BMW recruits drivers for ActiveE electric car

BMW has started recruiting drivers in seven U.S. markets to field-test its first all-electric vehicle, the ActiveE.

Seven hundred prospective drivers in Boston, Hartford, Conn., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and San Diego, Calif., are being sought.

The ActiveE is based on the current 1-series but is powered by the battery pack from the upcoming i3 concept car. The ActiveE is available through a lease-only option for $499 per month for 24 months, with a $2,250 down payment.

Only 700 ActiveEs will be available for lease, on a first-come first-serve basis.

Once registered, participants meet with AeroVironment to ensure that their homes will accommodate charging stations and to get training on caring for and maintaining an all-electric vehicle.

BMW said it expects the program will generate driver data and feedback from those who use the EV in everyday conditions. That info will be used for the production versions of the BMW i3 in 2013 and the i8 in 2014.

Interested? Check out the BMW ActiveE registration page.

By David Arnouts