BMW Shows ActiveE Production Line in Leipzig

We’ve always been curious how BMW puts something like the ActiveE electric mobility car together. We’ve been disappointed so many times after seeing crudely assembled electric cars, but we knew the Bavarians had it in them to build it like a proper car.

This is the first video footage of the manufacturing plant in Leipzig where the electric car is put together on a normal assembly line. From the robotic processes to simpler stuff like putting the wiring together, a number of new processes had to be reinvented. The 1-Series bodies in white gracefully glide through the Leipzig plant as they are built up into BMW's electric mobility solution, lease-only ActiveE coupe.

BMW assembly worker Mirco Shwarze describes the process and the challenges faced. He says that five years back he thought EVs are going to arrive many more years into the future, yet here they are. Shwarze reminds us that the same line where the ActiveE is being put together will see the new i3 in the near future.

In March of 2008 BMW first announced plans to establish a new research division called “Project i,” whose task would be to develop a number of solutions for a vehicle designed for congested city motoring. Like the MINI E before it, the Concept ActiveE will go into limited production and be offered to interested customers keen to help out with the electric vehicle test program. However, unlike the MINI, the BMW has managed to conserve all its interior space plus room in the boot for luggage.

Peak output stands at 170 horsepower, which is enough to offer 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration times of approximately 8.5 seconds, so it’s just as fast as most regular cars on the market today.