BMW of North America, in collaboration with Electrify America, has announced two years of complimentary 30-minute charging for owners of 2022 model year BMW electric vehicles. These models include the BMW i4 and iX, which will go on sale for the first time next month, and the program with Electrify America begins at the same time, giving drivers of BMW’s two newest EVs access to approximately 3,000 chargers across the country. According to BMW, more models and benefits are on the horizon, and Electrify America—which operates the the largest open network of ultra-fast chargers in the U.S.—has plans to double its infrastructure over the next four years.
“The collaboration with Electrify America is one more step on our road towards a sustainable future,” explained Sebastian Mackensen, president and CEO, BMW of North America. “Charging availability is a key feature when it comes to electric vehicles. We’re excited to offer our customers access to charging that is fast, affordable and convenient, as we launch the next generation of all-electric from BMW.”
BMW i4 and iX drivers will be able to use iDrive, the BMW app, or the Electrify America app to find their way to a charger or charging station. These options also allow users to verify charger availability.
“This is a very exciting time as more drivers are turning to e-mobility for their transportation needs to travel around town and across the country,” said Giovanni Palazzo, president and CEO of Electrify America. “Our coast-to-coast network of ultra-fast chargers is growing every week with more charging stations which are ready to welcome new owners of electric vehicles from BMW. We are delighted to collaborate with such a prestigious automotive brand.”
Electrify America’s network of ultra-fast chargers and charging stations includes DC fast charging combined charging systems capable of delivering 150 to 350 kilowatts. That’s enough for the BMW iX or i4 to take on between 90 and 108 miles worth of range respectively in as fast as ten minutes. The Electrify America charging network is made up of 800 charging stations and approximately 3,500 individual fast chargers that are either currently operating or complete in terms of construction. As mentioned above, the company has plans to vastly increase its infrastructure in the coming years, with more than 1,800 charging stations and 10,000 individual chargers in the U.S. and Canada.—Alex Tock
[Photos courtesy BMW AG.]