BMW ActiveE - BMW 1 Series reviews - BMW car reviews - Car reviews

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the BMW ActiveE is an all-electric version of the BMW 1 Series Coupe. It uses liquid-cooled batteries, which take just five hours to charge, and is full of interesting technology.

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What do I need to know about the BMW ActiveE?

The ActiveE is an all-electric version of the BMW 1 Series Coupe

It’s an all-electric version of the 1 Series Coupe. But unlike previous BMW electric efforts, it’s a full four-seater with room for some luggage. Externally it looks similar to a standard 1 Series Coupe, but the engine, gearbox and fuel tank have been removed to make room for batteries and an electric motor.

What engine does the ActiveE use?

A 168bhp electric motor provides enough oomph to power the ActiveE from 0-62mph in nine seconds – quite respectable for an electric car. Top speed is limited to 90mph. The batteries are liquid cooled to keep them at an optimum temperature.

Read our guide to electric cars

What else is new?

Battery charge time is claimed to be just five hours

There’s a so-called ‘gliding’ mode, which allows the ActiveE to freewheel where necessary. Taking your foot off the accelerator activates regenerative braking, where energy is recovered as the car slows down. But a light pressure on the accelerator activates ‘glide’ mode, which with careful driving can extend the range significantly.

Is the ActiveE part of BMW's i brand?

Project i is a sub-brand for BMW that will concentrate on low-emissions vehicles. Lessons learned from the MINI E and ActiveE will feed into this future brands’ products, including the 2013 MegaCity (see below).

Read about more eco cars here

How far will the ActiveE go between charging?

A trial of the ActiveE in the US, Europe and China is due to begin soon

BMW isn't making any claims for the ActiveE’s range, but we do know the batteries will take five hours to be charged from a special 32-amp wallbox or overnight using a conventional supply.

Watch our Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car video here

When can I buy one?

This year BMW will start trials with the ActiveE in the USA, Europe and China. This pilot phase will involve more than 1,000 cars, so it’s a serious undertaking by BMW. Data collected from these trials will be fed into the future Megacity Vehicle project, which is due to be launched in 2013. BMW UK will be leasing the ActiveE to selected customers; further details will follow.

Geneva Motor Show 2012 - all the latest news, pictures, videos and industry gossip from the 82nd edition of the International Motor Show.