BMW is investing in Coulomb Technologies, a provider of electric-vehicle charging stations and software based in California that has EV development deals with General Motors, Ford, Nissan and Fisker Automotive. Coulomb's ChargePoint operates a worldwide network of EV charging stations in over 14 countries, including the United States. ChargePoint also offers cloud-based services, including the capability to locate charging stations, process payments and monitor energy use and costs to EV customers, dealers and manufacturers. BMW declined to disclose the amount of the investment, which was made by its venture capital unit, BMW i Ventures. The carmaker will be introducing a family of electrified vehicles as part of its new i Series, starting next year with its i3 compact. Coulomb raised $47.5 million in May from a new round of venture capital led by Braemar Energy Ventures and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Braemar was responsible for financing battery maker A123 Systems, while KPCB is one of the investors in Fisker. Also investing in Coulomb is Toyota TsushO, a member of the Toyota Group.
BMW invests undisclosed amount in Coulomb Technologies
by Gerald Ferreira, Email, 26 Jul, 2012
