BMW says ActiveE field test lease fleet figures incorrectly stated
It was reported last week that BMW will lease 700 units of the all-electric 1-Series ActiveE to customers residing in major cities around the world. Of the 700, 200 were reported to come to the United States. BMW just released a short statement today saying that “recent published reports have incorrectly stated that the size of the fleet of BMW ActiveEs that will be deployed during the BMW Group”s second-phase field trial in the US will be limited to 200 vehicles.”
BMW says that it is still deciding the exact size of the fleet but said it will be at least as large as the Mini E fleet, which is currently in operations. There are a total of 450 Mini E units on U.S. roads right now.
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“I would hate for anyone to get the impression that we are backing away from our commitment to EV development or the Megacity Vehicle project. Let me reassure you that nothing could be further from the truth,” said Rich Steinberg, Manager ““ Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy. “With one of the largest fleet of electric vehicles in operation today, we are learning a great deal. Those lessons have already been applied in our development work. One example is the liquid heating and cooling capability for the batteries in the upcoming BMW ActiveE. This will help to optimize operating range in conditions of extreme hot and cold climates. Others include the four-seat capacity of the BMW ActiveE and it seven cubic-feet of trunk space. More than anything we have been impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm that MINI E drivers have brought to this project.”
The field trails of the BMW ActiveE will begin in 2011. More information will be made available at the 2010 New York Auto Show at the end of this month.
Refresher: The BMW ActiveE is powered by a synchronous electric-motor making 170-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. A full charge takes about 4.5 hours allowing a driving range of 100 miles.
– By: Kap Shah
