BMW Digital Charging Service optimises charging and integrates electric vehicles into the energy market

BMW i is expanding its engagement in electric mobility with the new BMW Digital Charging Service (DCS). The intelligent service for predictive, convenient, cost-effective and green power-optimised charging is connecting vehicles with the world of energy. Thus BMW i is the first automobile manufacturer to offer its customers a system that intelligently incorporates charging into everyday life and at the same time helps to considerably reduce charging costs. The Digital Charging Service optimises charging technology for BMW i and BMW iPerformance vehicles and will be extended in a later phase to other brands. Pilot markets for the new service are germany and the Netherlands in early 2017, subsequently more countries will follow.

After activation, the service carries out the charging process fully independently and autonomously. The BMW Digital Charging Service is based on two core functions: Tariff and solar optimised vehicle charging. In the case of tariff-optimised charging, the BMW Digital Charging Service aligns the charging plan to the customer’s electricity tariff. Cost-efficiency of the charging process is improved and the vehicle is automatically charged at the lowest electricity rates. In selected markets, BMW i cooperates with innovative energy providers, so that customers are even able to receive cost reimbursements. In the case of solar-optimised charging, the BMW Digital Charging Service is aligned to the domestic photovoltaic system. DCS predicts the solar power based on the weather-forecast and the output of the installed photovoltaic system specified by the customer and establishes a charging plan. In this way, the amount of electricity not consumed at the time of being generated in the home can also be used for cost-efficient charging of the electric vehicle. The vehicle is automatically charged in optimum combination with the self-generated solar power.

The new service is part of BMW 260°ELECTRIC portfolio. More information can be found at https://charging.bmwgroup.com

BMW i customers can easlily activate the service in their BMW ConnectedDrive portal.

System provider for CO2-free mobility. Under the 360°ELECTRIC label BMW i brings together since 2013 already a wide range of products and services which go far beyond the electric car itself and paving the way to a entirely emissions-free mobility. The integration of the energy sector as a next consequent step within the further development of electro mobility plays a vital role in the BMW Group strategy.

The BMW Digital Chargung Service is the result of broad research and cooperation-projects in the USA (BMW ChargeForward) and Germany (eMOBILie)

Furthermore: New BMW I Wallboxes With the introduction of the Digital Charging Service BMW i is launching two additional BMW i Wallbox  models for convenient and fast charging in the garage at home or in the private parking space. Thanks to further developed charging electronics, they are now able to handle three-phase charging currents of up to 22 kW. The top-of-the-range model is the BMW i Wallbox Connect, which features a factory-set WiFi connection and is therefore an ideal match for the innovative Digital Charging Service. Furthermore, it is not only possible to record the amount of electricity generated via the BMW i Wallbox Connect separately for each vehicle but also to export the data following the charging process, which is, for example, essential for recording charging costs.

About BMW i and BMW iPerformance BMW i is a brand of the BMW Group, playing the role of an incubator for networked mobility services, visionary vehicle concepts and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. BMW i is represented in 54 countries with the BMW i3 (electric car for use in metropolitan regions) and the BMW i8 (plug-in hybrid sports car) and BMW iPerformance automobiles (all BMW plug-in hybrids). BMW i is also associated with DriveNow (car sharing), ReachNow (CarSharing 2.0), ChargeNow (easy access to the world’s largest charging point network), ParkNow (simple location, reservation and payment of parking spaces), the venture capital company BMW i Ventures (investment in start-up enterprises with a focus on urban mobility), BMW Energy (services around energy optimisation) and the Centre of Competence for Urban Mobility (consulting for cities).

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2015 was approximately € 9.22 billion on revenues amounting to € 92.18 billion. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.


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