Active E in Geneva

BMW has integrated all electric drive components, including an energy storage unit, electric motor and power electronics, into the shell of a 1 Series Coupe without compromising the space, comfort or style of the original design. The electric drivetrain produces enough power and torque to allow the ActiveE to accelerate from 0 to 62 MPH in a swift 9 seconds. With seating for four, it is able to travel a full 100 miles on a single charge.

The BMW ActiveE is considered a testing platform for the 2013 BMW Megacity vehicle, which was recently renamed the "i3". The i3 will be released in 2013 as the flagship vehicle for BMW's sustainable-fuel sub-brand "i". The two vehicles won't look identical, but do share a variety of components including the drive train and energy storage. The ActiveE is kind of a test pilot for BMW's foray into electric vehicles, and will contribute to the technological advances BMW is achieving with the MINI E Field Trial.