Drivers of BMW and MINI electric vehicles will be first in the country to have access to a convenient new charging solution following a collaboration between BMW Group New Zealand and leading EV charging network, ChargeNet.
The charging technology, known as Plug & Charge, enables the vehicle to begin charging automatically without need for manual authentication. This is thanks to a digital handshake that occurs between the car’s onboard systems, your ChargeNet account, and the compatible ChargeNet public charger. No card, no app, no fob just plug and charge.
The technology is available on selected BMW and MINI vehicles and can be activated in the ChargeNet app using the Plug & Charge Identifier available within the BMW or MINI vehicle or app.
Plug & Charge also supports multiple charging accounts, enabling users to manage or split their payments across work, home or with different family members. The specific account can then be selected in the car’s dashboard menu before plugging in at the charge point.
BMW Group New Zealand Managing Director Francois Roca said Plug & Charge was a leap forward for technology and customer convenience.
“Being the first in New Zealand to have access to this technology is a big win for BMW and MINI customers in simplifying the charging experience and making use of the seamless – and user friendly – technology embedded in both our brands and ChargeNet’s,” Mr. Roca said.
“We are delighted to see this available to our existing BMW and MINI customers and also look forward to offering it on our next generation electric vehicles, such as the BMW iX3 of the Neue Klasse, when it arrives in the middle of this year.”
ChargeNet Head of Growth & Commercial, Roberto Balzarelli says that New Zealand’s EV charging network is expanding rapidly, with hundreds of fast chargers already available nationwide and significant growth planned. As that infrastructure evolves, it’s essential the experience becomes simpler and more intuitive for drivers. .
"By continuing to roll out innovations for seamless charging, like Plug & Charge, we’re making public charging feel as familiar as refuelling, giving drivers greater confidence to go electric and making every day charging easier across
New Zealand.”
