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BMW announces partners and services for 360° Electric portfolio for BMW i drivers

BMW of North America has announced the partnerships and programs comprising its 360° Electric portfolio. Available in early 2014, 360° Electric is a portfolio of consumer-oriented offerings designed to overcome commonly perceived barriers to purchasing an electric vehicle.

360° Electric encompasses products for home and public charging, assistance services, and flexible mobility. BMW is currently the only automotive manufacturer offering this comprehensive a plan for consumers to cover their individual electric mobility needs beyond their vehicles. BMW says it is situated to branch into complementary electric vehicle markets because of its experience with the MINI E and ActiveE field trials.

HOME CHARGING

BMW i Charging Station. The BMW i Charging Station provides a fast way to charge the BMW i vehicle. This wall-mounted charging station features an SAE J1772-compliant connector, a weather-resistant NEMA 3 enclosure for indoor and outdoor installations, and with an output capacity of 7.2 kW at 240V, the BMW i3 can be fully and safely charged in approximately 3 hours, and the BMW i8 in approximately 1.5 hours.

A 25-foot (7.6m) charging cable allows for maximum parking flexibility. Once the BMW i vehicle is plugged in, charging begins and ends automatically when fully charged.

BMW Installation Services. Bosch Automotive Service Solutions will provide BMW i3 customers a concierge-level, customized installation of the BMW i Charging Station to ensure safe and reliable charging at their homes. A Bosch Vehicle Charging Advisor will support i3 drivers through the entire installation process, including permitting and electrical inspection. Bosch certified electricians will perform a no cost, in-home consultation and full installation services, backed by a Bosch warranty and ongoing technical support.

Additionally, qualified customers will be able to finance the cost of the charging station and installation with their vehicle through BMW Financial Services.

BMW Solar Energy Program. For BMW i, the definition of premium also includes a long-term focus on sustainability paired with an immediate focus on economical energy choices. BMW has partnered with SolarCity, America’s No. 1 full-service solar power provider, to offer owners of the new BMW i vehicles exclusive access to SolarCity’s most affordable solar service option. As part of the partnership, BMW i owners will receive a 10% discount on SolarCity’s home solar offer with flexible financing options, including options with no upfront installation cost and 20 years of locked-in solar energy rates. The BMW i discount, offered through all participating BMW i Centers, will be available in early 2014.

PUBLIC CHARGING

ChargeNow. ChargeNow, in cooperation with BMW i, makes it easy for BMW i drivers to find and access all publicly available charging stations on the ChargePoint network. ChargePoint is the largest public charging network in the US and Canada, and will administer BMW i’s public charging program, ChargeNow.

Using the ChargeNow card, BMW i drivers can access all publicly available charging stations on the ChargePoint network. By providing real time availability status and location information, the ConnectedDrive navigation allows BMW i drivers easy access to public charging stations.

All BMW i owners will also be provided ChargeNow cards, providing immediate access to more than 14,000 stations on ChargePoint’s growing network. BMW i owners will be able to park and charge in public parking lots or parking garages. In addition, BMW i Centers are installing ChargeNow-branded charging stations across the US and Canada that are available for current and future customers, available in early 2014.

ParkNow LongTerm. ParkNow LongTerm is an extension of the ParkNow product offer, an innovative solution for guaranteed and convenient parking. As part of the 360° Electric product portfolio, it is designed specifically for BMW i drivers in select markets who do not have access to residential or workplace charging options. ParkNow LongTerm connects BMW i drivers to dedicated parking spaces with charging stations in parking garages on a long-term based rental in select cities. BMW i drivers are covered with their parking and charging needs—with ParkNow LongTerm, they will no longer have to look for monthly parking or for one-off charging options.

ParkNow LongTerm will identify the best parking options for BMW i customers and recommend to a prepared parking facility from ParkNow’s broad partner network.

FLEXIBLE MOBILITY

Alternate Mobility Program. For those occasional long-distance trips, BMW i is developing customized mobility solutions for your longer excursions. Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or a road trip vacation, BMW i will have you covered under the Alternate Mobility Program, planned to be available in 2014.

DriveNow. DriveNow, LLC will provide BMW i drivers access to BMW i’s car-sharing service. Featuring all-electric, zero-emissions vehicles, BMW i drivers can access a car anytime, simply paying by the minute. DriveNow is currently available in San Francisco, with a fleet of 100% BMW ActiveE vehicles.

ASSISTANCE SERVICES

ConnectedDrive. ConnectedDrive offers daily driving solutions tailored especially for BMW i vehicles. Through ConnectedDrive, BMW i vehicles come equipped with the technology to help drivers easily locate the nearest public charging stations, and if available, see their availability through the on-board navigation system. You can also use ConnectedDrive to check vehicle charging status, control the charging process, plan trips and drive more efficiently.

With the BMW i Remote App for iOS and Android, drivers can use their smartphones to connect with the BMW i vehicle remotely and control it from a distance. Drivers can see the vehicle’s range, battery condition and charge levels, service messages, and location. With Charge Control, charging procedures at each station, trip planning, climate control of the passenger compartment and the high-voltage battery can all be activated remotely.

The navigation feature displays information needed to make the drive as easy as possible. At the heart of this lies the Driving Range Assistant with its dynamic range map, which takes into account relevant factors that could impact the drive, including current battery charge level, driving style, topographic conditions or even the immediate traffic situation. ECO Route is an additional feature that helps you find the most efficient way to reach a destination. If Range Assistance determines that the destination is beyond the vehicle’s current range, it will locate a nearby charging station or suggest a more efficient route.

Maintenance & Repair Packages. As developed exclusively for BMW i3, BMW Ultimate Service includes an 8-year, 100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty. All new BMW vehicles come with additional premium benefits at no cost, including a 4-year or 50,000-mile warranty, 4-year or 50,000-mile maintenance program, and 4-year and unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance.

BMW Roadside Assistance. If your car actually requires technical assistance on the road, BMW Roadside Assistance offers a range of technical services to provide help as quickly as possible.

Comments

Account Deleted

I Europe the BMW i3 has been priced only about 13% above the price of the Nissan Leaf. For example in Denmark the Leaf starts at 254k DKK and the BMW starts at 282k DKK both prices includes the battery pack. At that price and the fact that the BMW handles better and can do 0 to 62 mph in about 7 sec will make it a hit in Europe I think.

The EV industry badly needs a hit to prove its relevance. So far only the Model S is selling more than Tesla can produce. All other EVs and plug-ins have not been in as high demand as hoped for and planned for with regard to production capacity.

I think the BMW fills a void with well of middle class families that consider the Model S too expensive and that can live with the short range of the i3 because they already have one or two other conventional vehicles.

Account Deleted

I may just add in Denmark the price of the Model S 60kWh version starts at 537k DKK. The 85kWh version starts at 610k DKK and the Prius starts at 300k DKK. Pure battery EVs in Denmark do so far not pay registration taxes giving then a substantial price advantage versus all other vehicles.

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