The President of BMW Italia, Sergio Solero, delivered to the Minister of the Interior, On. Angelino Alfano and the Superintendent of Police, Alessandro Pansa, the fleet of four electric BMW i3 cars and six electric BMW C evolution scooters, which will be put into service in Milan for the EXPO 2015. The ceremony was held at the Viminal Palace in Rome.
The delivery of the fleet of BMW i3 cars and BMW C evolution scooters for the State Police came about as a result of the publication of an invitation to compete for the supply of vehicles for the period of the EXPO – competition won by BMW Italia. The vehicles will be loaned free of charge to the police and will bear the livery of the State Police. Also supplied on free loan will be two fixed recharging stations.
The BMW i3, the first BMW i automobile produced in series, offers zero emissions mobility in a premium vehicle, while offering sheer driving pleasure. The first BMW Group model fueled exclusively by electricity creates completely new and innovative possibilities for moving around in city traffic, while at the same time enjoying driving pleasure, sustainability, and network connections. The futuristic design of the BMW i3 authentically expresses both the typical sportiness of BMW automobiles and the practicality offered by a four-seater. Its innovative automotive concept, with the passenger compartment made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), blends light weight, stability, and safety with extraordinary comfort and convenience. Thanks to the driver assistance systems and to the BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services, as well as the 360° ELECTRIC services developed for BMW i, zero emissions mobility becomes a fascinating daily experience in the urban environment.
The electric motor in the BMW i3 delivers peak power of 125 kW/170 hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm, sending power to the rear wheels by means of a single-speed transmission. The maximum speed is 150 km/hr. The electric motor gets its energy from the cells of a lithium ion battery, which is integrated in the underbody. The significantly low center of gravity, due to the configuration (low and centrally located) of the battery unit, and the balanced distribution of the masses between the axles contribute further to the agility and maneuverability of the car. In daily traffic, the battery offers a range of about 130 kilometers; the supply of electric energy is assured thanks to a normal domestic electrical outlet, a BMW i Wallbox, or a public recharging station.
The electric BMW C evolution maxi scooter sets new technological standards and is characterized by its great versatility. Its technological equipment includes a color TFT display which makes a lot of information available to the driver. The scooter’s high degree of autonomy, guaranteed by the high-voltage high-capacity 8kWh battery, makes it possible to go as far as 100 km thanks to its excellent storage capacity.
Another important feature is its fast recharging time – less than three hours when starting with a fully discharged battery. The recharging system is very easy to use. All you need to do is connect the scooter to a common electrical outlet or to a recharging station. With its four different driving modes, the BMW C evolution adapts perfectly to a wide variety of needs and driving styles, as it can also count on a permanent liquid-cooled 11 kW (15 hp) synchronous motor with a toothed belt for secondary transmission, offering peak power as high as 35 kW (47.5 hp). The C evolution reaches its maximum speed at 120 km/h (electronically limited), thus making it possible to achieve rates of acceleration that can even exceed those more commonly found on maxi scooters powered by internal combustion engines with a displacement of 600 cc and more.