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BMW Reveals Suitcase-Sized Rapid Charger for Its i Cars

Let’s face it, the biggest challenge faced by electric vehicles these days is the ludicrous amount of time it takes to recharge the batteries. If one could recharge its EV in as little as a few minutes as conventional cars do, most people would soon migrate to this platform.
BMW i DC Fast Charging suitcase 1 photo
Photo: BMW
BMW knows this and invested heavily into new technologies that would allow people to quench their thirst for autonomy and fast charging. Today, the US branch just announced that they helped develop a less expensive charger the size of a small suitcase that would help develop US-wide charging network that would help out in this particular field.

Basically, what BMW wants is to develop a system similar to the one Tesla has put in place with its Supercharger network. However, unlike the American manufacturer, the German chargers will be compatible with other cars as well and not just BMWs, as part of the deal a couple of car makers signed a while back.

Therefore, electric vehicles made by Volkswagen AG, General Motors and Ford Motor Co. will also be compatible with these new chargers. What’s more, BMW has a plan to offer the new, small, devices at a discount to third-party companies that will help set up the charging network.

“Our focus is on getting as many DC fast chargers out there as possible, but the cost has been a hindrance. We want to remove every perceived barrier for our potential customers. We want to ensure that customers see these chargers,” Robert Healey, EV infrastructure manager at BMW of North America, said in an interview.

So, what makes these chargers special, apart from their size? Well, for starters, they can recharge the lithium-ion batteries of the i3 in around half an hour to 80 percent. The device was designed by Bosch, thanks to a rather hefty investment from BMW.

Fast chargers that are available today are similarly impressive but they cost $30,000, a lot more than $6,500, the amount BMW is planning to ask to third-party companies that want to invest. Not only that but the new model weighs around 100 pounds while the old one used to weigh 15 times more.

“This is a milestone in the development of the DC fast charging infrastructure. With more than five years of real world experience, we understand that a robust network of publicly available DC Combo Fast Chargers is a key part of the mobility of tomorrow,” said Robert Healey.

More good news for i3 owners and drivers was announced today, when Mr. Healey said that BMW wants to offer no cost charging for their EV vehicles through 2015, in California, via the ChargeNow DC Fast program.

When taking delivery of their vehicles, each owner will receive a ChargeNow card that will allow them to recharge the batteries of their cars for free, at these fast charging stations.
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