What’s Happening
Electrify America and BMW of North America have jointly announced a unique collaboration to offer new BMW i5 electric vehicle owners two years of free 30-minute charging sessions. The recent partnership is a continuation of the companies’ successful joint initiatives, which have previously provided similar benefits to first-time owners of BMW’s i4, iX, and i7 models.
Why It Matters
Robert Barrosa, the upcoming CEO of Electrify America, highlighted the significance of this agreement. “By facilitating access to quick, convenient charging on the go, BMW is assisting drivers in transitioning to an EV lifestyle and boosting their range confidence,” he stated. This combined effort to provide increased access to ultra-fast charging is pivotal for promoting EV adoption and propelling us towards a more eco-friendly transportation future, he added.
Key Points
New BMW i5 owners can activate their charging benefits by enrolling via the My BMW app and avail their complimentary charging within two years from the purchase date. The app also helps users find nearby charging stations, verify charger availability, and navigate to the stations. With Electrify America’s fast-charging network, i5 owners can leverage 150kW and 350kW chargers, which are among the quickest charging speeds available today.
Slated for a global launch in October 2023, the i5 is part of the new BMW 5 Series. The 5 Series will introduce the BMW Operating System 8.5 along with the BMW Curved Display and a slew of innovative digital services. Moreover, this series will feature an electric drivetrain for the first time, specifically in the BMW i5. The i5 is also notable as the company’s first EV to incorporate Plug&Charge payment technology, facilitating seamless charging experiences by enabling automatic billing upon plugging in the EV.
Bottom Line
Sebastian Mackensen, the President and CEO of BMW North America, underlined the importance of charging infrastructure access in expanding their electric offerings. “Having a comfortable yet dynamic ride is crucial, but so is access to charging infrastructure. We’re thankful to Electrify America for joining us in our mission to shape a more sustainable future for transportation,” Mackensen commented. As more companies like BMW and Electrify America continue to work together, we can expect to see further advancements in EV infrastructure and technology, bringing us closer to a greener and more sustainable world.
