BMW Efficient Dynamics

Nearly six months ago BMW created a new division called Efficient Dynamics. This division is dedicated to the advancement of environmentally friendly, sustainable, vehicle technologies. One of their major projects consists of a redesigned BMW 1 series which runs solely off of electric power. This means that the vehicle has zero emissions which is a big jump from the current hybrid technology which still creates small levels of emissions. The new BMW 1 will be called the Concept ActiveE.

The Concept ActiveE will look exactly the same as the current 1 series coupe and will have all the same dimensions inside and out. The only real difference is the engine powering the car and the wheels. The engine is electric and is run by a quick charging lithium-ion battery. The battery can be recharged in about four and a half hours (BMW USA). The entire engine unit is located on the rear axle instead of under the hood. This helps with the 50 - 50 wait distribution and overall handling of the car. Also, since the engine is located on the rear axle, and the vehicle is RWD, there is virtually no power loss from the crank to the wheels.

The electric power plant produces upwards of 170 bhp and 184 lb. of torque. This by no means is a large amount of power and in comparison to the smallest engine found in the 1 series, it has about 70 horse power less. The car can hit 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. This short coming is made up for by the vehicles tremendous amount of weight loss found in various sections of the car. For instance, the electric engine weighs significantly less than the, mostly aluminum, motor found in the standard 1 series. Other weight is dropped on other parts of the car with the incorporation of carbon fiber. This helps tremendously with the vehicles stopping distance in contrast to that of a regular 128i.

On a scientific note, the vehicle can actually produce its own energy by way of kinetics. When the driver takes their foot off of the pedal, in an attempt to slow the car down, the vehicle will convert the kinetic energy into power (BMW USA). This energy is then stored within a battery pack to be used later on. The batteries found in the car are liquid cooled but BMW has incorporated a new-age cooling technology into the Concept ActiveE. The unique shape of the wheels funnel air underneath the car to help cool the batteries as well as the engine (Road & Track).

I don't know if I am too crazy about the lack of power or space age wheel design found in the Concept ActiveE, however, this vehicle does indeed scream sustainability. BMW has created a fantastic cornerstone to build off of and they will surely be competitors to beat in the eco-friendly car market of the future. So, look out Chevy Volt there is a new electric car on the block; this one is from across the pond and is sure to give you a run for your money!