BMW releases its first-ever all-electric vehicle, the BMW Concept ActiveE. A model of efficiency produced as part of the company’s ‘Project I’ design initiative to create vehicles which minimise environmental impact without sacrificing speed or style.
The Concept ActivE will appeal to fans of the BMW 1 Series Coupe as it was designed to satisfy similar criteria. The sporty, streamline structure is capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in 8.5 seconds, but its real claim to fame is the impressive 100 miles it manages on a single charge. This is achieved using a lithium-ion battery pack that contains a stable temperature regulation function.
Whilst a lithium-ion battery pack of 5,088 modules can take up the space of both the rear seats and trunk the battery pack in the ActiveE consists of only 96 modules which can be easily ‘hidden’ under the centre of the car, rear seats or in the front part of the trunk. Charging time has been clocked at 4 ½ hours using a residential wall box according to one U.S. report and
The vehicle was premiered at the Detroit International Auto Show, a follow-up from a diesel plug-in hybrid model offered in August ’09’ and the company’s Mini E, electric Minis that were leased to drivers for road testing in Nov ’08’.
In 2011 the ActiveE will also serve as a test bed for the electric vehicle that is due “In the first before 2015,” according to Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of BMW AG’s Board.
As such the electric concept car offers the latest in technology including consumer comfort features such as the ability to interface with an iPhone/smartphone app which allows the driver to check battery level or start the climate control system.
“It is added value for our company, our environment and our society, if we can reduce CO2-emissions,” said Dr. Draeger. Although Dreger believes there is no single solution, or separate measure for sustainable mobility he does feel that electro mobility will be an integral part of the equation.
SOURCES: Digital Trends; The Auto Channel.
