BMW ActiveE paves the way for 2013 Megacity

Like the Mini E, the ActiveE’s role is to gather information in field trials to feed back into the development of the 2013 BMW Megacity. And also like the Mini E, it is unlikely to go into volume production.

BMW’s driving dynamics

The ActiveE is powered by an electric synchronous motor which propels the car from zero to 60mph in just nine seconds, delivering 168hp and maximum torque of 250Nm. Its top speed is electronically limited to 90mph.  The ActiveE carries over BMW’s typical dynamic driving style, with a low centre of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution to enhance traction and power transfer of the high torque.

Replacing the engine block, transmission and fuel tank are three large energy storage units containing lithium-ion cells protected by a steel-plate battery housing with integrated liquid cooling system to keep the batteries at optimum operating temperature - helping to increase the vehicle’s range to100 miles.

The ActiveE is engineered so that when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator pedal the motor becomes a generator and feeds the electricity created from kinetic energy back into the vehicle battery, while at the same time braking torque is created, slowing the vehicle down.  This recuperation of energy can increase the range by up to 20 per cent.

The BMW ActiveE features an ‘intermediate position’ for the accelerator pedal that results in the car’s own kinetic energy being used to move forward, without consuming energy from the batteries.  In essence it is a ‘gliding’ mode.

Efficient packaging means that the four occupants have the same head, leg and shoulder room as they would in a standard 1 Series Coupé.

Starting in 2011, a test fleet of over 1,000 ActiveE vehicles will be trialled in the USA, Europe and China providing data that will be fed back for the future development of the Megacity vehicle, due to go into production in 2013.

BMW Megacity is first in an EV/hybrid family  

The company has announced that the Megacity is the first in a family of rear-wheel-drive, electric and hybrid vehicles with aluminium chassis and carbon fibre reinforced plastic body shells. Carbon fibre is 30% lighter than aluminium and 50% lighter than steel. This weight saving, together with the lightweight aluminium chassis, helps to provide a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge.

The Megacity is a four-seater supermini bigger than the two-seater electric MiniE, but smaller than the 1 Series. It will be sold as a sub-brand under the BMW name.

BMW say that by 2020 electric vehicles could form 30% of their sales – of which 12% would be pure electrics and the balance, hybrids.