BMW brings first wireless car charger to market
In an industry-first, BMW has introduced a wireless charging pad as an optional extra for its 530e iPerformance hybrid
Recharging your electrified car could get even easier – if BMW’s new wireless charger catches on.
The industry-first, which is being sold under the manufacturer’s ‘i’ division and covers all of its hybrid and electric vehicles, is now available in Germany as a leasing option for its 530e iPerformance hybrid saloon, with a UK introduction to follow shortly.
Placing the car over the GroundPad is easy, too. On-board wifi in the pad communicates with the vehicle to show an overhead camera display on its infotainment screen, allowing for precise parking.
Fearful of harsh weather interrupting your charging? That’s not a problem either, as the system has been designed to work in rain and snow, meaning wireless charging all year round.
.@BMWi launches the world’s first factory-fitted fully integrated inductive charging facility for the high-voltage #battery in a plug-in #hybrid vehicle, utilising #electromagnetic fields. #BMWGroup #BMWi #next100
Read more here: https://t.co/kAKXgViU9e pic.twitter.com/z5xGKlOyxF
— BMW Group (@BMWGroup) May 28, 2018
It will, however, switch off if ‘foreign matters’ are detected – so it shouldn’t attempt to recharge the cat if it decides to take a nap on the pad.
