The idea behind wireless charging is pretty simple -- just plug-in the charging pad and all you have to do is place your smartphone on it. Apart from being kind of convenient (and expensive), it looks pretty cool. But why just smartphones? Why don’t electric motorcycles use this technology? Well, according to some patent images, BMW Motorrad might be the first manufacturer to bring this feature to reality.

The German bike maker is planning to wirelessly charge your next electric motorcycle. Yes, you read that right. According to the patent images, the engineers at BMW Motorrad are planning to build a charging pad, which can be installed in the ground, while the side stand will act as a receiver to juice up your vehicle. 

Just like the wireless charging devices that are available in the market, this one is also a gimmick. There are faster ways to charge your electric two-wheelers. For instance, you can plug it into a normal house socket or opt for the fast charger that bike makers usually sell as an optional extra. You can also swap the batteries -- a feature that has quickly gained popularity and can be seen from small electric scooters to performance-oriented motorcycles like the Ultraviolette F77. 

Recently, BMW unveiled an electric motorcycle prototype, which can go from 0-96kmph in under 3 seconds. So, there are chances BMW might use the electric sportbike as a testbed for this new feature. The closest BMW came to creating a production electric motorcycle was an electric version of its S 1000 RR superbike. However recent patent images show a more practical and plausible electric motorcycle which could soon turn into reality.  

The new patent images might show just the skeleton of an electric two-wheeler but it is enough to fairly interpret what it might turn out into. For one, the higher battery positioning suggests this will be an electric motorcycle. Then the battery pack and motor itself seem to be a structural member of the frame. BMW has earlier taken this approach with its C Evolution electric scooter. Even the large battery pack and motor combination seem similar to the C Evolution’s powertrain. Then we have the suspension components. 

Building an electric motorcycle along the lines of the F800R would put it in the crosshairs of the Zero SR/F and Harley-Davidson LiveWire. Now, these motorcycles offer power outputs in the region of 100PS so we expect BMW to deliver similar outputs with its upcoming electric motorcycle. It should not be difficult for BMW given its experience with electric drivetrains. 

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