Why the BMW CE 04 Supports Type 2 Charging Cables?

More and more electric motorcycles are joining the EV charging ecosystem. The BMW CE 04 is one of the few that directly supports Type 2 charging, just like a car.

The BMW CE 04 supports Type 2 charging cables because it is built with a Type 2 socket, fully compatible with AC charging stations, allowing plug-and-charge convenience at up to 6.9 kW.

This isn’t a one-time occurrence. I personally saw a BMW CE 04 in an Australian parking lot charging with one of our standard BESEN Type 2 cable—no adapters, no modifications. I took a photo right there. This tells me the CE 04 is part of a bigger trend: high-end electric motorcycles are being designed to integrate with existing EV charging infrastructure.

Why does the BMW CE 04 support Type 2 charging directly?

Electric two-wheelers are often treated like oversized e-bikes, but the CE 04 is not that.

The BMW CE 04 uses a built-in Type 2 charging socket, supports the IEC 62196-2 protocol, and can deliver up to 6.9 kW, enabling it to charge at any public AC station using a standard Type 2 cable.

What makes this vehicle different is its high-voltage battery platform. While most electric two-wheelers run on 48V or 72V systems, the CE 04 operates at 147V and stores 8.9 kWh of energy. That’s closer to a small EV than a typical two-wheeler. Thanks to this architecture, BMW integrated a Type 2 inlet—the same one used in most European EVs—and a charging protocol that supports plug communication (PP/CP).

Here’s how it compares:

This design choice means that the CE 04 works just like an electric car. Users can plug it into any public or private AC station with a Type 2 cable. No adapters or converters are needed. Just plug in and go.

Which buyers need Type 2 cables for electric motorcycles?

Not all two-wheelers are created equal.

Customers who sell, share, or operate high-voltage electric motorcycles—like the BMW CE 04—need reliable Type 2 charging cables to match urban AC charging stations.

As more high-performance electric motorcycles hit the road, the demand for compatible charging accessories grows. BESEN has already supplied Type 2 cables for clients working on shared mobility ¹ projects in Singapore and park developers in Europe who are installing small-format AC chargers. These are the groups that benefit most:

• 🏢 High-end electric motorcycle manufacturers (BMW, NIU EU models, Vespa E-series)

• 🛵 Shared urban mobility operators (in EU, Australia, Singapore)

• 🏗 Business park and apartment property managers installing AC charge points

• 🌍 Two-wheeler distributors in emerging e-mobility markets

• 🔌 Charging station integrators providing standardized AC solutions

When these customers ask for Type 2 cables, they’re asking for more than a product. They want something tested, certified, and user-ready. And that’s where we come in.

How to choose the right Type 2 cable for electric motorcycles?

Not all Type 2 cables are made the same.

For electric motorcycles like the CE 04, you need a certified Type 2 cable (IEC 62196-2) with the right current rating (16A or 32A), good outdoor durability (IP54+), and optional OEM features.

Many of our clients come to us asking: “Which Type 2 cable should we buy for our electric motorcycle project?” The answer depends on the charging setup. Most of these vehicles use single-phase charging ². That means they need a Type 2 cable rated for 16A or 32A single-phase use. For example, the CE 04 draws up to 30A at 230V AC, which makes a 32A single-phase cable perfect.

Key specs to consider:

At BESEN, we also support special needs—like adding logos, adjusting lengths, or matching country-specific plugs. For instance, an Australian distributor recently asked us to provide blue cables to match their CE 04 vehicle lineup. We delivered exactly what they wanted, branded and packed per request.

Conclusion

The BMW CE 04 supports Type 2 charging because it’s designed like an electric car—fast, flexible, and ready for public AC charging with standard cables.

READ ON:

The Cost of Charging Electric Cars: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Can You Charge An Electric Motorcycle with A Car Charger?

Type 1 vs Type 2 EV Charger: Which is Best?

What is a Type 2 charging cable for electric cars?

Type 1 vs Type 2 EV Charger Differences

1. Learn about shared mobility projects to see how they are transforming urban transport and the role of electric vehicles.[↩]
2. Learn about single-phase charging to ensure your electric motorcycle project is efficient and effective. This resource will enhance your knowledge.[↩]