Certified CenterFirst watches, then phones, now BMW. The German automaker is close to debuting wireless charging for one of its models, the 5-Series Hybrid, available in 2018.
Photo Source: BMW Blog
As electric cars become more popular, car manufacturers have been finding ways to extend the range of those vehicles. This has resulted in wireless charging system being tested globally. In terms of the 530e, the pad will connect to a 220-V outlet, then sensors on the car will show you where to steer so the vehicle can communicate with the charger. According to BMW, the 9.4kWh battery in the 530e can be transmitted inductively in 3.5 hours at 3.2kW of power, or close to the same level you’d get if you plugged the car into a cord.
Beginning in 2018, owners of the 5-Series Hybrid will be able to have a wireless charging pad installed at their home. This system works like many others, where a base pad is installed with a primary coil on the ground and a secondary coil mounted to the underside of the car. The floor plate will be accessible in both garage and outdoor settings. When approaching the loading platform, the iDrive system helps the driver line up the vehicle with the floor plate and creates an exact display of the required position of the vehicle.
As always, BMW of San Antonio will keep you posted on new updates and other news coming from BMW including the exciting wireless charging pad for electric vehicles!
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