BMW throws more support behind EVs - ActiveE Concept previewed.

Yesterday we learned that BMW will not be replacing its current fleet of hydrogen powered 7-series; Hydrogen 7. The news implied that the Bavarian automaker is reducing its focus on hydrogen power. We now understand better the reason not to replace the Hydrogen 7. Today BMW announced that it will be building a fleet of electric powered 1-series coupe. BMW explains that the electric powered 1-series is the next phase of BMW's Project i - the first phase saw introduction of a fleet of electric powered MINI E to selected fleet users / individuals in LA, NY, London and Berlin.


The electric drive 1-series will be unveiled in next months North American International Autoshow as the Concept ActiveE. More info can be found in BMW's press release here.

The ActiveE is powered by a lithium-ion stack made by SB-LiMotive, a JV between German autoparts giant Bosch and South Korean battery specialist Samsung SDI. At the moment, BMW is the only OEM partner for SB-LiMotive. The company also have an existing contract to supply hybrid vehicle battery packs to American autoparts maker Delphi from 2012 to 2021.



There is even an iPhone app for users to check the battery charge status, available range, locate next nearest charging stations as well active the airconditioning before getting into the car.

I am not sure how many share my opinion - but I think BMW is using far too many eco-marketing monickers than it should. Efficient Dynamics, eDrive, ActiveHybrid and now ActiveE. But I guess its part of BMW's culture. Just go have a look at a typical BMW brochure. The company loves acronyms! Contrast this to a brochure of a similar model from Mercedes-Benz or Audi or even Lexus. Maybe BMW owners like to learn up all these techno sounding names to lord over less informed mortals in a one of those bar-table talks / male ego one-ups.

Looks like the future of alternative powertrain is almost certain going to be electric than anything else. However BMW did emphasise that it is not abandoning hydrogen power just yet. In the ActiveE's press release, it is stated that "Electric drive provides an additional option for a lasting form of individual mobility alongside the ongoing optimization of all models with a pure combustion engine, the market launch of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in serial production vehicles and the BMW Hydrogen 7 as evidence of the suitability of hydrogen drive for everyday use." As mentioned in the previous post, BMW have spent more than 30 years and a lot of money researching into hydrogen power. You can't expect them to just turn their back on H2 drive and go pure EV the way Renault-Nissan is doing.