BMW teams up with SOLARWATT on solar EV charging station

BMW i, the new electric vehicle (EV) brand from German car giant BMW, is teaming up with SOLARWATT on solar carports for its new EVs.

BMW i is planning to release electric versions of BMW cars to be called the i3 and i8, and the German company SOLARWATT is developing a solar-powered carport to go alongside these cars.

The SOLARWATT carport is essentially a wooden parking space covering topped with solar panels that will not only charge a BMW i car, but can also generate some power for the household.

It’s part of an effort by BMW i to provide consumers not only electric vehicles, but also easy charging options.

“This is the next step in the BMW i 360-degree package for customer-friendly electric mobility,” said Marcus Krieg, head of BMW’s 360-degree ELECTRIC project.

“Cooperating with the leading carmaker and visionary supplier of electric vehicles and EV-related mobility services shows that our new systems offer practical solutions which will play an important role in future energy supply,” said SOLARWATT CEO Detlef Neuhaus

While the BMW i won’t be available until later this year, SOLARWATT carports are already on the market in Germany.