BMW has announced that they will be launching a new electric vehicle - although it differs somewhat from other models on the market.

Like the Chevrolet Volt, the upcoming BMW ActiveHybrid 5-Series has a gas engine that kicks in once the electric range is exceeded. Unlike the Volt, the range is a scant 2.2 miles, according to Autoblog. It might seem very small, but BMW feels that this is enough to do a few errands around town while enjoying the efficient advantages of using no gasoline.

The car also benefits from high performance figures typical of BMW vehicles. Supplemented by the electric motor, the car delivers 335 horsepower and hits 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds.

One of the polarizing features of electric vehicles is range, which is why the new 5-Series hybrid has a gas engine that kicks in once the small range is exceeded. Many drivers fear that they will get stuck on the side of the road when they run out of charge.

However, a breakdown of this nature is predictable - a driver just has to be careful not to drive too far. A breakdown of a mechanical nature is not predictable, which is why drivers need to ensure that they keep up to date with their auto maintenance, such as oil changes and tire replacements.