BMW Korea has announced ‘Charging Next’.
‘Charging Next’ is a project led by BMW Korea that aims to significantly enhance the quality and quantity of electric vehicle charging infrastructure through large-scale investments. The goal is to provide a convenient and pleasant charging experience not only for BMW electric vehicle customers but for all electric vehicle owners, showcasing an innovative charging environment led by BMW Korea while contributing to resolving the national charging demand.
To start, BMW Korea plans to install up to 1,000 electric vehicle chargers throughout 2024. Furthermore, all newly installed electric vehicle chargers will be made publicly accessible, allowing any electric vehicle driver to utilize them. BMW Korea aims to have a total of 1,100 electric vehicle chargers installed by the end of this year, and with an additional 1,000 chargers next year, they will boast a charging infrastructure of 2,100 units. This number approaches more than 50% of the total electric vehicle chargers supplied by all automotive brands in Korea.
This expansion of electric vehicle chargers will be conducted in collaboration with LG Electronics and GS Energy. Fast chargers of 350kW and 200kW developed with LG Electronics’ technology, as well as both freestanding and wall-mounted slow chargers, will be installed according to the needs and circumstances of each charging station.
Additionally, BMW will introduce a new concept charging and relaxation space called ‘BMW Hub Charging Station’, which will be an expanded version of the existing BMW charging stations. Located on highways and expressways, BMW Hub Charging Stations will serve as comfortable rest areas for electric vehicle charging customers, as well as spaces to experience BMW’s new e-mobility through various electric vehicle models on display.
Moreover, they plan to create ‘ESG Charging Stations’ that combine eco-friendly energy sources such as wind power and energy storage systems (ESS) made from recycled electric vehicle batteries, thereby enhancing sustainability, one of BMW’s core philosophies.
Notably, BMW Korea has been consistently working to expand electric vehicle charging facilities since launching the all-electric i3 model as the first import car brand in Korea. Starting with the installation of 120 chargers at E-Mart locations nationwide in 2014, they have built a total of 532 electric vehicle chargers across various locations including fast charging stations in Jeju Island and domestic showrooms and service centers. To date, they have successfully completed the installation of 920 BMW charging stations.
By Jang Lee, daedusj@autodiary.kr