BMW, a staunch advocate for electric vehicles (EVs), has confirmed it has no imminent plans to launch an electric sports bike. This decision aligns with the broader motorcycle industry’s cautious approach to high-performance electric models.
The brand, which made a significant leap into the high-performance electric vehicle market with the BMW i8 a decade ago, has been expected to extend its proactive stance to its Motorrad division. Despite BMW’s established reputation in high-performance motorcycles, the anticipated electric sports bike has yet to materialize.
Currently, BMW offers electric motorcycles like the 125cc equivalent CE 02 and the CE 04, which includes a limited 11kW (15hp) version. These models indicate BMW’s openness to electric propulsion in motorcycles, though they fall short of the high-performance category.
This conservative approach mirrors that of other major manufacturers. Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki have recently introduced their first electric scooters and motorcycles, respectively. Ducati, meanwhile, has ventured into electric super sports through the MotoE competition, but not yet for the consumer market.
BMW Motorrad’s new CEO, Markus Flasch, who assumed his role late last year, has been at the center of speculation about the brand’s potential entry into MotoGP. However, in a recent interview with Italian outlet Motociclismo, Flasch clarified that BMW has no plans to develop an electric sports bike in the near future.
“We listen very carefully to our audience’s requests. At the same time, we closely observe the competition in the market and what they are bringing to the market. If we combine the two aspects, we come to the conclusion that the time for high-performance electric motorcycles is probably not yet here,” Flasch explained. “We don’t think we’ll need an electric motorcycle with more power in the next two or three years. For BMW, there would be no need for another 11kW model.”
BMW’s cautious strategy reflects its assessment of market readiness and consumer demand, suggesting that while electric motorcycles are on their radar, the high-performance segment will have to wait.
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