BMW to launch electric bike in collaboration with TVS

A senior BMW Motorrad representative has now told Moneycontrol that they are looking to develop high-performance electric bikes with the Indian two-wheeler manufacturer for global markets.

TVS Motor Company Joint Managing Director M. Sudarshan Venu announced six months ago that it will expand its partnership with BMW Motorrad to co-develop “new platforms and futuristic technologies”. A senior BMW Motorrad representative has now told Moneycontrol that they are looking to develop a high-performance electric bike with the Indian two-wheeler manufacturer for global markets.

The partnership will leverage TVS’ low-cost manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, in addition to leveraging its engineering and design capabilities from the German motorcycle brand. BMW Motorrad has started selling the CE 04 electric scooter for the US and European markets. Now it wants to achieve a bigger presence in electric bikes in Indian, Chinese and other markets.

Electric two-wheelers will have a major share in the global market

Speaking to Moneycontrol, Stephen Reif, Vice President, Consumer, Brand and Sales at BMW Motorrad said, “Electric 2 wheelers will be a major part of our (global) volume in the future. We have launched our e-scooter in Europe and the demand is much higher than we expected. Once we realize the economies of scale (in e-scooters), we will aggressively engage with larger e-motorbikes in Europe as well.”

The partnership will prove valuable for both companies

Sudarshan Venu said last year, “The future of the new world of mobility includes strong demand through alternative solutions including electric mobility. Expanding this successful partnership to EVs and other new platforms will create opportunities. Advances in technology and products for global markets can prove valuable for both companies.”

BMW has launched this bike in India

Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad India has updated its portfolio with the launch of the new G 310 RR, a facelifted variant of the Apache RR 310. The all-new BMW G 310 RR is now the fourth product to be developed by TVS Motor Company under BMW. The other three under this partnership are the TVS Apache RR 310, BMW G 310 R, and G 310 GS, which are already available in the market.