BMW is committed to leading the charge when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which is why they’ve announced the next phase of the BMW ChargeForward program. The goal of the program is to further understand and expand the possibilities of smart charging. To that end, the program’s first phase involved demonstrating the possibilities created by managed charging, where BMW EV and PHEV drivers were given incentives to charge their vehicle at certain times.
The BMW brand's intention was to encourage drivers to charge their vehicles at “off-peak” times—times when there is relatively low demand on the electrical grid. This in turn helps optimize grid reliability and lowers costs. Their efforts were successful, and now the company is looking to the second phase of the program. The intention of this second phase is to optimize charging events at home and on the go through the use of new smart charging functionality. Ideally, these efforts will again benefit both drivers and the electrical grid.
Here’s Cliff Fietzek, Manager, Connected eMobility, BMW of North America, on the company’s efforts: “BMW envisions a future where electric vehicles are part of a mobility and energy lifestyle and are instrumental for supporting increased renewable energy on a more efficient grid.” The second phase of the program will last for 24 months, and will be open to BMW i3, BMW i8, and BMW iPerformance drivers in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area.
It’s great to see BMW investing in this type of industry-leading research. It means that owning a BMW vehicle will only get better. Come in to Fields BMW Daytona now to test drive a new 2016 BMW i8. While you’re here, be sure to ask about all of the BMW new vehicle specials available here at our dealership near New Smyrna, FL.
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