BMW has announced testing of its second electric car following on from the Mini E trials which began earlier this year.

The trials of the BMW Concept ActiveE  involve both private and fleet users.

The aim is to test the use of electric drive for everyday purposes.

The car is BMW's second vehicle after the Mini E to be developed as part of its 'project i'.

It is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe and is powered by a new specially developed synchronous electric motor.

Its maximum output is 170hp, the maximum torque of 250Nm is available from standing as is typical for electric motors and remains available over an unusually broad load range.

It uses a lithium-ion battery pack developed jointly by BMW and the co-operation partner SB LiMotive.

The electric motor is completely integrated in the rear axle, the power electronics is positioned above the motor.

Space is used for battery storage which in vehicles powered by a combustion engine would be taken up by the conventional drivetrain and fuel tank.

Predicted driving performance figures:

  • acceleration from zero to 37mph in less than 4.5 seconds
  • zero to 62mph in less than 9 seconds,
  • maximum speed: approx. 90mph, (electronically-limited)
  • real-world range is expected to be about 100 miles on a single charge

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The battery pack can be fully charged at a high-current power outlet (50 amp) in three hours.