The BMW ActiveE: A Legit BMW in an Electric Package-Historically, BMW has always been in active pursuit of sustainable mobility. Decades of research in electrical motoring all culminated to produce the ActiveE concept. According to BMW, the ActiveE "marks the beginning of a new era of mobility". The objective of producing this car is to give driving dynamics expected from a BMW while providing 100 percent freedom from emissions.

The energy needed to supply this motor is provided by a lithium-ion battery that BMW made to suit tough conditions that the car might face on the road. A heating and cooling system ensures the batteries are operating in an optimum temperature range.

The battery is also designed to withstand adverse situations such as extreme temperature, vibrations, and crashes. Estimated range for the battery pack is measured at 160 kilometers, and that is while using electronics such as air conditioning and headlights, tools that you are expected to use in a real-world setting. Recharging is not a problem either.

Using a wallbox or even a normal socket, the ActiveE's batteries can be fully recharged in as fast as 4 to 5 hours, a time that is considered excellent in electric car standards. As an additional aid, the car can be synched with your phone using an application that will update you with useful information such as battery status and charging stations within your vicinity.

The body used for the BMW ActiveE is based on the production model 1 series. This was done to retain as much as possible the essence of a BMW, providing "sheer driving pleasure" while integrating new drive technology. Crash tests proved the safety of the ActiveE as it passed stringent safety requirements. In addition, the battery is structured to prevent explosions.

It feels like a legitimate car too, providing a comfortable and convenient ride for four people as well as providing luxuries such as climate control. And this is designed to be a daily driver, with practicality that can be used every day.

This concept is soon to be released as a production model, with reservations expected to open at the summer of 2011. A down payment of 2,250 dollars is needed to get your hands on this car, with a monthly lease of 499 dollars for 24 months. This price is a bargain when compared to other electric vehicles available today.

While this concept is based on a car that is currently under production, the BMW 1 series, the technology and concept that can be seen on the ActiveE makes it a vehicle that stands out on its own. This vehicle might just be the future of BMW, giving its occupants ultimate driving pleasure in an environmentally feasible package.