BMW i is shaping the future of individual mobility with a global involvement in the expansion of the publicly accessible charging infrastructure for electrically powered vehicles. The Express charging corridors, an initiative to increase access to DC fast charging launched by BMW i and ChargePoint, are now being honoured with a significant accolade – the United Nations “Momentum for Change” award.
The program receives the award for the efforts in providing EV drivers access to fast chargers along the heavily populated and highly trafficked regions on the east and west coast of the United States. The project is playing a crucial role in the transition towards electric mobility in the USA. The “Momentum for Change” award is presented within the framework of the UN Climate Conference COP 21 (Conference of the Parties) being held in Paris.
By the end of 2015, nearly 100 quick charging stations will have been installed alongside the US American West Coast between Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego and along the East Coast between Washington D. C. and Boston. The charging stations are being installed at a maximum distance of 50 miles from each other, usually in rest areas and in the vicinity of shopping centres, restaurants or leisure facilities. Each station features 50 kW and 24 kW charging respectively.
In addition to the initiative on the West and East Coast of the USA, which was honoured with the “Momentum for Change” award, BMW i is also supporting a wide range of fast charging infrastructure projects on a worldwide basis, currently with a focus on North America, Europe, South Africa, China and Japan. In total, more than 30 projects in more than 25 countries and in cooperation with more than 50 partners for more than 3.000 DC and more than 1.300 AC charging points have been initiated.
With more than 38,000 stations run by different operators in 25 countries, the ChargeNow service comprises the world’s largest network of publically accessible charging points for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The ChargeNow card and App of the same name provide customers with convenient access to all charging stations integrated into the international network, including cashless payment and billing.