BMW to make EV charging easier than refuelling
BMW is introducing wireless, inductive charging for the 530e iPerformance model from next month.
BMW wireless charging launches from July 2018
Available as an option, the technology uses a ‘GroundPad’ base pad, which is fitted in a garage or drive, and a CarPad on the underneath of the car. The charging process starts automatically once the vehicle is in position – with the system providing guidance on parking right – and takes around 3.5 hours for a full charge on 3.2 kW power. Once the battery is fully charged, the system switches off automatically.
Production will start in July and the system will be available on lease in Germany first, followed by the UK, the UK, the US, Japan and China.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
