BMW debuts green ActiveE, giving EV consumers more choice

BMW is entering the green space in a big way. At the Detroit Auto Show, it’s debuting its electric Concept ActiveE. Initially launching as a limited lease program, the production version is expected to debut at the Paris auto show in September. Initial leasing of the green bimmer is expected to begin in North America by late 2010.

Production models are expected be priced somewhere between the high-end Tesla Roadster and more everyday Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt. It is an important step in making EVs a more mainstream option with a full range of models for consumers to choose from. To date, the only highway worthy electric vehicle in the country is Tesla Motors’ Roadster. This is soon to change.

BMW’s ActiveE weights in at 3,966 pounds — not a light vehicle for the weight. A brushless electric motor is integrated into the rear axle. A battery partnership from BMW and SD LiMotive provides the lithium-ion juice. For almost 4,000 lbs, the 180 foot-pounds of torque seems a bit light. The vehicle will accelerate to 60 miles per hour in under nine seconds, though. That’s two seconds faster than a Dodge Caravan, two seconds slower than the base-level Nissan Altima. Top speed is limited to 90 miles per hour to preserve battery life. Hardly inspiring.

Still, BMW is claiming an even weight distribution between the front and back tires. This means that even if it isn’t smoking the tires at every stop light, it should be fun to drive around corners. If it gets the full BMW suspension treatment, it ought to inspire more grins than any ‘green’ car in its price range.

The batteries will hold out for a ‘real world’ 100 miles, which seems to be the manufacturing benchmark for EVs and hybrids these days. Charging on a 240-volt system will complete in three hours, while a standard U.S. wall socket will take 4.5 hours.

BMW’s main competition would be from EVs below its weight class. The Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt and Toyota’s plug-in Prius, will all be selling in the mid $30,000s or below when tax incentives are figured in. Lexus offers several hybrid models but no pure electrics. If released today, the BMW would be the only mid to upper level EV available under $100,000 — lending a little class to EVs without sacrificing the practicality of four seats.

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