German automaker joins forces with retail giant to install EV chargers
Bavarian Motor Works Australia and Scentre Group, the owner and operator of Westfield Australia and New Zealand have entered a partnership to install EV charging stations at shopping centres.
By March 2017, 10 Westfield shopping complexes will enable electric vehicle charging for free to any four EV owners at a time including Nissan LEAF and of course BMW i3 and i8. EVs with ‘Type 1’ single-phase power charging connections will be able to use the facilities, excluding Tesla and Renault ‘Type 2’ female connections which use phase-three.
BMW believes the 8000 EVs on Australian roads currently will swell to over 35,000 by 2024 and Scentre Group is keen to help lead the infrastructure investment.
“We’re very excited to…bring such a comprehensive network of EV charging stations to our customers,” Scentre Group CEO Tim Roberts said. “This is all about convenience for the growing number of EV drivers in our local communities. EV owners will be able to identify charging station locations in our centres via the ChargePoint App, online or through their BMW navigation system.”
BMW Australia chief Marc Werner said the trickle of its ‘i’ sub-brand customers will see encouraged growth through the venture.
“The new charging stations at Westfield locations is another way BMW is providing mobility solutions to our customers as BMW i electric vehicles gain momentum in the Australian market,” he said.
To find your nearest electric vehicle charging station, visit http://myelectriccar.com.au/charge-stations-in-australia/ and search using My Electric Car’s interactive map, OR by checking out the ChargePoint website here: https://www.chargepoint.net.au/charge_point
