In an announcement just days ago, BMW revealed that it will build its first ever production electric vehicle at its northern Germany plant in Leipzig.

The BMW Megacity EV, as the company calls it, will enter production in either 2012 or 2013.  As a way to test electric vehicles, the company has released the Mini E prototype for field testing and will soon release an electric version of the BMW 1 Series called the ActiveE.  The two prototypes will give the company an idea of buyers' expectations and will give them an understanding of real-world applications for electric vehicles.

The ActiveE is step two towards production of an EV for the company.  The ActiveE will utilize the same basic type of SB LiMotive lithium-ion batteries that will eventually see production use in the Megacity.

Look for the ActiveE to enter field testing sometime next year followed by the much anticipated release of the production Megacity a year or two later.

Source:  BMW Press Release