BMW ActiveE Concept – Next Step in Project i

BMW reinforced their future plans at the recent Detroit Motor Show as they unveiled the next stage of their Project i plans with the BMW ActiveE Concept car, available in 2011.

It may seem that the ActiveE Concept looks just like an ordinary BMW 1-Series Coupe togged up with some stickers and a paint job.  But if you take a closer look you’ll notice that it is missing its exhausts and the fuel-filler door.  Also, there is a blue light on the back of the antenna.  The reason for these slight amendments is due to the fact that the ActiveE Concept is an all-electric car.

This concept is powered by a 170bhp electric motor, specifically developed for this car, built into the rear axle, and able to produce 250Nm of torque.  This is slightly less horsepower than the 204bhp Mini E, however the ActiveE Concept is able to offer 30Nm more torque.  And despite the car weighing in at 1,800kg, performance is still quite impressive with BMW claiming a 0-62mph in less than nine seconds, and a top speed limited to 90mph.  Power and electricity is stored in specially developed lithium ion batteries mounted in the transmission tunnel and under the rear seats.  A full charge is achievable in around three hours from a 50A high-power outlet, and in everyday driving its range is about 100miles.

Along with having proper rear seats and a 200-litre boot, the BMW ActiveE Concept has added benefits over the Mini E Concept which only has two seats and a boot full of batteries.  It also features the ActiveE’s iPhone application, which enables you to check the charge left in the battery, search for charging stations and activate the vehicle’s auxiliary heating and air conditioning functions.

Along with the Mini E, the BMW ActiveE Concept will follow in the footsteps of the Mini E with BMW putting part of the development of the car into the hands of consumers.  It will be leased to a small selection of customers who will trial the car in the real world and report back to BMW with relevant data.

BMW