I Want One! BMW ActiveE Electric Concept Is a Car I Can Get Behind

2009 BMW Concept ActiveE

Electric cars are becoming quite the topic of discussion these days, especially with the coming introduction of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf. However, those aren’t the only cars that have captured headlines in 2009. Of course, there is the Tesla Roadster and then the more accessible MINI-E (one of which is owned by a High Gear Media writer) and a handful of others like the electric Smart and Th!nk City. However, the BMW ActiveE that is based on the 1-series is something that has really caught my attention.

2009 BMW Concept ActiveE

This car has caught my attention so much so that I would LOVE to test one to see if it or any electric car could handle my daily commute. I am one of those people, twenty something with a good daily job that isn’t close to home. In fact, I drive about 80 miles round trip a day and what’s more is that there is now way for me to get to my office without driving (unless anyone thinks 3 hours by bus is acceptable). The other irony his that a hybrid really doesn’t do me any good since most of my driving is on the highway and in the opposite direction of heavy traffic. Which brings me back to the BMW ActiveE concept that is said to be debuting at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

2009 BMW Concept ActiveE

Our partners over at GreenCarReports.com (the venerable Mr. Green as I have dubbed him) have written a detailed article on the ActiveE and the technology incorporated. After perusing the information, I noted several qualities that make the BMW ActiveE desirable to a twenty something like myself. First, it is a BMW. Second, it is estimated to have a 100-mile range (perfect for my commute). Third, it is a four-seater, which makes it perfect for taking people to lunch or carrying computer equipment. Finally, they say it will only take 4.5 hours to charge, which means I could get home at midnight and still have it charged for work at 6 a.m. the next morning.

So if any one in the BMW stratosphere is listening, I will GLADLY test a BMW ActiveE. In fact, they can put graphics, advertising and anything else they want on it, as long as I can see if an electric car can really stand up to driving what is a fairly normal commute in the Denver Metro area. Don’t worry; I will pick up the tab for the gas.