The BMW ActiveE two-year trial program in which 700 people got to learn and show what BMW ActiveE electric vehicles could do is coming to a close. A lot of the drivers, of course, want to keep driving electric, but they have to turn in their beautiful and high-performance BMW ActiveE vehicles within the coming weeks.
BMW is trying to funnel them into buying or leasing a BMW i3 or BMW i8, but there are a lot of electric cars on the market now. With ~700 happy electric vehicle drivers all of a sudden on the market, it really would be an excellent time for electric car manufacturers to try to woo them by offering a special short-term deal. That’s exactly the pitch one BMW ActiveE member recently made over in the GM-Volt forum, specifically targeting Volt dealers. Forum member “Optimist” wrote:
New Volts needed by 700 BMW Active E drivers
All of the 700, BMW Active E drivers are reaching the end of their driving experience with BMW. Their cars must be returned almost immediately and certainly over/during the coming 60 days. The replacement vehicle that BMW would like these drivers to move into is the new i3, due here in May, 2014. Current drivers may extend their expiring lease until that date if they commit to a purchase of the i3. Many drivers express regret over losing the Active E, and are for many reasons less than impressed with the i3. These drivers have installed 240volt/30amp systems therefor they are ready to go. The Volt is a proven sophisticated option for this group so I invite General Motors/Chevrolet Dealers to pitch us a deal, NOW. There are 700 of us and most are in California!
I thought I’d help get the word out there for these guys and girls as well in order to give them a hand. Best of luck to them!
(Share the word to help these early adopters!)
Image Credit: BMW USA
“Many drivers express regret over losing the Active E, and are for many reasons less than impressed with the i3.”
I wonder what those reasons might be? Is it more expensive? Less range? Different driving experience? Do they not have the opportunity to test drive before making a decision?
I’m also curious. I loved the i3. But have no experience with the ActiveE.
If I was in the market, I would buy a Volt. But I don’t need to commute, and most of my trips are long ones, and I have a 50 mpg car. My son is looking, though.