BMW introduces new app feature to boost EV adoption

MANILA: BMW has updated its smartphone application, and it now includes a new feature allowing users to simulate how an all-electric model would fare in their daily driving routes. 

Specifically, the newest element of the My BMW app is intended for current owners of the German marque’s internal combustion cars. Per the brand, it may be able to dispel range anxiety and other misconceptions about EV models. In doing so, the car maker hopes it can also boost the adoption rates of its battery-electric lineup. 

To initiate the new app feature, a user will have to choose a preferred BMW EV to simulate. Once the user has managed to use their ICE-powered BMW 200 times and cover a distance of 2,000 kilometers, the program can then show the distance and number of journeys the simulated EV model could have made from a single charge. 

Essentially, the app utilizes driving data from a fossil fuel-sipping Bimmer to show what it is like to live with a BMW-made EV. In future updates, the Munich-based car company shared that the app will be able to take into account charging facilities, charge times, and even instances when the electric-powered ride isn’t in use.  

According to the German car maker, the new Electric Vehicle Analysis will only work with a combustion-powered model equipped with the BMW Operating System 7. 

“Electric vehicles can already be incorporated perfectly into the daily routine of many customers - it’s just that the majority of them haven’t tried it yet,” BMW Sales Steering and Strategy, Digitalisation Senior Vice President Dirk Wiedmann said. 

“Our app’s Electric Vehicle Analysis helps our customers to make an informed judgement in their choice of drive system,” Wiedmann added. 

Besides the Electric Vehicle Analysis feature, the latest My BMW update provided the app with the ability to inform users of nearby charging stations. It also has the new “Charging Wallet” for on-the-fly checking of EV charging rates, as well as the capability to create a range-optimized navigation route.

To note, the My BMW app is available to the Philippine market and it is downloadable from the Google Playstore and Apple App Store. Its list of basic functions includes the ability to remotely control select car amenities, pinpoint the location of a car, and the remote checking of vehicle parameters. 

Prospective buyers in the Philippines who are looking to get a fully electric BMW can choose between the i4, i5, iX3, iX, and i7. 

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