BMW ConnectedDrive app connected to Blink Network & smart charging

P90152596-the-bmw-smart-charging-app-helps-bmw-i-customers-to-easily-identify-the-best-rates-and-times-to-char-599pxBMW has updated its app with best charging times for the best prices along and also offers locations of public charging stations.

The new BMW Smart Charging App makes it possible for BMWi customers to charge at times with the best rates saving as much as $400 a year. BMW claims it is the “first” automotive manufacturer to offer this automated and fully integrated functionality.

BMW i drivers can locate the nearest public EV charging station and view real time use status. Through the CarCharging and BMW agreement, ConnectedDrive includes  information for all of the public EV charging stations currently on the Blink Network, as well as additional EV charging stations owned and operated by CarCharging.

In its initial phase, the BMW Smart Charging App is currently available to BMW Electronauts. Electronauts are electric vehicle enthusiasts who leased a BMW ActiveE as part of the company’s field trial which began in 2012, many of whom were among the first in the U.S. to take delivery of a BMW i3.

The app has a direct connection to a national energy rate database hosted by Genability, BMW i3 drivers can automate their charging strategy in advance for daily and weekly use. They can also check their energy rates in this database, determine the optimal times to charge their vehicles and get transparency over the charging costs.