BMW ActiveE All-Electric 1-Series: Production Version to be launched at Geneva Show

Among the many other goodies that BMW had on display at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show was its EV concept. At the Geneva Motor Show the company is now going to show the ActiveE which is the production version of the concept. There would also be the Vision CD Roadster model on display at the same event. Select customers of USA, Europe and China would be getting a fully electric version of the 1-Series Coupe of which BMW has plans to build 1,000 units of. There is also the Megacity EV project that is underway by BMW which is a fully electric car and expected to be out in 2013. These and many other such future projects by BMW would be aided by the trial and tests carried out on the ActiveE model.

The car has an electric synchronous motor installed which delivers 168 HP or 125 KW and 250 Nm of torque. Acceleration figure is 9 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph or 96 kmph sprint. The top speed is 90 mph or 145 kmph. A three lithium-ion battery pack gives supply to the electric motor.

Mechanism in the car transforms the motor to a generator the moment the driver lifts his feet away from the accelerator. The system in addition creates torque to slow down the car and as well charges the battery at this time. There is an expected rise in mileage per charge by about 20 percent due to this technology, as per BMW.

There are other modes of driving the car like the gliding mode where the car moves under own kinetic energy and also the Eco Pro mode that has a lower energy consumption by the heating and air conditioning system as well as less power required for same travel.

Charging the battery takes five hours if a 32 ampere wall box is used.

For looks the car has a distinct look with its bonnet scoop and missing tail pipe. Seat covers are of grey leather and have contrasting blue stitching. The instrument cluster is also distinct in its own way.

Cabin space of the car is same as that of the standard 1-Series Coupe. However there is reduction in luggage space (200 liters) of the four seater ActiveE.

Source: carscoop