BMW’s first series-production electric-drive model will aim to create "new benchmarks" when it goes on sale in 2013.

The launch of its Megacity Vehicle was announced by Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, on Thursday (April 22nd).

Billed as "a zero-emission urban car for the world’s metropolitan regions", the Megacity will feature ultra-lightweight materials to optimise performance.

"With this innovative vehicle, designed from the ground up, we will be creating new benchmarks for electric mobility from 2013 on," said Mr Reithofer.

BMW has been conducting research into electric vehicles since mid-2009, when its Mini E models were involved in global field testing.

The German car manufacturer recently said it was on the lookout for 20 volunteers to lease out a Mini E as its trials continued, but participants had to live within a triangular geographical area between Andover, Oxford and West London and pay £330 per month for the lease.

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