Another vehicle to make its public debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show is the 2012 BMW ActiveE.
Just like the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE is a conversion car, an electric vehicle based on the body shell of a vehicle with a combustion engine. The BMW ActiveE integrates all electric drive components such as energy storage unit, electric motor and power electronics in a vehicle body that was not originally intended for this purpose – and without compromising on space or comfort in the interior.
The electric drivetrain produces a power output of 125 kW/170 bhp and maximum torque of 250 Nm, allowing the ActiveE to accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) in 9 seconds. The car offers seating for four, compared to the MINI E which had its rear-bench removed in favor of a large electric batter. BMW ActiveE offers 200 liters of luggage storage.
With the newly developed lithium-ion battery unit, the driving range of ActiveE is approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) on a full charge.
Being considered a preview and a test bed for the 2013 BMW Megacity Vehicle, the ActiveE incorporates a pilot series version of the drive train and energy storage unit from the MCV with a partly identical, partly similar geometry in a vehicle from a different concept so that these components may undergo preliminary testing.
Design wise, the BMW ActiveE resembles almost identically the regular 1 Series Coupe. The Alpine White body features silver “circuit-inspired” graphics on a blue background. A power dome in the hood accommodates the battery pack. Because there are no exhaust pipes, the rear diffuser is replaced by a closed rear apron. Low-rolling-resistance tires are wrapped around 16″ wheels.
Inside, the cockpit of the ActiveE sports pearl-gray leather seats with contrasting blue seams; the door panels and dashboard get Alpine White trim. The control system and instrument cluster are designed for the car’s electric-drive system, and replace the conventional transmission shifter and gauge cluster.
The 1 Series Coupe electric conversion pilot kicks off in summer of 2011 and the field trial will build on the success and experience gained during the MINI E field trial.
