BMW reveals its 1-Series Electric Vehicle Concept

The BMW Concept ActiveE will be the second electric vehicle from the BMW Group's "project i", following the Mini E. The 1-Series Coupe-based Electric Vehicle concept will be offered on a lease basis to selected customers within the next two years.

Using the 1-Series Coupe as a base, the ActiveE Concept will retain the rear-wheel-drive layout, but have a new synchronous electric motor specially developed for this vehicle that's integrated in the rear axle. The new motor is able to produce 170bhp and 250Nm of torque.

The motor is powered by a pair of liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery packs developed jointly by BMW and SB LiMotive, which occupies the space normally taken up by the drivetrain and fuel tank in normal vehicles. BMW says that the battery pack can be charged at a standard power outlet or a special high power charging station, with a full charge said to take between 3 to 4.5 hours at a high power charging outlet.

The ActiveE concept has a range of 160km when fully charged, and can go from 0-60km/h in 4.5 seconds, and 0-100km/h in 9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 145km/h. Despite several weight-saving measures being undertaken, the BMW ActiveE Concept weighs in at a hefty 1800kg, about 350kg heavier than the heaviest 1-Series and 335kg heavier than the Mini E.

Being based on a 1-Series Coupe, the ActiveE Concept boasts a luxurious interior with leather seats as well as a climate control system that allows the cabin to be pre-heated or pre-cooled. Boot space stands at 200 litres, while other features include specific light-alloy wheels as well as a revised instrument panel and central display that have been enhanced to include display items specific to electric drive. Outside, the ActiveE Concept gets a Liquid White metallic finish as well as the special logos and graphic elements derived from printed circuits in Electric Blue on the hood, doors, roof and boot lid.