2010 BMW Concept ActiveE news, pictures, and information

BMW Concept ActiveE

• The BMW Concept ActiveE is powered by a new synchronous electric motor specially developed for this vehicle. Its maximum output is 125 kW/170 bhp, the maximum torque of 250 Nm / 184 lb-ft is available from standing as is typical for electric motors and remains available over an unusually broad load range.

• For the first time, electrical energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack developed jointly by BMW and the co-operation partner SB LiMotive especially for the BMW Concept ActiveE. A new stable temperature regulation function optimizes the battery pack's performance.

• Other characteristics of the drive technology used in the BMW Concept ActiveE are the weight-reduced construction and the package-optimized arrangement of all components. The electric motor is completely integrated in the rear axle, the power electronics is positioned above the motor. Space is used for energy storage which in vehicles powered by a combustion engine would be taken up by the conventional drivetrain and fuel tank. With a weight of some 1,800 kilograms / 3900 lbs (unladen weight according to DIN), a low center of gravity and an axle load distribution which is typical of a BMW, the vehicle has everything it requires to provide the dynamic driving properties and agile handling in the style of the BMW 1 Series.

• Predicted driving performance figures: acceleration from zero to 60 km/h (37mph) in less than 4.5 seconds and from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in less than 9 seconds, maximum speed: approx. 145 km/h (90 mph, electronically limited). As wîth the MINI E, the real-world range is expected to be about 160 km / 100 miles on a single charge, depending on conditions (FTP72 cycle range is calculated to be 240 km / 150 miles in simulation).

• Flexible charging technology enables the lithium-ion battery pack to be recharged by a conventional power outlet at public charging stations or at a special wall box. On the European grid, the battery pack can be fully charged at a high-current power outlet (50 ampere) in as little as 3 hours. In North America, using a high-current (32 ampere continuous) residential wall box, the charge time is about 4.5 hours.

• The drive components used in the BMW Concept ActiveE have been developed as part of project i. The objectives on which this is based are derived from the requirements for the serial production development of a Megacity Vehicle.

• 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 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.

Design:

• The BMW Concept ActiveE is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe. It embodies a new interpretation of the agility which is characteristic of the 1 Series. For the first time, CO2-free mobility and the driving pleasure characteristic of BMW are combined for up to four vehicle occupants in an electric vehicle concept.

• There is a clearly recognizable differentiation from the serial production model of the BMW 1 Series Coupe wîth the body finish in Liquid White metallic, as well as graphic elements derived from printed circuits in Electric Blue on the hood, doors, roof and trunk lid, as well as the lettering 'ActiveE', 'eDrive' and 'EfficientDynamics' on the doors and side panels. Specific light-alloy wheel wheels, the lack of an exhaust system and blue illuminated elements such as the roof fin and charging connection highlight the special character of this electrically powered concept vehicle.

• The interior of the BMW Concept ActiveE includes specific leather seats wîth embossed graphic elements and blue accentuated seams as well as interior strips in Liquid White wîth rear-lit three-dimensional graphics. The instrument panel and the central display have been enhanced to include display items specific to electric drive. The use of innovative remote functions as part of BMW ConnectedDrive is shown wîth the example of a smartphone connection which is fully linked into the vehicle infotainment system.