BMW launched its brand new i DC Fast Chargers at the Plug-in 2014, the conference dedicated to discussing key issues for the long-term success of electric vehicles. According to the manufacturer, the new BMW I DC Fast Charger was developed in collaboration with Bosch Automotive Service Solution and can charge the i3 all-electric vehicle’s battery up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.
If the conventional DC fast chargers have the size of a standard refrigerator and cost tens of thousands of dollars, the new i DC Fast Chargers measure 31”H x 19” W x 12”D and have a weight of about 100 pounds.
So, if you are interested, you have to know that the BMW i DC Fast Chargers will be available with a price tag of $6,548 at authorized BMW partners. BMW says that the 24 kW DC Fast Charger is able to feed the current directly to the battery, which results in a more efficient and faster charge.
For those who don’t know, the BMW i3 uses an electric motor that generates a maximum output of 170 hp (125 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. With these numbers, the i3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited at 93 mph of 150 km/h.
For those who are not satisfied by the 80-100 miles (129-160 km) range, BMW offers a Range Extender consisting of a 650cc two-cylinder four-stroke petrol engine delivering 34 hp. The petrol engine increases the range to 160-186 miles (257-300 km).
“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, EV Infrastructure Manager, at BMW of North America. “BMW is offering the BMW i DC Fast Charger at an appealing price point, and more manageable size, to make the convenience of DC fast charging more accessible for BMW i3 owners.”
