BMW reported near-record electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States for the second quarter of 2024, and the company is now leveraging technology to encourage more gas-powered car owners to switch to electric. The automaker has introduced a new feature in its My BMW app, Electric Vehicle Analysis, designed to help drivers of combustion-engine BMWs evaluate the practicality of switching to an EV.
This feature is compatible with BMW vehicles equipped with the Operating System 7 infotainment system or newer. It works by allowing owners to select a preferred EV model, such as the i4 or iX, from BMW’s lineup. After completing at least 200 trips totaling 1,250 miles, the app generates a simulation showing how many of those journeys could have been completed on a single charge using the selected EV.
BMW developed this tool to address common concerns about range anxiety and the everyday practicality of electric vehicles, which still deter many consumers from embracing EVs. The app aims to reassure drivers that an EV can seamlessly fit into their daily routines by providing real-time data from their driving habits.
“Many customers can easily incorporate electric vehicles into their daily routine, but most haven’t tried it yet,” stated Dirk Wiedmann, BMW’s Senior Vice President of Sales Steering and Strategy, Digitalization. “Our app’s Electric Vehicle Analysis helps customers make informed decisions about their choice of drive system.”
In addition to the Electric Vehicle Analysis feature, the My BMW app offers various other functionalities for vehicle owners. These include remotely starting the car, pre-conditioning the interior temperature, and accessing a 360-degree remote view of the vehicle. For EV owners, the app now also includes the ability to add individual charging stops along a route, automatically syncing them to the car’s navigation system. A new Charging Wallet feature allows users to select and manage preferred charging tariffs from various providers, streamlining the EV ownership experience.
With these updates, BMW aims to smooth the transition for those considering a shift to electric vehicles, further solidifying its commitment to electrification and sustainability.
