The HP4 is an exemplary showcase of cutting-edge technology, exotic materials, skilled craftsmanship, design, and creativity. This tells us all about the experience, skillset and state-of-the-art know-how the folks at BMW have that make them rise above and beyond. But what if the same guys one day decide to power their machine with batteries and motors instead of pistons and shafts?
Don’t bother, because they have already done that a couple of years ago. The experimental vehicle eRR, created as a project with the Technical University of Munich, envisioned a BMW badge on an electric supersport motorcycle back in 2015 when the whole idea of electric powertrains was still in the concept stages.
You know that it is a big deal when BMW themselves call the HP4 ‘the most exclusive BMW motorcycle of all time’. But soon they will have yet another machine that will surpass the mighty HP4 even, and there is no say what it is going to be. However, the ‘eRR’ on the other hand does say something.
Specifically called as the “experimental vehicle”, the ‘eRR’ was etched much before BMW showcased their Vision Next 100 e-mobility concepts. Built around BMW’s darling, the S 1000 RR’s chassis, the aim of the eRR was to showcase the performance abilities of an electric drive in the range of 0-30 mph.
Since max torque in an electric drive is achieved instantaneously, this electric-S 1000 RR can beat the sh*t out of the 215 hp HP4 even. I guess even BMW’s promising C-evolution scooter will manage to take the edge when it comes to acceleration. The electric motor and belt drive stand ready to put the power to the pavement with an instant response to demand.
With battery technology and power management systems evolving constantly, and with the amount of resources manufacturers are pumping into this newfound tech, it won’t be long before we have an S 1000 RR whizz past us and not hear a thing. Companies like Energica are already making their ‘Ego’ electric sportsbike, and people are loving it.
The Ego is also going to be the sole bike for the FIM MotoE World Cup that will commence with its first electric MotoGP race in 2019. With even the Motorsport fraternity showing so much love to the power of electricity, it won’t take long for every manufacturer to get on with building an electric sportsbike. And lucky for BMW, they have already done exactly that.
Although BMW’s press report stated that 'BMW Motorrad will announce technical details of the eRR at a later date.', we are still yet to receive any confirmation or spy-shots or rumors of the same.
