Upgrading from a legacy vehicle to an EV involves a few lifestyle changes. BMW’s 360º Electric is a portfolio of consumer-oriented products and services designed to smooth the transition and overcome some of the perceived barriers to going electric.

BMW’s MINI E and ActiveE field trials have given it a wealth of data about EV driver challenges and demands. “BMW has applied the lessons learned and customer feedback from our field trials to develop the 360º Electric portfolio,” said Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Manager Robert Healey. “Electric mobility is new to many customers, and in order to give them maximum confidence and a premium experience, we have given them access to programs and experts that will enable a truly holistic electric driving experience.”

360º Electric includes the following components:

Home charging                                    

The BMW i Charging Station features an SAE J1772-compliant connector, a weather-resistant NEMA 3 enclosure for indoor and outdoor installations, and a 25-foot charging cable. Output capacity is 7.2 kW at 240V, which can fully charge an i3 can in approximately 3 hours, and an i8 in approximately 1.5 hours.

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions offers a concierge-level, customized installation, backed by a Bosch warranty and technical support. Qualified customers can finance the cost of the charging station and installation.

Solar energy program

BMW has partnered with SolarCity to offer a 10-percent discount on SolarCity’s home solar offer with flexible financing, including options with no upfront installation cost and 20 years of locked-in solar energy rates.

Public charging

ChargeNow, BMW i’s public charging program, allows drivers to access all publicly available charging stations on the ChargePoint network of more than 14,000 stations in the US and Canada.

For customers who do not have access to residential or workplace charging options, ParkNow LongTerm connects BMW i drivers to dedicated parking spaces with charging stations in parking garages on a long-term based rental in select cities.

Assistance services

ConnectedDrive helps drivers locate public charging stations, and check availability through the on-board navigation system. The BMW i Remote App for iOS and Android allows charging procedures and climate control to be activated remotely. The Driving Range Assistant takes into account battery charge level, driving style and current traffic conditions.

BMW Ultimate Service includes an 8 year/100,000 mile high voltage battery warranty. All new BMW vehicles come with a 4-year/50,000 mile warranty, maintenance and roadside assistance package.

Source: BMW