1993 BMW E1

Unveiled at the 1991 Frankfurt Automobile Show, BMW's E1 concept had a maximum speed of 80 mph and weighed less than 2,000 lbs and used a water-cooled motor. BMW designed this vehicle specifically for driving in the city and featured large spacious windows that provided great visibility. The window glass was situated without an extreme slope which reduced the solar heat on the minuscule vehicle. The E1 was quite a compact car with very short front and rear overhangs which improved the overall performance in tight small spaces. The roof design of the car was also uniquely created to increase inside volume without creating a body that wasn't too high.

Utilizing BMW's longstanding tradition of superb craftsmanship, the interior of the E1 was created with great attention to the comfort of passengers in mind. The body of the vehicle was composed of extruded aluminum sections that formed a single frame. Plastic panels that were extremely lightweight along with aluminum were utilized in the construction. Airbags for both the driver and the front passenger were found in the E1, along with four-channel ABS brakes that enhanced braking control. With a high level of safety for its passengers, the BMW E1 was designed with an energy-absorbing zone for both frontal and offset collisions.

The hybrid E1 was also constructed with an electric motor and internal combustion engine. With a maximum torque of 150Nm, the electric motor featured a 32kW AC motor and an intelligent management system was in place to guarantee optimum energy use. This system also included a special system that if the vehicle brakes, energy was returned to the battery.

The future hope for the E1 is in utilizing environmentally friendly energy sources; wind, solar energy, and hydraulic power. Considered to be the energy concept of the future, solar energy especially is expected to be in high demand.

By Jessica Donaldson