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At Arval we just took delivery of a BMW ActiveE and we will be testing it over the next six months.
It's a fully electric four-seat sports coupe based on the BMW 1 Series and although it won't be going into full production, much of the technology will be used within the BMW i3 later this year and then subsequent BMW electric models.
Getting to drive the car, and seeing the reaction from other drivers got me thinking. Electric vehicles have come with a lot of hype but also some negativity around their range and therefore practicality.
While the BMW doesn't deliver any great leaps forward in range over and above other electric cars, it doesn't stop the ActiveE from being attractive to people.
Parked in front of our head office, employees are keen to look, customers want to have a go, and when we took it to a schools event recently, the pupils couldn't get enough of it.
So the reality is that a desirable car will remain desirable, irrespective of how it is powered. This helps to generate interest in new vehicle technologies and to some extent, makes electric vehicles more practical from a market perspective.
Before taking the leap, any business or driver must be clear on what they need the vehicle for. If the answer is short, urban journeys then why not look at an electric vehicle as a viable option.
If the models that people want are available - and for a reasonable price - the ability to drive past garage forecourts knowing that you don't have to refuel is a big attraction.
If you regularly complete longer journeys, you will undoubtedly be better with a different powertrain, at least until the electric charging infrastructure improves.
With the manufacturers delivering some refined and attractive electric models that undoubtedly work well in certain circumstances, we have more options when it comes to selecting vehicles than ever before.
Whether the motivation is cost, status, comfort or practicality, you're no longer just selecting a brand and a model to meet your needs; you can also pick the technology that provides the best fit.
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