

And now HD has brought in Hollywood action star Jason Momoa who plays Aquaman and Khal Drogo to test ride the bike.

“Harley wanted me to test one of the new LiveWires, I was kind of like ehhh. I like the idea of it but I wanted to hear it,” says Jason who is more at home on pushrod fuel burners.

While filming on the Gold Coast in 2017, he took delivery of a Softail.

Now he says he is stoked by the electric bike.

“I have never been on anything this fast, it kind of blew my mind,” he says.

“I am in love with it, it’s amazing and I look forward to the future of many more of these bikes.

“It’s so fast, faster than I need, it’s amazing. It’s good for the planet, beautiful, we’re moving with the times.

“Best part is, it’s the future. You can have this and your old one. It’s amazing.”

Harley is going to need a lot of star power to help the LiveWire over this current short circuit!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Yamaha steps up its electric program

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Yamaha is stepping up its electric program with removable batteries, but not in a full-size electric motorcycle.

That’s probably just as well as Harley-Davidson has hit a short circuit with the introduction of its LiveWire.

Instead, Yamaha will unveil two electric scooters, an electric bicycle, an electric mobility scooter and an electric personal scooter at next week’s 46th Tokyo Motor Show.

Yamaha has not revealed many details of its new electric program at the Tokyo show, but they do promise fast-charging, extra range and removable batteries.

Electric program

So far, Yamaha has only produced the electric PES1 (Passion Electric Street) road bike and PED1 (Passion Electric Dirt), but neither is available in Australia.

In June, Yamaha unveiled their EC-05 electric scooter with Gogoro lithium-ion battery packs you can easily swap at a convenient roadside vending machine.

Yamaha Gogoro battery swap electric scooter
Yamaha electric scooter with removable Gogoro battery

Yamaha was also recently believed to be co-operating with the other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers to standardise electric motorcycle and scooter technology, including charging infrastructure and swappable battery packs.

In Tokyo they will unveil the small E02 scooter and classic-looking E-Vino, both with removable batteries.

There will also be a YPJ-YZ pedal-assisted e-bike, an electric tilting three-wheelers mobility scooter, and the electric Land Link Concept.

The latter uses artificial intelligence image recognition technology to autonomously move over “vast” outdoor terrain. It is likely designed to transport cargo.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley-Davidson LiveWire hits short circuit

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Harley-Davidson’s electric LiveWire motorcycle has hit a short circuit with production stopped for a “nonstandard condition” involving the home charger.

The company has asked owners only to charge their bikes with the DC fast charger supplied at some HD dealerships.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycleHarley-Davidson's electric LiveWire short circuit
LIveWires on DC fast chargers

There is no other information from the company.

Even though it doesn’t arrive in Australia until late next year, we asked Harley-Davidson Australia for comment and received an unusual stoney silence.

Which leaves us speculating.

The strongest possibility is that the home chargers overheat which could cause a fire.

In March, the entire fleet of 18 Energica electric motorcycles for the MotoE series were destroyed in a blaze that was blamed on a short circuit in one of the charging units.

electric garage fire energica short circuit
Energica garage explodes in flame

Electric fires

Electric vehicle and charger fires can be caused by short-circuits, power surges, impact, excessive discharge or overheating.

They also cause special concerns for fire fighters.

Lithium batteries are obviously made with lithium which is highly flammable and stored in mineral oil.

short circuit
Tesla goes up in flames

While it is not toxic, it can cause nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue and a dazed feeling.

Electric vehicle and battery fires can also release sulphuric acid, carbon monoxide, copper and cobalt.

Fire fighters can’t douse the flames with water as the high voltage can cause an electric shock or electrocution.

Instead, they have to disconnect the power supply (usually an orange plug) and contain the fire to let it burn itself out.

LiveWire short circuit

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle electric highways short circuit
Riding the LiveWire in Orgeon

This short circuit to Harley’s electric motorcycle program follows a month delay in deliveries to US dealerships where it has created a lot of interest, but not a lot of sales.

Buyers are apparently baulking at the $US29,990 price (about $A44,000).

Some dealers are even rejecting the expensive DC fast-charger installation which is a requirement of being able to sell the bike.

PR exercise

So Harley has two major PR exercises going at the moment to rescue the LiveWire.

Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor are currently shooting Long Way Up from the bottom to the top of the Americas, riding LiveWire motorcycles.

Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire
Ewan and Charley pack their LiveWire bikes for the trip

And now HD has brought in Hollywood action star Jason Momoa who plays Aquaman and Khal Drogo to test ride the bike.

“Harley wanted me to test one of the new LiveWires, I was kind of like ehhh. I like the idea of it but I wanted to hear it,” says Jason who is more at home on pushrod fuel burners.

While filming on the Gold Coast in 2017, he took delivery of a Softail.

Now he says he is stoked by the electric bike.

“I have never been on anything this fast, it kind of blew my mind,” he says.

“I am in love with it, it’s amazing and I look forward to the future of many more of these bikes.

“It’s so fast, faster than I need, it’s amazing. It’s good for the planet, beautiful, we’re moving with the times.

“Best part is, it’s the future. You can have this and your old one. It’s amazing.”

Harley is going to need a lot of star power to help the LiveWire over this current short circuit!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Electric Honda motorcycles may warn pedestrians

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Future Honda electric motorcycles and scooters might feature an alarm to warn pedestrians unaware of the approaching quiet vehicle.

Japanese company has secured a patent through the Indian patent office for the device.

Honda’s compact alarm device fits under the seat with speakers on the front of the bike.

It features an audio processor that sounds the alert and controls the sound level depending on the time and the level of surrounding environmental noise.

We imagine it would be similar to the beeping tone on some vans and trucks when they are in reverse to warn pedestrians.

Most electric motorcycle and scooters make no more noise than a bicycle, so pedestrians could step out in front of them, causing a collision.

While it may be a safety device for both the rider and pedestrian, it could make traffic noise even more annoying than it is now.

Honda patents

This latest patent from Honda continues its blitzkrieg of patent applications.

honda patent drum brakes variable riding position emotions
Honda patent for variable riding position

This is one of many patents Honda has lodged in the past year and we are not sure how many of these they will put into production.

This new patent join the following from Honda over the past year:

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Why you need to buy an electric motorbike in 2019

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(Sponsored post)

In modern society, eco-friendly products are getting more and more popular. People want to make an effort in order to save our planet. Electric cars are widely used all over the world when electro motorbikes are just gaining popularity.

Electric motorbikes are not powered by fuel, but by batteries, and they have a special electric motor. What is really comfortable about them, that the batteries can be charged at your regular socket right at your home. While the battery is charging, you can relax at home and enjoy your favorite hobby – read, watch movies, play online casino. If you are looking for a nice and unusually designed gambling platform, we recommend checking Ignition casino review where you can find a lot of online gambling tips.

5 reasons why you need an electric motorcycle

If you are reading this article, you are considering buying an electric bike. Before making a final decision, check the 5 main advantages.

  1. It is silent – you will not be annoyed by the sound the fuel motorbike makes. If you ride it on an empty road, you will hear nothing but your thoughts.
  2. All those features that fuel bike offers – you will not feel any discomfort as you will have all the features you are used to; also, you are not limited in speed.
  3. No spending on maintenance – there is no need to check the engine oil, time belts, or clutch. You do not need to spend additional money on it.
  4. No need to look for petrol stations – just charge your battery overnight when you need it, as it takes 6-8 hours to charge it fully. No need to be worried if there is a petrol station on the way.
  5. Prices are going down – today, an electric motorbike is still more expensive than a fuel one. However, as the popularity of electric bikes is growing rapidly, the prices tend to get lower and lower.

    BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster electric boxer electromobility
    BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster electric boxer

Electric motorbikes seem to be a good decision for those who care about global warming and pollution.

Electric motorbike insurance

When it comes to insurance, it is still a bit difficult with electric motorbikes. They are still considered as a risky vehicle because pedestrians might not hear you coming. The silence does not work well here. Also, electric motorcycles are used in urban areas, so there is always a risk of an accident on the road or theft. That is why it is important to get your vehicle insured. Even when it is a bit difficult now, anyway, most insurance companies offer a good insurance plan for your electric motorbike. Check the plans of different companies and choose the best for your needs.

License to ride an electric motorbike

Do not confuse electric motorcycles with electric bicycles. When it comes to a bicycle, everyone can ride it without any special license. When it comes to an electric motorbike, they are only allowed to be ridden by a person over 16 years old. Also, a driving license is the same as for petrol bikes.

Two of the most famous electric motorbikes offered are the Harley-Davidson LiveWire and Honda CR-E. But you can choose from a wide range of models available on the market today.

If you care about nature and want to decrease pollution, if you are open to new innovations and inventions, you should consider an electric motorbike. The future is here, and it is already available to us. Start saving the planet from small things and riding an electric device is a big step to planet-saving.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Designer suggests electric Ducati Monster

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Young designer Alessandro Lupo has designed an electric Ducati Monster to inspire the iconic Italian company to pursue a “new beginning”.

Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali rides a Hypermotard converted to electric power with a Zero FX powertrain and recently said the company is about to join the electric bike race.

Alessandro, who is a designer at exotic car company Pagani Automobili, says his “desire would be to work for Ducati”.Designer suggests electric Ducati Monster

After reading that Ducati wants to make an electric motorcycle, I thought the Monster project could be ideal,” the Panigale 959 rider says.

“Monster is the Ducati icon, so it could be a new beginning. I hope Ducati can see my idea and be inspired by it.”

An electric Monster also makes a lot of sense as most electric motorcycling in the near future is expected to be short distance and commuting, because of the limited range and long recharge times.

“Given the rumour of a Ducati interest in making an electric motorcycle, I wanted to imagine how this could appear if it became a reality,” Alessandro says.

Noticeably, he has retained chain drive, but it must be one gear as there is no clutch.Designer suggests electric Ducati Monster

Electric Ducati Monster

Here is Alessandro’s video and his electric concept in his own words:

Mixing the vintage style of the Cafe Racer, the beauty of the Ducati brand and the architecture of an electric motorcycle, I designed the Ducati Monster Electric Concept.

Aesthetically appealing; to give the sensation of speed, most of the volumes fall on the front.

This means that the tank is very low and almost invades the front wheel and the rear has no tail, so as to give greater optical lightness and make the tire appear even larger.

This presents the typical trellis frame fixed no longer to the engine but to the battery which, placed inside a carbon cover, becomes structural.

The tank, of considerable size, no longer has the traditional fuel reserve function. This becomes a convenient trunk to store the helmet and various objects. In addition, the “fake” tank is composed of two easily interchangeable side covers to update the style.

The bike, with the combination of materials such as ABS, brushed aluminum and carbon, creates distinct “zones” that at the same time form part of the same assembly.

The meticulous research of the details (like the components milled from full with angles of 45 ° and brushed) must give the perception of “premium”. A luxury that is now present in cars but not in motorcycles.

The cycling odds are more like a sport bike than a naked one, to make the most of a powertrain with lots of torque.

Ducati amps up

At a student event in Spain this year, the Ducati boss told the crowd: “The future is electric, we’re not far from starting series production.”

It’s no news that Ducati has been considering an electric model since about 2017 when a Ducati executive revealed they had electric plans for a motorcycle and a scooter by 2021.

In the same year, VW Group Chairman Matthias Mueller upped the ante saying Ducati would have an electric motorcycle “by 2020”.

Ducati has also collaborated with Milano Scuola Politecnica di Design (Design Polytechnic School) students to produce the futuristic Ducati Zero electric sports bike.

Ducati Zero electric concept 2020 electric bike race
Ducati Zero electric concept
And, in preparation for electric motorcycles and scooters, Ducati introduced their first e-mountain bike, the MIG-RR, at the ECMA motorcycle show in Milan last November.

electric bike race
Ducati MIG-RR electric mountain bike

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Electric cop bike monitors bad drivers

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An unmarked electric cop motorcycle is being used as a quiet stealth tool to monitor drivers who fail to see riders on the road in a motorcycle safety program.

In just two weeks, the motorcycle safety project by West Midlands Police, UK, has led to 84 drivers being stopped for endangering riders.

Some are being prosecuted for offences such as dangerous driving and driving without due care and attention.

Others were “warned and educated about their potentially fatal actions behind the wheel”, West Midlands Police tell us.

While riders were also monitored for road offences, only one was charged for dangerous riding.

Video evidence

Plain-clothed police riding the electric motorcycle (probably a Zero SR/F) while wearing a body cam have captured some crazy driving putting them and other riders at risk.

It’s a good example for other motorcycle police around there world to follow to alert drivers of the danders they put riders in as well as making riders more aware of the dangers.

West Midlands Police officer Sergeant Jon Butler says the use of an unmarked electric motorbike allows police to “observe actions on the roads and take action where appropriate”.

“It’s not just about enforcement but educating road users about the need to be aware of who is around them and how their actions can put others at risk.”

Electric cop bikes

West Midlands Police say there are “environment benefits to the (electric) bike”.

They wouldn’t supply a photo of the electric cop bike nor confirm the brand and model, but they say the “range varies, but can get approximately 140 miles (about 250km) a day”.

We suspect it’s a new Zero SR/F based on the dashboard.

Zero SR/F
Zero SR/F dashboard

Zero Motorcycles makes specific electric cop bikes which have been used by many police and emergency services around the world.

BMW scooter for police
Electric BMW police scooter

Police departments in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong and Canada are now using electric motorcycles and scooters from other companies including BMW.

But don’t expect to be pulled up by a silent cop in Australia any time soon.

Australian police evaluated the DS Police motorcycle, but then Zero pulled the plug on our market in 2017 citing unfavourable exchange rates and taxes.

Zero electric DS police motorcycle
Zero electric DS police motorcycle

Zero DS Police Motorcycles come with pursuit emergency lighting and sirens, safety components and specially designed luggage compartments to carry gear, patrol items and emergency medical equipment.

However, the bike used by West Midlands Police was unmarked for obvious stealth reasons.

They say the operation will continue, particularly focussing on collision hotspots, usually near junctions.

“Those stopped will be reminded of the need to be aware of other road users and the risks of being distracted,” police say. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire

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Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman are riding specially equipped Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycles with dual-sport tyres and wire wheels.

Last week we confirmed that their third travel documentary, Long Way Up, from Tierra del Fuego, South America, to Los Angeles would feature the electric bikes.Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire

Now Instagram photos and ADV Pulse show the bikes are equipped with wire wheels and dual-sport tyres for the many kilometres of unpaved road ahead.

It must be cold, because they also have handlebar gauntlets to keep the chill off their hands.

We wonder how that cold will affect the LiveWire’s 150km of highway range.

Other modifications for the trip include: windscreens, engine guards, highway pegs, bash plates, auxiliary lights, saddlebags and fender bags.

They also seem to have removed the rear guard and plate holder.

They are being supported by two electric Rivian R1T pick-up trucks which have 650km of range.

Charley and Ewan are also supported by two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4WD vans and a Ford F350 pickup truck, so we suspect they are carrying DC fast chargers with them. 

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle
Mobile DC fast chargers at work

Harley claims their Fast Charge (DCFC) technology will recharge a flat battery to 80% in 40 minutes and full in 60 minutes.

The trip may just do for electric motorcycles, particularly the LiveWire, what Long Way Round and Long Way Down did for adventure riding and the BMW GS range.Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle

Long time coming

The long-awaited third Ewan and Charley travel documentary has been a long time coming.

Charley has been telling us they have been planning their Long Way Up America trip for about 10 years.

The problem has been that Ewan has been so busy with Hollywood movies he could not afford a few months off.

There was also the fact that Ewan is ambassador for Moto Guzzi and Charley is ambassador for Triumph.

The pair rode BMWs in their 2004 Long Way Round and 2007 Long Way Down.

In 2015, Ewan said he may ride from California to the tip of South America on a Moto Guzzi Stelvio. That never happened and the Stelvio was retired a year later.

Charley told us last year that Ewan’s relationship with Moto Guzzi would not necessarily foil their plans:

We’ve been talking about it a long time and if the stars align we will do something like a Long Way up from Tierra Del Fuego to Alaska in the next couple of years. It really is close now. Ewan’s always had a loose relationship with Moto Guzzi so there’s no conflict there.

But rather than Moto Guzzi and Triumph, the pair have opted for the new Harley-Davidson LiveWire.

While it was thought they would go all the way to Alaska, Charley recently said the ride would go from Argentina to LA.

Maybe they don’t want to cover the same territory through Canada and Alaska that they did in the Long Way Round.

Long Way Back

It’s been a long time between trips for Ewan and Charley.

From 14 April 2004 to 29 July 2004, they rode across Europe and the USA in Long Way Round and from 12 May to 4 August 2007 they rode from the top of Scotland to Cape Town in South Africa for Long Way Down.

With Ewan becoming increasingly busy with Hollywood movies, Charley squeezed in the 2006 Dakar rally for his series, Race to Dakar, and has produced several other travel shows.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Can-Am unveils electric prototypes

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Among the 2020 line-up of Can-Am Spyder and Ryker roadsters unveiled last week is a range of electric two- and three-wheeler prototypes.

The Canadian company is short on details, but the Ryker EV (above) appears to be the same structure as the current Ryker, only powered by an electric motor. They also unveiled the TWeLVE electric leaning three-wheeler.

Can-Am Twelve prototypes
Can-Am TWeLVE

Electric three-wheelers makes a lot of sense because battery weight and size is not as big an issues with motorcycles.

Yet Can-Am also showed the CT1 electric scooter and CT2 electric motorcycle.

Can-Am electric bikes prototypes
Can-Am electric scooter and motorbike

While technical details of these prototypes are not available, we expect they feature Alta Motors powertrains.

Can-Am last year bought the assets of electric start-up Alta Motors which went bust after Harley-Davidson had a brief collaboration with the Californian company.

There is no word on when these will come to market.

The company may be waiting to see how the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle is received in the marketplace.

2020 Can-Am line-up

Meanwhile, Can-Am has revamped their 2020 Spyder RT lineup for better touring capability.

They now include new LED headlights, a redesigned cockpit, extended floorboards, lower seats that are also heated, increased lumbar support, a new adjustable electric windshield with memory function, and upgraded suspension.

Luggage space is now increased to 177 litres and the top box features a quick-release system.

Australian prices and availability for the 2020 line-up have not yet been released.

20202 Can-Am Spyder and Ryker models prototypes
2020 Can-Am Spyder and Ryker models

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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BMW announces electromobility milestone

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BMW Group has announced an electromobility milestone of one million electrified vehicles on the roads by the end of 2021.

However, electric BMW motorcycles are still some way off, according to BMW Motorrad spokesman Tim Diehl-Thiele.

The electromobility milestone was announced by board chairman Oliver Zipse at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show claims BMW was “at the forefront of electromobility”.

“No manufacturer has delivered more electrified cars to customers in Germany so far this year than the BMW Group. In Norway, three out of every four new BMW Group vehicles sold have an electrified drive train,” Oliver said.

No rush

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle electromobility
Harley LiveWire

Unlike Harley-Davidson, which has already launched their full-size electric LiveWire motorcycle, BMW Motorrad is not rushing in.

But the Bavarian company has not been inactive in two-wheeled electrics:

“Electromobility will be very important in the future of motorcycling,” Tim says.

“As a next step, BMW Motorrad’s electric products to come will focus on e-mobility especially in urban environment.”

By e-mobility we expect he means electric bicycles and scooters like the Lime scooters we see around many cities these days, not full-sized scooters like the c Evolution.

“When developing these products, the fact that BMW Motorrad can call on the great expertise of the BMW Group in the area of electromobility creates a unique advantage in competition. And that from a technological as well as from a business point of view,” Tim says.

BMW Mini CitySurfer electric scooter concept electromobility
BMW electric Mini CitySurfer

Electric BMW bikes

“If we look further ahead, electromobility will clearly play an important role in the motorcycle sector as well.

“A prerequisite for this especially in the leisure and often on long trips far away from the city using motorcycles is an evolving battery cell technology and a future growing density of charging stations.

“On the basis of this expected progress in ranges and charging infrastructure, other segments will also be electrified at BMW Motorrad.”

There have been many electric motorcycles and scooters from start-up companies, the biggest being Zero Motorcycles who pulled out of Australia in 2017.

The Harley LiveWire is the first full-size electric road motorcycle from a traditional motorcycle manufacturer.

The now-axed Victory Motorcycles slapped their brand name on an electric Brammo in 2015, but it wasn’t their product.

Like BMW, Honda has produced electric scooters, while Yamaha and KTM have a couple of small electric trail bikes.

Focus on electric cars 

Electromobility board chairman Oliver Zipse at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show
BMW board chairman Oliver Zipse at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show

BMW expects electromobility to develop at different rates around the world – due to the differences in infrastructure, customer driving profiles and political frameworks.

They expect customer demand for electric vehicles of more than 50% of new vehicle registrations in China’s premium segment by 2030.

Europe ands the US are expected to be about half that number.

Oliver told the motor show audience that BMW  would not only have conventional engines, but also battery-electric drive trains, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles suitable for long distances.

BMW will launch a test fleet of fuel-cell vehicles in 2022 and present the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT development vehicle later this year.

A promised 25 electrified models previously announced for 2025 will now be available two years earlier with more than half fully electric.

“We aim to reduce emissions significantly,” Oliver says.

“To realise this, we must concentrate on areas where we can achieve the greatest impact. We are therefore focusing on the question: Which drive trains, technologies and services will our customers want in the future? And how can we achieve the best outcome for climate protection? One thing is clear: We are committed to the Paris Climate Agreement.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com