The ActiveE, BMW’s first-ever full-electric road vehicle made its North American debut at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

Similar to the MINI E, ActiveE field trial begins first in the United States when later this fall, selected consumers will have the opportunity to take over a 24-months lease offered by BMWNA at a monthly price of $499 with a down payment of $2,250.

ActiveE represents BMW’s last step before the new “i” sub-brand will launch in 2013. Several key technologies tested during the ActiveE trials will make their way into the first Megacity car, the i3.

To create an open dialogue between potential buyers, fans of the brands and the company, BMW hosted another episode of their BMW Conversations series. From the NYC auto show floor, Tom Plucinsky, Manager BMWNA Communications, and Rich Steinberg, Manager, Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy at BMWNA, took the time to address some of the questions posed by the online readers.

What makes this electric car unique? Is it right for me? How does it charge? How fast can it go? These and more in the video below.