Last summer, BMW teased the world with a sneak peek of the Megacity EV designed especially for the urban driver. For those of you who were skeptical that BMW wouldn't follow-through with taking this vehicle from concept to production, you'll be interested to know they've recently announced plans to lease out the Megactiy on a short-term basis rather than offer it for sale. This is the first indication of a serious marketing plan for the imminent EV. This is BMW's first zero-emission all-electric regular series production vehicle.
Expected to go on sale sometime in 2013, the BMW Megacity EV will be made of a cutting-edge carbon-fiber/plastic composite material to offset the usual weight that accompanies an electric vehicle's battery pack. To ensure that every available unit of power is transferred to the ground to allow this urbanite to aptly dart through heavy traffic, the BMW Megacity EV will also feature a rear-wheel-drive format, a dynamic wheel load transfer system, and a slip control system. The finished powertrain should be equivalent to 170 horsepower (hp).
"We're looking for an alternative to traditional purchase or leasing of the vehicle," says Ian Roberston, Sales Chief, BMW. "We don't want to sell the car, but rather the use of the car."1
Roberston also referenced the 'Car-to-Go' concept as an "interesting approach". More and more people in large cities are looking for an alternative to the ownership of a vehicle," he says. "Car-sharing concepts are considered one way to keep these people mobile and avoid the restrictions associated with car ownership."2
Stayed tuned for more news on the BMW Megacity EV. Bert Smith BMW - 3800 34th Street North Saint Petersburg, FL 33714 is here to keep you up to date.
[SOURCE]1,2http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110203/COPY01/302039963/1429/
[INFO]
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110203/COPY01/302039963/1429/
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/bmw-commits-to-megacity-ev-by-2013-will-start-by-testing-active/
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2010/07/bmw-reveals-sketch-of-2013-megacity-ev.html