BMW has developed an energy-efficient street light that is also an EV charging station. The Light and Charge unit combines LED technology with a standard Level 2 charging connector that’s integrated into BMW’s ChargeNow network.

“Light and Charge is a simple and innovative solution to naturally integrate a reliable network of charging stations in the city,” said BMW Board Member Peter Black Bauer. “With the ChargeNow map of BMW i, we are creating today access to the world’s largest network of charging stations. We are pleased that we can join with our partners to promote the expansion of the charging infrastructure with the project Light and Charge.”

Two prototype units are now in service, and open to the public, in front of BMW’s Munich headquarters, and the company plans to launch a pilot project in the spring of 2015, using existing local lighting networks.

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Street lighting and EV charging seem like a natural combination, as Green Car Reports noted – the ease of installation could make Charge and Light units attractive to other municipalities, and owners of expensive EVs are sure to find a well-lighted charging station appealing at night.

Sources: Reuters, Green Car Congress, Green Car Reports