The BMW ActiveE electric vehicle is the second phase of the BMW Group’s electro-mobility development strategy and brings all-electric technology to a new class of luxury vehicles. ActiveE vehicles will be distributed in the major metropolitan markets of Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento.

Based on the chassis of a BMW 1 Series Coupe, the ActiveE electric car features an electric drivetrain and is powered by an advanced, high-voltage, lithium-ion battery pack.

AeroVironment’s EVSE-RS charging station uses the industry standard SAE J1772 connector to deliver approximately 25 miles of driving range per hour of charging time. A complete charge from a fully discharged state will take between four and five hours, delivering the ActiveE’s maximum range of 100 miles. The charging stations will be installed with a 240-volt electric circuit in drivers’ home garages as part of the vehicle’s total driving system, and are designed to provide a safe, practical and dependable charge.

BMWs aren’t the only electric cars the EVSE-RS can charge–AeroVironment’s weather-proof station is designed to work with any EV or plug-in hybrid that uses the SAE J1772 connector port. AeroVironment also supplies the home charging systems for the Nissan Leaf.

The BMW ActiveE will be a prelude to the 2013 launch of the Megacity Vehicle, BMW Group’s all-electric urban hatchback.

A 24-month lease for the BMW ActiveE will be offered for $499 per month with a down payment of $2,250.

BMW ActiveE will incorporate specially-designed lithium ion batteries developed in cooperation with SB-LiMotive which are being used for the first time and that allow for a range of around 100 miles in everyday driving. The batteries will feature liquid heating and cooling, as well as the ability to pre-condition the system while connected to the grid enabling maximum range capability regardless of ambient conditions.

Based on the 1 Series Coupe, the BMW ActiveE will accelerate from 0-60 mph in under nine seconds, making it the first electric vehicle to combine the dynamic characteristics typical of a BMW with the zero-emissions benefits of driving an electric vehicle.

In order to help consumers determine if an ActiveE is right for them, the new app, BMW Evolve is now available for download from the Apple iTunes Store and later this month in the Android Marketplace.

The BMW ActiveE, the first full-electric BMW available to customers, was unveiled today in advance of the 2011 New York Auto Show, where it will make its North American debut.

The reservation process will begin in late summer 2011 and you can get in on the action at BMWActivateTheFuture.com.

The BMW ActiveE field trial will build on the success and experience gained during the MINI E field trial, now in its second year. Experience gained in this second-phase trial will prepare the BMW Group for the launch of its purpose-designed Megacity Vehicle in 2013.

BMW says that although the exact size of the fleet has yet to be confirmed, it will be at least as large as the 450-unit Mini E fleet currently in operation in the U.S.

A glimpse of the BMW ActiveE was first seen with the Concept ActiveE at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January. Based on the chassis of a BMW 1 Series Coupe it features a newly developed electric drivetrain and a lithium-ion battery-packed developed in cooperation with SB-LiMotive. It offers four passenger seating and approximately seven cubic-feet of luggage capacity.

Based on realistic simulations, the sprint from 0-60 mph (100km/h) requires approximately 8.5 seconds. The maximum speed of the vehicle is electronically limited at around 90 mph (145 km/h).

The lithium-ion battery pack specially developed for this vehicle supplies energy to the motor and all other functions of the BMW ActiveE. For the first time, storage cells are used which were developed especially for use in automobiles by the BMW Group in collaboration with the cooperation partner SB LiMotive.

The storage system developed for the BMW Concept ActiveE enables a real-world range of about 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge, depending on conditions.

On the European power grid, the battery pack can be fully charged in just 3 hours at a wall box with a current of 50 ampere at 230/240 volts. In North America, using a high-current (32 ampere continuous) residential wall box, the charge time is about 4.5 hours.

BMW says that although the exact size of the fleet has yet to be confirmed, it will be at least as large as the 450-unit Mini E fleet currently in operation in the US.

The ActiveE US trial is scheduled to begin in 2011.

“I would hate for anyone to get the impression that we are backing away from our commitment to EV development or the Megacity Vehicle project. Let me reassure you that nothing could be further from the truth,” said Rich Steinberg, manager of Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy.

Steinberg went on to note the important information so far yielded from the OEM’s electric vehicle field tests. “Those lessons have already been applied in our development work. One example is the liquid heating and cooling capability for the batteries in the upcoming BMW ActiveE. This will help to optimize operating range in conditions of extreme hot and cold climates,” he explains.

In preparation for the upcoming BMW ActiveE field trial, which will begin in 2011, the BMW Group announced at the North American International Auto Show in January that it will offer one-year lease extensions to current MINI E lessees. The MINI E will be prominently featured at the New York International Auto Show from 2-11 April.

The BMW Concept ActiveE follows the all-electric MINI E as the second large-scale electric vehicle test program to be conducted in the hands of interested customers.

BMW’s board member for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson told Automotive News that the leases will be divvied up with 200 destined for the U.S. and between 300 and 400 driving around in Europe.

The motor, specially developed for the model and located in the rear axle, delivers 125 kW/170 hp and provides maximum torque of 250 Nm / 184 lb-ft. It accelerates the vehicle in less than 9 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (0-60 mph in approx. 8.5 seconds).

The electric drive system draws its energy from new, advanced lithium-ion battery pack developed jointly by BMW and the co-operation partner SB LiMotive especially for theBMW Concept ActiveE. They enable a range of approx. 160 kilometers (100 miles) in everyday use.

On the European power grid, the battery pack can be fully charged in just 3 hours at a wall box with a current of 50 ampere at 230/240 volts. In North America, using a high-current (32 ampere continuous) residential wall box, the charge time is about 4.5 hours.

[source: Automotive News / subscription required]