New BMW sub-brand: BMW i

[Rainer271]

BMW Introduces the i Wallbox Pro, a New Charging Station for i3 and i8 Models


Up until now, if you wanted to charge your car at home, you could do it at a regular socket or a BMW i Wallbox Pure, BMW’s special device for i cars. Now, the Germans have come up with the BMW i Wallbox Pro, a new charging station that offers even more power in less time.

This is the second charging station part of the BMW i 360 Electric portfolio that offers accessories for the i range. Of course, with it, you get a faster charging rate compared to the Pure alternative, at up to 7.4 kW. That means you can charge your i3 up to 80 percent in less than 3 hours. Not only that but, the new Pro model is also compatible with other EVs that are fitted with the European Type 2 connector.

Being part of the i family, the device is also done in the traditional colors of the brand, featuring the same design and aesthetics. The front housing has an anthracite finish while black detailing and chrome along with i Blue highlights remind you of the i3.

Of course, this too adheres to the eco-friendly approach that defines the cars and is made of environmentally friendly materials. The device is operated via a 7-inch display that allows you to monitor and control the charging process. The screen can show you the charging level but also details of previous charging styles. Furthermore, you can access all of the info via your smartphone or tablet.

The BMW i Wallbox Pro provides an administrator function that can keep a charging history for different users. Up to three user profiles can be set up, for accounting or billing purposes. For example, private and business-related electricity use can be recorded separately. Details of electricity consumption for a particular user account can also be forwarded by email if desired.

Integration with smart home systems is also possible, to make sure the electricity flow is optimized. On top of that, if your house is fitted with its own electricity-generating devices, they can feed current to the Wallbox, therefore reducing the electricity bill.

For example, if a home is fitted with a solar system, the electricity from it can be used whenever possible. At the same time, if there’s none available, the box will use the grid to power your car. At the moment, the BMW i Wallbox Pro is only available in Europe but it will reach markets in Asia, Africa, the Americas the Middle East by the end of the year.

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/b...rging-station-for-i3-and-i8-models-87115.html

 

[Rainer271]

BMW i1 planned?

In a previous article, BMW insider Scott27 also mentioned the possibility of the i sub-brand to produce a fully electric vehicle to sit below the BMW i3. Dubbed, BMW i1 (no idea why not i2), the even smaller electric city car will be the counterpart of the MINI Rocketman electric vehicle.

Following the BMW i philosophy in design and construction, the BMW i1 is said to arrive before 2020. While the rumor seems somewhat plausible, we believe that a car slotted below the i3 won’t see production in this decade.

BMW is already running incentives to move the i3, a car with the most common complaints being the fairly short driving range and interior space. So an i1 would certainly have a smaller battery to keep the weight down and therefore a shorter range. The cabin space might also be considered below the BMW standards.

We believe that in the next few years, the i sub-brand will size up, vehicles like the i5 or i9are closer to reality than the i1. Even a potential i crossover makes more sense to bring to market in order for BMW to stay relevant and bring the fight to segment’s darling, Tesla.

By the end of the decade, we also anticipate an improved version of the BMW i3, with new battery technology and extended range. With a $2 billion investment alone in the i3, the Munich-based automaker has and will continue to make the small city car the pinnacle of the brand.

BMW i1 planned?

 

[Giannis]

A fully electric, CFRP chassis thingy, the shape of the MINI Rocketman. Now that would be lovely!

 

[marley71]

Great looking sketches, but yes, the market leader needs to be properly and roundly trounced. A full sedan with proper intercity range would do it.

 

[Rainer271]

First standalone BMW i dealership opens in California

This past weekend, Stevens Creek BMW in Santa Clara, California opened the first full-service standalone BMW i facility which will be used to sell the i3 and i8 models. It’s right next to a MINI dealership (BMW owns MINI) and in a structure that used to house the dealership’s used-BMW sales operations.

While the California-based Crevier BMW has opened the first BMW i showroom, the Santa Clara business also has a service facility for i cars and a staff dedicated to sell electric vehicles.

“Our BMW i facility caters to only the new BMW i3 and the growing electric-car lifestyle in the Bay Area,” BMW i sales manager Tiffani Wyatt told Green Car Reports.

“We have three Level 2 charging stations that are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are free to use.”

“And we have a staff of four BMW i Geniuses who are here to educate and provide extensive product knowledge on what BMW is trying to accomplish with the i3.”

Stevens Creek BMW hopes to sell hundreds of i vehicles a month to influential buyers in the Bay Area.

First standalone BMW i dealership opens in California

 

[Beemer B773ER]

I guess I might have to go pop in during my lunch hour and see what they've done with the place.