BMW offers ActiveE electric car lease: $499/mo

Consumer Reports News: January 23, 2012 12:23 PM

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Following the strategy seen with the Mini E electric car, BMW is offering a lease of its new electric car to select consumers in Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco. Priced at hundreds less than the Mini E, the ActiveE will be offered at $499 a month for 24 months, with $2,250 down.

BMW will offer the electric 1 Series coupe to 1,100 consumers worldwide, selecting 700 from the U.S. market. As before, this field trial will net the automaker valuable data and insights as to how the technology performs in the real world. The intelligence will be used for future, true production models.

To become an early adopter, or "electronaut" as BMW calls them, prospective customers will need to apply and receive a charge-station consultation with partner AeroVironment. Once approved, the lease paperwork can be completed. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis, with deliveries expected in "early 2012."

Next up: The BMW i3 hatchback in 2013 will share the powertrain with the ActiveE. It will be followed by the sporty i8 plug-in hybrid in 2014.

Visit our alternative fuels guide for more on electrified cars.

—Jeff Bartlett