With innovative plug-in hybrid models hitting the market, luxury automaker BMW is constantly searching for ways to make its eco-friendly vehicles more convenient than ever before. Currently, the Bavarian automaker is interested in incorporating some of the most efficient power possible-solar power- into its plug-in charging systems.
Working closely with a German-based solar energy company, the luxury automaker is searching for ways its can install these types of charging systems in carports and on rooftops to charge BMW i vehicles. This would help owners reduce their energy bills (in addition to their gasoline bills) by simply having their vehicles take power directly from the sun. It would also mean that while parked, the vehicle would be receiving constant power replacement, increasing the amount of mileage it could travel.
In addition to powering the BMW i3 and BMW i8 vehicles, these solar panels would also power owners' homes themselves- adding up to incredibly high energy savings and making the world a greener place!
Marcus Krieg, Director of the 360° ELECTRIC Project, explains the purpose behind the project, stating, "BMW i steadfastly continues to put its 360° approach towards customer-friendly electromobility into practice. We are glad that with SOLARWATT, we have a premium partner for custom solar solutions on our side which lives up to our customers' demanding aesthetic and quality standards."1
As the two partners bring forth further details later on, BMW of Des Moines promises to keep you informed. Feel free to 'like' us on Facebook, or follow our blog's RSS for all the latest updates.
Source: 1http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/bmw-ev-charging-solarwatt-hackathon/
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