BMW goes electric

Dec 21 2009 Maurice Glover

BMW goes electric

A SECOND group of private motorists are to be asked to take part in tests to evaluate electric cars in everyday use.

After launching its first pilot exercise with the MINI E, BMW is planning further battery car tests with ActiveE, its second concept model.

Based on the 1 Series Coupe, the ActiveE will be offered to family motorists and selected fleet operators.

'Our aim is to gain feedback from drivers using an electric vehicles that offers the driving pleasure that is characteristic of our products,' said a spokesman.

Featuring rear wheel drive, ActiveE uses a powerful drive system for dynamic acceleration and is claimed to offer a high level of efficiency as well as providing seating for four and a 200-litre capacity boot.

A synchronous electric motor specially developed for the car develops 170bhp, sufficient to allow acceleration to 62mph in around nine seconds. Top speed is limited to 90mph and - like the MINI E - driving range is around 100 miles.

For the first time, BMW is using lithium-ion batteries and the company claims charging from a high-current power outlet can be completed in three hours.