17.12.2009
Despite the questionable impact of cars on atmospheric CO2, manufacturers press ahead with moves to achieve CO2 free mobility. BMW’s ActiveE joins the MINI E as the second vehicle developed as part of its ‘Project i’ programme.
The Concept ActiveE, which is based on the 1-series Coupe uses many of the design elements recently showcased by BMW’s supercar-baiting Vision EfficientDynamics concept.
Power comes from a new synchronous electric motor specially developed for the Concept ActiveE producing 167 bhp with a peak torque of 184 lb-ft (250 Nm). This enables the Concept ActiveE to go from 0-37 mph in 4.5 seconds and from 0-62 mph in 9 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of approximately 90 mph, (electronically-limited).
Total driving range is expected to be around 100 miles on a single charge, which would be more than enough for most city dwellers. The electricity is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack developed together with SB LiMotive, and performance is optimised by use of a new stable temperature regulation function. On the European grid, the battery can be fully charged at a high-current outlet in little as 3 hours. In North America, the charge time is about 4.5 hours.
In the BMW Concept ActiveE, new BMW ConnectedDrive services are presented which have been designed exclusively for use in an electric vehicle. This includes specific remote functions (shown below) which enable the use of a mobile phone to check the charge status of the battery, search for public charging stations and activate the vehicle’s auxiliary heating and air conditioning functions.
About Steve Davies
Steve is a media, venture, and technology advisor and a former Partner at KPMG Consulting, PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Managing Partner at EIM - his clients range from global web and media companies to small start-ups. He formed Drivers Republic (DR) in 2007, the UK's first digital automotive magazine, with a team of EVO and Autocar writers before creating SkiddMark, and also writes as a guest contributor on Unruly Media’s Meme Machine blog and for Econsultancy’s digital marketing blog.
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