BMW of North America said today it will partner with Green Mountain Energy Company to offer drivers of the BMW ActiveE the choice to support renewable energy for their cars.
The ActiveE drivers, known as “Electronauts,” now have the opportunity to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Green Mountain to cover the estimated electricity that will be used to charge their electric vehicles (EVs).
“The partnership with Green Mountain is BMW’s next step to procure a sustainable mobility future for our ActiveE Electronauts,” said Rob Healey, EV Infrastructure Manager at BMW of North America. “We want to ensure all ActiveE drivers have the opportunity to source their energy needs from renewable generation and this program is the perfect complement to BMW’s ActiveE solar offer. Based on their experience in renewable energy, Green Mountain is an ideal partner to support our mission.”
The generation of electricity from non-renewable, fossil fuel sources, such as coal, is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide (CO2), a primary greenhouse gas. For a one-time payment of $48.00, BMW ActiveE drivers can purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) to ensure the estimated amount of electricity that will be used to charge their vehicle during the lease period is replaced with renewable energy.
ActiveE drivers who power their vehicles with renewable energy for the estimated mileage usage will offset 9,900 lbs of CO2 during the course of their two year lease, the equivalent of not driving 11,000 miles in a conventional gas-powered car.
In addition to this opportunity to purchase RECs from Green Mountain, ActiveE drivers can take advantage of a separate BMW offer to further commit to a clean energy lifestyle. As of May 2012, ActiveE drivers can install solar panels on their homes for a discount of approximately 35 percent. With this program, not only are customers receiving lower installation costs, but they are also capitalizing on the opportunity to power their homes – and their zero-emissions BMW ActiveEs – using clean, renewable solar energy. This solar program, along with the new partnership with Green Mountain, demonstrates BMW’s truly holistic approach to sustainable mobility.
BMW ActiveE Electronauts ready to drive into an even cleaner future can visit www.greenmountain.com/ActiveE to sign up.
