BMW's Project i electric-car program marches on, and at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, we'll see step number two, the BMW Concept ActiveE. It's exactly what it looks like: an electric BMW 1 Series coupe. And just like with step one of the program, the Mini E, you'll have the opportunity to fund BMW's research: The BMW Concept ActiveE will be offered to U.S. consumers as part of a special lease program, or in BMW's words, "large-scale electric vehicle test program."
Unlike the Mini E, the 1 Series-based Concept ActiveE is rear-wheel-drive. The rear-axle synchronous electric motor develops up to 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, according to BMW. Curiously, these ratings are lower than the Mini E's and on a car that weighs some 700 pounds more (3,900 lbs). Engineers have apparently worked, though, to make this new electric motor's torque curve behave more like an internal combustion engine -- with thrust building as you approach higher engine (er, motor) speeds and then tapering off gently.
We'll have to see how well that works out. For now, BMW is claiming an 8.5-second 0-to-60-mph acceleration time for the Concept ActiveE. Compare that to 7.7 seconds for our long-term Mini E. Top speed is only 90 mph.
As on the Mini E, range will be about 100 miles with a recharge time of 4.5 hours using a high-current charging box and 4.5 days using anything else. As on the Nissan Leaf, you'll be able to monitor the electric 1er's state of charge via an app on your mobile phone.
The lithium-ion battery pack was developed by BMW's partner SB LiMotive, a joint venture between Bosch and Samsung SDI. It's packaged in the location formerly occupied by the 1 Series' prop shaft. Trunk capacity is reduced, though, with only 7 cubic feet remaining for your stuff. But unlike on the electric Mini, there's no enfringement on cabin space -- this is still a 4-seater.
BMW hasn't gotten specific on the timing for or out-of-pocket costs for the electric 1 Series lease program, but we're expecting those details to come out during the Detroit press conference.
We're not surprised by the debut of the Concept ActiveE, as BMW officials have told us they consider rear-drive electric cars dynamically superior. The company plans to launch its Megacity electric-car sub-brand by 2015, and when that happens, we're expecting the productions cars to be rear-drive.
More photos after the jump.
ivtkdou says:
06:21 PM, 12/16/09
This is what I have been waiting for... where do I sign up?
firstclass says:
07:04 PM, 12/16/09
So if the batteries are located in the space that was formerly occupied by the drive shaft and the electric motor is in the back…what’s under the hood? Just lead weight and electronics why not use that to make up for the lost luggage space if possible.
I know I’ve said this before… but why do all cars using future technology have to be the color of my porcelain toilet? this one even has the blue water.
thaitanium15 says:
07:25 PM, 12/16/09
Yeah, what's under the hood?
fc_engineer says:
06:48 AM, 12/17/09
Typically almost all the braking is done with the front wheels. So, to take effective advantage of regen braking for economy, a front motor/regenerator is required. Looks like there are some beefy electric cables going to the front. So, did BMW add a front wheel motor used for regen braking only, and not for propulsion? Or no motor/gen, thus worse range/economy. Either way, seems wasteful. Or is it actually AWD?
Also: "recharge time of ... 4.5 days using anything else" Typo. What's the real recharge time with 220 or 110?
jkavanagh says:
10:22 AM, 12/17/09
The Concept ActiveE does all its regen with the rear (driven) wheels. As you might guess, in certain instances this could result in some real sphincter-clenching moments. BMW says they'll use stability control braking intervention when needed to make sure the car stays in control.
Erin was being facetious. Official recharging times on 110v were not released, though the claimed 4.5 hours at 220v is very similar to the Mini E. Based on this it's very likely that a full recharge using 110v will require about 23 hours.
mcmanus says:
08:00 AM, 12/18/09
23 hours (or anything close) for a recharge is a show stopper.
Without the physical constraints of an internal combustion engine, why does the car still have the same shape (beyond crash/crumple zones)?
danielp2 says:
06:25 PM, 12/18/09
"Without the physical constraints of an internal combustion engine, why does the car still have the same shape (beyond crash/crumple zones)?"-mcmanus
I would think it would be the money restraints that cause bmw to modify an old car rather than completely redesign a new one.