BMW Wireless Car Charging

BMW launches industry-first wireless car charging.

20:32 06 June 2018

BMW has launched the first-ever wireless car charger, which is now being sold under the company’s ‘i’ division and is available in Germany as a leasing option for its 530e iPerformance hybrid saloon.

 

The device, which works the same way as wireless chargers for smartphones, consists of a GroundPad charger and CarPad receiver fitted to the underside of the vehicle. To charge the vehicle, drivers will need to park it over the GroundPad and the battery will begin to charge. To ensure that the car is properly parked right above the GroundPad, drivers can use the car’s on-board WiFi that communicates with the vehicle to show an overhead camera display on its infotainment screen.

 

The pad can recharge a hybrid’s battery from zero to full capacity in less than four hours. The system will automatically turn off when the battery is fully charged.