Participants in recent BMW’s Mini E test program paid $850 a month for their cars in the first year of the program. The lease is $600 for those continuing into the second year. BMW soon will offer its next test EV, the ActiveE, with a similar lease. An exact lease amount has not been announced.

Unlike the Mini E, the ActiveE is going to be field-testing many of the actual components that will be used in its 2013 BMW Megacity car. The lease price for the ActiveE will factor in a $7,500 tax credit that the company is able to take. In addition to the federal tax credit, many states offer additional lucrative incentives—including state tax credits, instant cash rebates, carpool lane access, and special parking privileges.

As with all cars running on electricity and an electric motor, the ActiveE’s operating cost per mile can be several times lower than a comparable combustion-engined vehicle. Using the U.S. average electricity price of 12 cents per kilowatt-hour, the BMW ActiveE will cost approximately 3-4 cents per mile to operate. Electricity prices are incredibly variable around the country and world, so you'll want to do your own calculations depending on where you live. The ActiveE also benefits from having a relative handful of moving parts compared to a combustion-engined car and drivetrain, and also lacks emissions equipment, which can add up to significant service savings over time—no oil changes or catastrophic mechanical failures.

As an electric Bimmer leased in a limited pilot program only available in a few cities, the ActiveE really doesn’t have any EV competition—so comparative shopping is not an option. On the other hand, you’ll have the unique opportunity to drive a 1-series BMW that doesn’t use a drop of gas—and signals the future direction of the company’s advanced technology. It's going to be hot.