BMW Launches Wireless Charging For Electric 5 Series — Are You Seeing This Tesla?

Initially, the wireless charging will be offered for the BMW 530e iPerformance. In a later phase, the technology will be rolled out for other electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The wireless charging needs a loading plate to charge the vehicle.

The prototype of the wireless charging uses a base plate with the integrated primary coil. The plate can be used in the garage or outdoors. The base plate can charge the lithium-ion battery of the car through secondary coil fitted on the floor of the car.

The wireless charging is achieved through an alternating magnetic field between the two coils. An output of up to 3.2kW can be transmitted through inductive charging.

The BMW 530e iPerformance needs to be parked over the wireless charging loading plate to charge the battery. It takes just 3.5 hours to charge the battery fully. The iDrive system helps the driver through a display to exactly position the car above the plate.

BMW also plans to launch additional models with the optional wireless charging technology. Along with the car, an additional floor plate should be bought to perform the operation. The floor plates will be available at dealerships.

BMW states that the price has been not yet fixed, but it will be slightly expensive than the BMW i Wallbox Pro priced around $900 (approximately Rs 57,685).

After the market launch of the wireless technology in 2018, the technology will be made available for other models such as 330e, 740e, i8 and i8 Spyder.