The BMW ActiveE field trial will build on the experience gained during the MINI E field trial, now in its second year. The experience gained in this second-phase trial will prepare the BMW Group for the launch of its purpose-designed Megacity Vehicle in 2013.
"We were the first automaker to put 450 electric vehicles on US roads for daily use. We have gained so much insight into living with an EV with our MINI E pioneers over the last year," said Rich Steinberg, Manager of Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy for BMW of North America.
"Partners like the City of New York's Mayor's Office, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Edison have also been critical to the success of the program,” continued Steinberg. ”We're looking forward to working with more drivers in more markets to build on our base of experience as we get ready for the launch of the Megacity Vehicle, and we look forward to even greater collaboration with the BMW ActiveE."
Powered by a new synchronous electric motor, the BMW ActiveE develops 170 bhp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm of torque from a standstill. The manufacturer estimates a naught to 62 acceleration time of 9 seconds or less and an electronically limited top speed of around 145 km/h (90 mph). The most important feature of the EV, its range, is estimated to sit at around 160 km/100 miles on a single charge.
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