• At BMW, sustainable mobility starts well before a vehicle first touches the road. It begins with a considered use of materials and energy-saving processes. It’s a commitment that goes beyond boosting adrenaline to create a sophisticated level of performance that can live well into the future.
    The all-new BMW ActiveE represents the latest milestone in the development of groundbreaking vehicle concepts and technologies. Stemming from ongoing research as part of BMW EfficientDynamics, its powerful electric motor, aerodynamic enhancements and advanced battery technology will become the catalysts for CO 2 -free driving in the future. The BMW ActiveE, and its drivers, will provide valuable insight into how BMW can revolutionize the future of mobility. It’s a vehicle as extraordinary as the driving experience it creates.
  • Perfect craftsmanship and BMW’s unrivaled attention to detail create an experience exclusively tailored to its passengers: ample room for four with Dakota Leather upholstery, a professional navigation system, automatic climate control, heated seats, and 7 cubic ft. (200 L) of rear cargo space.
    New to BMW is the My BMW Remote app, which can access ConnectedDrive functions with an iPhone® or iPad®. My BMW Remote can conveniently start and stop charging on the BMW ActiveE when it’s connected to a charging station or outlet, remotely check remaining range and schedule preconditioning. Preconditioning uses grid power to ensure favorable battery conditions and a comfortable cabin before the journey even begins. It also ensures the batteries are at an optimal temperature for maximum performance and longest range.
    When on the road, if there is ever a need to recharge, drivers can use My BMW Remote or the navigation system to locate the most convenient charging station and set a route. Once they leave their vehicle, drivers can remotely lock doors and use CarFinder to locate the BMW ActiveE, even in a crowded parking lot.
    • BMW ConnectedDrive
    • Preconditioning
  • Function, meet form. Efficient, meet ambitious. Even though it’s 100% electric, the all-new BMW ActiveE carries itself in a body style based on the dynamic 1 Series Coupe. Based on pure BMW DNA, it offers its drivers athletic design reflective of its
    advanced agility.
    From the top of a new and distinctive powerdome, to its unique closed rear apron, the all-new BMW ActiveE boasts rear-wheel drive and a lowered center of gravity for the power-driven handling enjoyed in every BMW.
    Throughout the vehicle, features of a 1 Series Coupe are combined with details that highlight electromobility. BMW’s hallmark kidney grille and Hofmeister kink meet silver, circuit-inspired decals over an Alpine White exterior. Inside, blue contrasting seams accent Pearl Grey Dakota Leather seats, a high-gloss white interior trim, and a black and blue shifter plaque that complements the overall graphic elements from
    the outside, in.
    • View the Image Gallery
    • BMW ActiveE Safety Video
    • BMW Design Video
  • With an output of 170 hp, a maximum torque of 184 lb-ft from a standstill, and a 0–60 mph time of under nine seconds*, the all-new BMW ActiveE delivers an electrically powered adrenaline rush. It’s the kind of exhilaration that both boldly embraces its heritage and paves a new road towards the future of mobility.
    BMW engineers have developed everything from its impressive new motor to the enhanced aerodynamics and dedicated power electronics. The BMW ActiveE boasts Brake Energy Regeneration, which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy for the battery, Dynamic Stability Control for steadfast traction, rear-wheel drive and near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
    To further enhance its already impressive driving dynamics, BMW engineers have created a lowered center of gravity by optimizing the mounting of the batteries in the BMW ActiveE. The result is a vehicle that is as graceful as any BMW, and one that clearly sets a new benchmark. In fact, the BMW ActiveE will redefine the way drivers measure efficiency and performance.
    • Brake Energy Regeneration
    • Dynamic Stability Control
    • Download Specifications
  • The next step in the future of mobility is anything but just another electric car.
    The high-performance thrills and unrivaled efficiency you’ve come to expect from The Ultimate Driving Machine®.
    The next step in the future of mobility is anything but just another electric car.
    The high-performance thrills and unrivaled efficiency you’ve come to expect from The Ultimate Driving Machine®.
    PERFORMANCE
    DESIGN
    COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
    BMW EFFICIENT DYNAMICS
    The next step in the future of mobility is anything but just another electric car.
    The high-performance thrills and unrivaled efficiency you’ve come to expect from The Ultimate Driving Machine®.
    BATTERIES
    OVERVIEW
    CHARGING
    RANGE
  • While there are unique features specific to the BMW ActiveE and electromobility, the pure, on-road exhilaration inherent to every Ultimate Driving Machine® is the same — minus the tailpipe emissions, of course.
    The BMW ActiveE begins with an impressive start. Its synchronous motor develops full torque from a standstill to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 9 seconds.* That’s an instantaneous 184 lb-ft of torque with up to 170 hp.
    Positioned directly on the rear axle, this electric motor has no clutch or conventional gearbox. This enables it to deliver seamless, uninterrupted torque at all speeds. The unique position of the motor also accommodates newly developed lithium-ion batteries that facilitate a driving range of up to 100 miles, for a fully charged commute.
    • BMW ActiveE Lifestyle Video
    • Electric Motor Video
    • BMW EV History Video
  • Can the range of the BMW ActiveE accommodate your daily life? It’s a common concern for first-time EV drivers. In most cases, yes, it can, because with the all-new BMW ActiveE, many unique features help to optimize battery charge. Thanks to features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, ECO PRO Mode and preconditioning, optimum performance of the batteries is ensured and range can be maximized.
    Most BMW ActiveE drivers will charge their vehicle at home — akin to having a gas station in their own garage — where the BMW ActiveE can easily reach a complete charge overnight. This means a driver will be able to wake up with a “full tank” each morning, enabling them to travel approximately 100 miles without needing to recharge. In the United States, well over 90% of drivers average less than that in a day. In fact, most Americans average less than 30 miles in 24 hours.*
    To see if your driving habits are compatible with a BMW electric vehicle, download the BMW EVolve app. It can provide useful tips on how to optimize the range and performance of the all-new BMW ActiveE.
    • Download the BMW EVolve app
    • Brake Energy Regeneration
    • ECO PRO mode
    • Preconditioning
  • The thrills, exhilaration and butterflies you will get from the BMW ActiveE are all powered by innovative and high-performing lithium-ion batteries. These high voltage units feature large format storage cells equipped with a liquid cooling system. Developed exclusively for the BMW ActiveE, this active thermal management system is capable of maintaining an ideal operating temperature to ensure consistent performance and longevity, regardless of exterior temperature.
    • eDrive
    • Instrument panel
    • BMW ActiveE Battery Video
  • A large part of the BMW ActiveE driving experience happens before getting into the driver’s seat. During its development, BMW not only thought of the car, but also the unique and thrilling experience of having an EV. As a result, a number of innovative solutions for flexible, convenient and user-friendly charging performance were developed.
    Getting a full charge, which gives about 100 miles of driving range, takes about four to five hours — making it one of the quickest electric vehicles to charge. Additionally, plugging in the BMW ActiveE takes less than five seconds.
    Most people will charge their BMW ActiveE through a charging station installed at their home. This provides optimal convenience and would be the equivalent of a gas-powered driver having a gas station right at their own home. As another charging option, new charging stations are continually popping up in neighborhoods across America, in places such as shopping malls, supermarkets, parking garages and train stations. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy is helping to fund the installation of 25,000 charging stations across the country. Additionally, the all-new BMW ActiveE can be charged from any standard household outlet via the provided occasional use cable.
    • Battery and Charging Station
    • eCommand
    • BMW ActiveE Lifestyle Video
Explore the upcoming all-electric i3 and plug-in hybrid i8 vehicles.
  • Welcome the rise of the BMW Electronaut. An evolution that spans over 40 years of innovation and a “dare to be, dare to do” thirst for progress.
  • As a future icon of progress, the BMW i8 will continue the work of its predecessors by reinvigorating the performance of a sports car with truly unrivaled efficiency. The result: superior driving.

    As a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the BMW i8 combines the best of all worlds: it lets you experience the exhilarating drive of EV with zero emissions for everyday use. And with a CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) body for added weight reduction and enhanced aerodynamics, you can enjoy every power-packed moment with a clear conscience.
    In megacities across the world, a need has arisen for a new kind of sustainable and personal type of mobility that works on a number of levels. As a visionary concept, the BMW i3 will feed from the end results of the BMW ActiveE Field Trial to feature minimal environmental impact and a comfortable driving experience—even going so far as to seamlessly integrate personal mobility within a wider public transportation system.

    Featuring lightweight construction and intuitive displays, it will be the first 100% electric BMW available for mass production and distribution.
    The second phase of project i began in late 2010, with the global announcement of the BMW ActiveE — the first vehicle that's both 100% electric and 100% BMW. This current field trial builds on the success of the MINI E program and will lead to the launch of the purpose-designed BMW i3 in 2013.

    As a milestone for BMW EfficientDynamics, the BMW ActiveE achieves emission free mobility without compromising trademark performance or BMW style. The body style of the vehicle is based on the ever-popular 1 Series Coupe.

    The field trial began in January 2012, when the first of 700 drivers, the BMW Electronauts, started to hit the road in their all-electric vehicles.
    The first phase of the project i initiative started with the MINI E Field Trial in 2009. With more than 600 MINI E vehicles, the BMW Group launched one of the largest test fleets of electric cars to the public. After its conclusion in 2011, in-depth, user-generated research shaped the development of the next all-electric model—the BMW ActiveE—while providing insight into the everyday use of an EV and the EV lifestyle.
    In 2007, BMW created the "project i" think tank to further investigate and develop sustainable solutions for the practical needs of future drivers. As a subset of modern design and electromobility, it has become the driving force behind BMW's transformation of modern automotives— a groundbreaking effort.
    With the introduction of the BMW E1 in 1991, this experimental vehicle was used to explore the benefits and disadvantages of a newly conceived electric drive. As time pushed forward, so did technological advancement. By 2004, the advent of lithium-ion battery technology allowed electric drives to become truly viable: the new batteries, already proven usable in laptops, solved the age-old issues of cycle stability and load resistance.
    BMW's pursuit of electromobility began in 1969, with the electric BMW 1602, used during the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Along with a variety of prototypes and test set ups, the BMW 1602 provided invaluable experience that would undoubtedly influence the next four decades of research.
  • When it comes to the chance of a lifetime, it can’t be written or read. It has to be experienced.
    That begins here, on bmwusa.com.
    Our online reservation form has officially opened. Now, you can become one of the first BMW Electronauts—a driver of the only vehicle that's an all-electric Ultimate Driving Machine®. Each BMW ActiveE is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to act quickly. Car deliveries are expected to begin in early 2012.
    If you are a fleet manager interested in leasing a BMW ActiveE, first contact us directly at 1-855-217-9819 or email us at BMWGroupFleet@bmwna.com.
    • Start the recruitment process
    Availability
    To see if the all-new BMW ActiveE will be available in your area, please enter your ZIP code below.
    That’s an invalid zip code. Please try again.
  • To ensure our Electronauts are well-equipped to benefit from a fully 100% electric, 100% BMW performance, each registrant will be required to complete a charging station consultation with our partner, AeroVironment. By visiting your home, office, or another preferred location, they can make sure its infrastructure is capable of supporting a charging station.
    • Learn about standard charging station costs
    • Start the recruitment process
    It’s simple.
    Once you have submitted the online reservation form on bmwusa.com, our partner, AeroVironment, will email you to schedule a charging station consultation through their online portal. The consultation requires a fee of $100, which can later be credited toward the installation cost.
    Soon after the consultation, a quote for the charging station and installation will be sent directly to your inbox. Once you acknowledge the quote, your information will be forwarded to your selected BMW ActiveE center and you may continue the lease process.1
  • This is the moment you reshape history. But that’s easy when you’re the one making it.
    As a potential lessee of a BMW ActiveE, you’re one step closer to becoming an official BMW Electronaut. After submitting your reservation form and acknowledging the installation quote from AeroVironment, the next step will take place at your preferred BMW ActiveE center. Your BMW ActiveE center will guide you through the remainder of the lease process and, ultimately, confirm whether a car is available and you are able to claim your spot as a BMW ActiveE Electronaut.
    After submitting your online reservation form and acknowledging the installation quote from AeroVironment, the next step will take place at your preferred BMW ActiveE center.
    BMW ActiveE deliveries are expected to begin in early 2012 on a first-come, first-served basis, dependent on the completion of the recruitment process—so act quickly. The future waits for no one.
    • Start the recruitment process
    The Details
    $499*/month for closed-end, 24 months lease
    $499 First month's payment
    $2,250 Down payment
    $0 Security deposit
    $0 Maintenance1
    $2,749 Cash due at signing
  • Fearless. The future may be uncharted, but the BMW ActiveE is prepared to go as you direct it.
    As a potential BMW Electronaut, see how far this all-electric vehicle can take you. Route a trip to wherever you need to go in your area, and see the overall difference of an EV lifestyle by using our impact calculator to visualize savings in money, time, and emissions. Then, watch the testimonials of our first BMW Group EV drivers: the MINI E Pioneers.
    Learn more about the EV lifestyle:
    Enter Your Zip Code
    Circled area features locations within a 50-mile radius.
    Fearless. The future may be uncharted, but the BMW ActiveE is prepared to go as you direct it.
    As a potential BMW Electronaut, see how far this all-electric vehicle can take you. Route a trip to wherever you need to go in your area, and see the overall difference of an EV lifestyle by using our impact calculator to visualize savings in money, time, and emissions. Then, watch the testimonials of our first BMW Group EV drivers: the MINI E Pioneers.
    Drive
    In the United States, over 90% of drivers average less than 30 miles of gas-powered commuting a day.* But can the range of an electric vehicle compare? It's a common concern for first-time EV owners. With a BMW ActiveE–capable of driving around 100 miles on a single charge—the answer is yes.
    Use our interactive map above to see how far the BMW ActiveE can take you.
    15000
    Fearless. The future may be uncharted, but the BMW ActiveE is prepared to go as you direct it.
    As a potential BMW Electronaut, see how far this all-electric vehicle can take you. Route a trip to wherever you need to go in your area, and see the overall difference of an EV lifestyle by using our impact calculator to visualize savings in money, time, and emissions. Then, watch the testimonials of our first BMW Group EV drivers: the MINI E Pioneers.
    Impact
    They're powerful. They're electric. And they will reshape mobility. See the projected impact of our 700 BMW Electronauts, then see the benefits of an EV based on your current lifestyle. It's nothing short of life changing.
    Is driving an EV fun?
    Fearless. The future may be uncharted, but the BMW ActiveE is prepared to go as you direct it.
    As a potential BMW Electronaut, see how far this all-electric vehicle can take you. Route a trip to wherever you need to go in your area, and see the overall difference of an EV lifestyle by using our impact calculator to visualize savings in money, time, and emissions. Then, watch the testimonials of our first BMW Group EV drivers: the MINI E Pioneers.
    MINI E Pioneers
    Before we embark on a road to the future, we must take a moment and nod to our past. To the first astronauts and adventurers of the new EV frontier. To our MINI E Pioneers: predecessors of the BMW ActiveE Electronauts, and drivers of one of the first all-electric MINI Coopers during a two-year field trial that began in 2009.
    Watch the videos to learn more about their experiences, with testimonials from MINI E Pioneers Todd Crook, Tom Moloughney, and Peder Norby.
BMW ActiveE on Twitter
BMW ActiveE on Facebook

The BMW ActiveE is designed to perform. But not all performance is related to speed. With its innovative Brake Energy Regeneration system you can go further — up to 20% further than without this technology.
The accelerator pedal in the BMW ActiveE is more like a speed controller — with one foot, you can either speed up or slow down the car. As the driver eases off the accelerator, Brake Energy Regeneration is activated to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy that is fed back into the battery. During this process, braking torque is created by the electric motor to effectively slow down the vehicle through its rear wheels. In most day-to-day driving, around 75% of all deceleration can be accomplished without using the brake pedal — increasing energy efficiency and significantly extending brake component life.
Being in control is as important as being able to let go. With that in mind, the Dynamic Stability Control system of the BMW ActiveE has been adapted to its electric drivetrain. Dubbed “Stability Management for Regeneration,” it works with the vehicle’s motor management and Brake Energy Regeneration to automate safe handling when decelerating in any situation.
ECO PRO Mode allows a driver to increase the range of the BMW ActiveE by modifying its features for even more efficient performance.
When activated, ECO PRO Mode lowers the amount of power delivered by the accelerator pedal — versus what’s used in normal driving mode — increasing the amount of regenerative braking and lessening the amount of energy given to the heating and air conditioning systems.
In order to maximize its performance, the BMW ActiveE can be preconditioned while it’s connected to a charging station.
Preconditioning is a function that adjusts the temperature of the battery units and vehicle cabin relative to the outside climate. Depending on the ambient temperature, preconditioning will either warm or cool the batteries and passenger cabin.
A preconditioned vehicle offers two advantages: first, when battery units are at an ideal operating temperature they provide the highest possible power output and a longer range. Secondly, an interior that has been preset to a comfortable temperature requires much less power from the battery for heating and cooling while driving.
With the My BMW Remote app, preconditioning can be activated directly or even set to a predetermined time. Instead of using additional energy on the way to work, your vehicle will be prepped for high-performance, first thing in the morning.
eDrive, which is visible from the BMW ActiveE’s large high-resolution center display, highlights the most crucial information a driver needs regarding the vehicle’s energy flow.
While driving it shows the energy that is being taken from either battery or recovered through regeneration and allows the driver to monitor remaining power and vehicle range. The display functions can also be viewed as a split screen for simultaneous visibility of entertainment features and the eDrive or navigation system.
In the all-new BMW ActiveE, a completely unique instrument cluster was developed to replace traditional performance gauges.
In place of a tachometer, the right-most dial displays the amount of energy being used by the electric motor, or the current amount being fed back to the batteries. Because of its silent start, a needle rises from rest to a middle position, indicating when the vehicle is ready to accelerate. Below, a “fuel gauge” shows the overall battery charge level.
Additional information, such as the estimated remaining vehicle range, can be found on the screen of the BMW ActiveE’s onboard computer.
By using an installed charging station, the lithium-ion batteries of the BMW ActiveE can be fully charged within four to five hours — equal to gaining around 25 driving miles per hour of charging. A driver can simply plug in overnight and wake up with a “full tank” and about 100 miles of driving pleasure.
In addition to the charging station installed at home, the driver can also plug into a standard outlet if needed. With every hour of charging through a conventional household socket, the BMW ActiveE will gain up to 4 additional driving miles.
eCommand, viewable on the My BMW Remote app, allows the driver to control the charge of the vehicle and the preconditioning of both its battery and interior.
Drivers can conveniently start and stop charging on the BMW ActiveE when it’s connected to a charging station or outlet and schedule preconditioning. Preconditioning uses grid power to ensure favorable battery conditions and a comfortable cabin before the journey even begins. It also ensures the batteries are at an optimal temperature for maximum performance and longest range.
When on the road, if there is ever a need to recharge, drivers who are using My BMW Remote can use the app or the navigation system to locate the most convenient charging station and set a route. Once they leave their vehicle, drivers can remotely lock doors and use CarFinder to locate the BMW ActiveE, even in a crowded parking lot.
The BMW ActiveE will be offered in select markets on a 24-month lease for $499 per month.*
* With $2,250 down payment. Full disclosure of all lease details, terms and conditions will be made available closer to vehicle launch.
Impact Calculator Disclaimer
The EV Lifestyle calculator should only be used to roughly project the financial and environmental impacts of switching to an electric vehicle. The numbers will vary from driver to driver, as well as from vehicle to vehicle.
To project various levels of CO2 emissions, we worked with the assumption that a gas vehicle consumes 22 MPG of fuel, a diesel vehicle consumes 30 MPG of fuel, and a hybrid vehicle consumes 60 MPG of fuel.
  • Constant Variables
  • Miles Per Gallon (miles/g)
  • MPG gas = 22
  • MPG diesel = 30
  • MPG Hybrid = 60
  • Cost Per Gallon (in US dollars/g)
  • CPG Gas = 3.682
  • CPG Diesel = 3.923
  • CPG Hybrid = 3.682
  • Cost Per 100 Miles of Driving (in US dollars/100 mi) = (CPG / MPG)*100
  • CPM Gas = 16.74
  • CPM Diesel = 13.08
  • CPM Hybrid = 6.14
  • CPM EV = 2
  • Carbon Emissions Per 100 Miles of Driving (in lbs/100 mi)
  • CEPM Gas = 24.2
  • CEPM Diesel = 17.79
  • CEPM Hybrid = 8.9
  • Average Vehicle Tank (in gallons)
  • AVT Gas = 20
  • AVT Diesel = 20
  • AVT Hybrid = 20
  • Average Mileage of 700 Electronauts (mi)
  • Miles Driven = Variable Defined by Slider
  • Average Annual Mileage (mi) Driven by User
The MPG and CPM values below will refer to the constants (above) of the currently selected vehicle type by the user.
Dollars Saved on Fuel
Annual Fuel Savings (in US dollars)
(Miles Driven * CPM/100) - (Miles Driver * CPM EV/100)
This number is determined based on your estimated consumption of gas, minus the estimated cost to charge your electric vehicle. In addition, we assumed that an average driver will most likely commute a maximum of ten hours per day, at an average of 50 MPH.
Pounds CO2 Not Emitted
Annual Emissions (lbs)
Miles Driven * CEPM/100
Additional data related to CO2 emissions is calculated using the equation CO2 (lbs.) per mile = 5.33 lbs/22 for a gas-powered car (with a substitution of 30 for diesel, 60 for hybrid).
In order to convert “watts per hour” to gallons of gas, we used the formula: one gallon of gas = 33,700 watts. To convert gasoline to carbon content per gallon, we used the formula: CO2 (lbs) = gallons of gas*2421*10-3*2.2.[1]
All calculations related to carbon dioxide are estimated according to the daily usage of a gas-powered vehicle.
Gas Stations Skipped
Number of Trips Per Year
Miles Driven / (MPG * AVT)
Data Sources
[1] Based on — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/miles_per_gallon_gasoline_equivalent
[2] Based on — http://epa.gov/oms/climate/420f05001.htm
The BMW ActiveE will be available in the greater metropolitan areas of New York City (including parts of New Jersey), Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Boston and the state of Connecticut.
For enthusiasts not able to lease a BMW ActiveE, there will be a number of ways to get involved in the excitement of the field trial. For more information on how you can get involved, visit BMWActivateTheFuture.com
Fewer worries, bigger thrills. A vehicle this extraordinary deserves a service plan to match. With BMW Ultimate Service® for your all-new BMW ActiveE, scheduled maintenance is covered by BMW at participating BMW ActiveE centers.
Standard Charging Station Costs
You can expect the average charging station standard installation in a typical new home to be approximately $1,800 plus tax and permits. If needed, additional costs will be incurred for materials and labor associated with alterations to structure or electrical service upgrades (i.e.: trenching, concrete work, siding/wall alterations, electric panel upgrades, excessive conduit/wiring installation, etc.). Federal EV infrastructure tax credit may apply.
Do you have a question about the BMW ActiveE Field Trial? Join the BMW ActiveE Forum to post a topic and learn more.
Enhance your driving experience with BMW's state-of-the-art ConnectedDrive features. These innovative functions help keep you in touch with the outside world through enhanced integration of your portable devices; as well as an on-board mobile office that displays both email and text message headlines on the iDrive display and will even read them aloud to you while driving. And there are many more advanced safety, convenience, and infotainment capabilities that will make your ride easier than before.
Do you have a question about the BMW ActiveE Field Trial? Join the BMW ActiveE Forum to post a topic and learn more.
BMW Electronaut /i-'lek-trə-nät/ n.
A BMW ActiveE driver; one of 700 adventurers and explorers. A front runner of innovation, and an advocate for sustainability. A surveyor of the present, and a proponent of the future—the future of mobility.
Become one of the first to drive the all-new, all-electric BMW ActiveE, and join us in the next frontier. Together, we're redefining the way we live and the way we move. Starting with 700 cars, two years, and one collective mission that will reshape history.