BMW electric car takes phone calls from its driver

Drivers of the latest electric car from BMW can phone the vehicle to check its battery charge or ask it to heat or cool its interior ahead of their arrival.

The ActiveE Concept is based on the BMW Series 1 and boasts a recharge time of three hours and a range of 100 miles.

The configuration of the 125KW electric motor and lithium ion batteries ensures that the 50-50 weight distribution for which BMW cars are known is preserved; the drivetrain is mounted within the rear axle and most of the batteries are located in place of the fuel tank and under the bonnet where the internal combustion engine would normally be found.

The BMW Concept ActiveE will now undergo testing by select fleet customers and a handful of private motorists.