BMW Group selects AeroVironment as preferred provider of EV chargers

The image from the BMW website shows the new BMW ActiveE which will be a prelude to the 2013 launch of the Megacity Vehicle, BMW Group’s all-electric urban hatchback.

The BMW ActiveE electric vehicle is the second phase of the BMW Group’s electro-mobility development strategy and brings all-electric technology to a new class of luxury vehicles. ActiveE vehicles will be distributed in the major metropolitan markets of Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento.

Based on the chassis of a BMW 1 Series Coupe, the ActiveE electric car features an electric drivetrain and is powered by an advanced, high-voltage, lithium-ion battery pack.

According to the AV AeroVironment’spress release, the EVSE-RS charging station will deliver approximately 25 miles of driving range per hour of charging time. A complete charge from a fully discharged state will take between four and five hours, delivering the ActiveE’s maximum range of 100 miles. The charging stations will be installed with a 240-volt electric circuit in drivers’ home garages as part of the vehicle’s total driving system, and are designed to provide a safe, practical and dependable charge.

For the record, subdivisions and non-commercial properties do not have access to the higher voltages like 3-phase 480V. However, 240V is available in most areas.

“BMW has a strong legacy as one of the world’s premier performance luxury brands, and AeroVironment looks forward to bringing our own legacy of reliability and innovation to BMW’s exciting new launch,” said Tim Conver, chairman and chief executive officer of AeroVironment. “Together, we can expand boundaries in providing practical, emissions-free mobility to the performance vehicle market.”

AeroVironment will provide the home-charging system, installation and warranty to BMW drivers, as well as full BMW dealer support.

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Disclosure: Frank Sherosky, creator of stocks charts for TN is author of "Awaken Your Speculator Mind" but does not hold any stock, option or futures position in this equity or futures at this time.

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More About the Reporter: After 39 years in the auto industry as a design engineer, Frank Sherosky now trades stocks, futures, and writes articles, books and ebooks via authorfrank.com. He may be contacted here by email: [email protected]

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