BMW Reveals All-Electric 1-Series Coupe ahead of Detroit Auto Show, Fleet Tests to Follow

The electrical energy that powers the motor is stored in a pair of lithium-ion battery packs developed jointly by BMW and SB LiMotive. The battery packs occupy the space that would normally be taken up by the conventional drivetrain and fuel tank in vehicles powered by a combustion engine.

Despite the various weight-saving measures, the Concept ActiveE tips the scales at a hefty 1,800 kg or about 3,970 pounds.

BMW predicts that the all-electric 1-Series can accelerate from zero to 60km/h (37mph) in less than 4.5 seconds and from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in less than 9 seconds, while the car's maximum speed is electronically limited to about 145 km/h or 90 mph.

Like the MINI E, BMW says that the real-world range is expected to be around 160 kilometers or 100 miles on a single charge, depending on conditions.

The car's lithium-ion batteries can be recharged by a conventional power outlet at public charging stations or at a special wall box. On the European grid, BMW says that the battery pack can be fully charged at a high-current power outlet (50 ampere) in as little as three hours, while in North America, using a high-current (32 ampere continuous) residential wall box, the charge time is expected to be around 4.5 hours.

The all-electric 1-Series Coupe remains a four-seater, however, the car's boot capacity has been reduced to 200 liters due to the electric tidbits.

Design-wise, the Concept ActiveE is distinguished by the Liquid White metallic finish as well as the special logos and graphic elements derived from printed circuits in Electric Blue on the hood, doors, roof and trunk lid.

The coupe also gets specific light-alloy wheel wheels, a specially trimmed interior and revised instrument panel and central display that have been enhanced to include display items specific to electric drive.