AeroVironment, a California-based supplier of EV charging units, has been selected by BMW as the preferred provider of EV charging equipment, accessories and installation services supporting the introduction of the BMW ActiveE electric car.
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.
AeroVironment’s EVSE-RS charging station uses the industry standard SAE J1772 connector to 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.
BMWs aren’t the only electric cars the EVSE-RS can charge–AeroVironment’s weather-proof station is designed to work with any EV or plug-in hybrid that uses the SAE J1772 connector port. AeroVironment also supplies the home charging systems for the Nissan Leaf.
The BMW ActiveE will be a prelude to the 2013 launch of the Megacity Vehicle, BMW Group’s all-electric urban hatchback.
