BMW i recieves “Momentum for Change” award from UN

Snapshot: BMW i receives “Momentum for Change” award from the United Nations (UN).

BMW i is shaping the future of individual mobility, not only with groundbreaking products and services, but also with a global involvement in the expansion of the publicly accessible charging infrastructure for electric powered vehicles. Being at the forefront of worldwide EV charging infrastructure pilot projects, the brand is planning the “Express charging corridors”, an initiative to increase access to DC fast charging launched by BMW i and ChargePoint, are now being honoured with a significant accolade – the United Nations “Momentum for Change” award.

The project is a milestone on the way to a nationwide, brand independent, standardised charging infrastructure, thereby playing a crucial role in the transition towards electric mobility in the USA. The “Momentum for Change” award is presented within the framework of the UN Climate Conference COP 21 (Conference of the Parties) being held in Paris. Within the automotive industry, the brand clearly leads by the multitude of pilot projects being involved.

Furthermore, the strategic investments made by BMW i Ventures in leading brands within the charging infrastructure area, e.g. ChargePoint and Chargemaster underline the momentum of the brand for successful electro mobility. By the end of 2015, nearly 100 quick charging stations will have been installed alongside the US American West Coast between Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego and along the East Coast between Washington D. C. and Boston. The company is also supporting a wide range of fast charging infrastructure projects on a worldwide basis, currently with a focus on North America, Europe, South Africa, China and Japan.

Each station features 50 kW and 24 kW charging respectively. In case of 50 kW the standard-charging cycle, e.g. for the BMW i3 only takes around 20 minutes. Special attention was paid to the aspect that all charging stations meet the worldwide CCS Standard and are usable for a wide range of EV’s, so that they cannot be used just by models of one certain brand.

The ChargeNow card and App of the same name provides customers with convenient access to all charging stations integrated into the international network, including cashless payment and billing. The time consuming registration with various providers is no longer necessary. When searching and selecting a charging station belonging to the ChargeNow network, drivers will enjoy this integration into the navigation system and the corresponding apps.

With such comprehensive portfolio of products, services and piloting innovation projects the brand demonstrates how e-mobility today already is an alternative for an increasing number of people when it comes to everyday usability and advanced sustainability standards.