USA: Engage Phase Two: BMW Recruits Electronauts to Lease 700 Electric 1 Series Cars

BMW can’t contain its excitement about the ActiveE all-electric 1 Series coupe any longer. The German automaker today announced it was ready to begin recruitment of ActiveE driver…err, “Electronauts” for leases.

ActiveE leases are considered phase two of BMW’s electric car rollout. Before the ActiveE was Mini’s take at an electric vehicle, the Mini E, and now it’s BMW’s turn. A total of 700 ActiveEs will be available for leasing at $2250 down with 24 monthly payments of $499. There’s no purchasing option. For comparison, the 2012 Nissan Leaf can be leased for $2599 down with 36 monthly payments of $379.

BMW is hoping the 700 ActiveE Electronauts/drivers will provide key insight into what it’s like to live with an electric car. By 2013, BMW expects it will be ready to introduce the alternative-powertrain i3 and i8 cars—considered phase three of its three-part electric vehicle plan. Soon, additional ActiveE cars will be made available in markets like China and Europe. For now, the car is open to buyers in Boston, Hartford, Conn., New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco

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