German brand says simplified process will amplify user-friendliness of EV replenishment.

AN update to the country’s primary commercial electric vehicle charging network that allows drivers to simply plug in without any additional involvements has become BMW sales feature.

BMW Group New Zealand has partnered with ChargeNet to involve in the new Plug and Charge system that recently implemented to public charging staions.

The new technology is a bespoke involvement with the Autocharge system that went live in March.

This allows vehicles to begin charging automatically once plugged in, eliminating the need for any onsite authentication steps. So no fob-tap, QR-scan or phone-app required.

Instead, a secure digital connection is established between the vehicle, the driver’s ChargeNet account and the charging station.

The inclusion can be used by some, but not all, BMW and MINI electric models, and activates through the ChargeNet app using a unique identifier linked to the vehicle.

It’s much the same set-up that Tesla has always used with cars partnered into its Supercharger network.

The ChargeNet system supports multiple accounts, allowing users to manage charging costs across different scenarios such as personal and work use, or between family members.

Drivers can select the preferred account via the car’s infotainment system before connecting to a charger.

BMW Group NZ managing director Francois Roca said the technology’s introduction represents a significant step forward.

“Being the first in New Zealand to have access to this technology is a big win for BMW and MINI customers in simplifying the charging experience and making use of the seamless – and user friendly – technology embedded in both our brands and ChargeNet’s,” Roca said.

“We are delighted to see this available to our existing BMW and MINI customers and also look forward to offering it on our next generation electric vehicles, such as the BMW iX3 of the Neue Klasse, when it arrives in the middle of this year.”

Roberto Balzarelli, head of Growth and Commercial at ChargeNet, said the move comes as the national EV infrastructure continues to expand.

“As that infrastructure evolves, it’s essential the experience becomes simpler and more intuitive for drivers.

“By continuing to roll out innovations for seamless charging, like Plug and Charge, we’re making public charging feel as familiar as refuelling, giving drivers greater confidence to go electric and making every day charging easier across New Zealand.”

ChargeNet is the largest national provider of EV fast-charge stations.

AutoCharge works at most of its DC sites, currently around 520 charge points from Cape Reinga to Bluff, and is compatible purely with vehicles that use the CCS (combined charging system) connector.

But not all CCS vehicles are compatible, nor are other charge systems such as Chademo.