Some Electric Fun with the BMW Active E

BMW has great plans for the electric version Active E of the BMW 1 series under which the company is offering an opportunity to 700 to lease this car. Active E actually is a test bed for the electric drive research of BMW. Reportedly, the participating customers are enjoying the zero-emissions of this sporty looking BMW Active E and are being bowled over by the acceleration which is agile, linear, quiet and smooth. The electric motor pumps out 168HP of power but it is claimed to feel more powerful than that; the 0-60mph time is recorded as nine seconds. As soon as the throttle is released the regenerative braking sets in which makes it possible for the car to come at a complete halt without the brake pedal being touched.  Additionally the brake lights are turned on automatically as soon as the accelerator is released.

This regenerative braking effect is toned down version of the one found in the BMW MINI E, and some consumers have reported that the ‘regen’effect in BMW Active E is not that aggressive. The Active E is expected to be powered by the drivetrain - large lithium-ion battery with 33KWH capacity - of the forthcoming BMW i3 which is an all-electric car due for launch in the latter half of 2013. With full charge the computer predicts mile range around 70 which indicates that the average is about 3 miles per kWH. There is a 7.7 KWH onboard charger that allows quicker charging than a lot of other electric vehicles. On 240 Volts, the car takes less than four hours to get completely recharged and on standard 110 volts power it takes close to 20 hours. The BMW Active E has no body lean and the steering feels well-weighted and supplies adequate feedback. Even with exceptional performance, little charging time and limited range, the down payment of $2,250 and $499 every month is a pretty expensive deal offered by BMW. The BMW Active E in itself is a fun ride.