BMW has introduced a factory-fitted, integrated inductive charging feature for its 530e iPerformance PHEV. The system can be ordered now as a leasing option in Germany, and will subsequently be rolled out in the UK, the US, Japan and China.

The BMW Wireless Charging system consists of a GroundPad, which can be installed in a garage or outdoors, and a CarPad fixed to the underside of the vehicle. The energy transfer is conducted over a distance of around 8 cm. The system has a charging power of 3.2 kW and an efficiency rate of around 85 percent.

The GroundPad can be installed outdoors, and can be used regardless of weather conditions. It automatically switches off if any foreign matter is detected.

The system helps the driver to maneuver into the correct parking position using a WiFi connection between the charging station and vehicle. An overhead view of the car and its surroundings appears in the Control Display with colored lines to guide the driver. An icon shows when the correct parking position for inductive charging has been reached. This can deviate from the optimum position by up to 7 cm longitudinally and up to 14 cm laterally.

Source: BMW