New EV functions for BMW and Mini apps
For those customers whose BMW is still powered by a combustion engine, the latest app update includes a new function called ‘Electric Vehicle Analysis.’ The idea is to show customers how well a fully electric BMW suits their own driving profile. It is not based on individual journeys, however, as the company explains: “Once the combustion-engined model has made at least 200 journeys and covered a distance of 2,000 kilometres (approx. 1,250 miles), the analysis clearly shows the number of journeys that could have been completed with the selected electric vehicle on a single charge. This is intended to combat the range anxiety and concerns about the everyday practicality of all-electric vehicles that are still prevalent today.”
In the next expansion stage – the apps generally receive five updates per year – this journey analysis function will be supplemented by evaluating the car’s idle times and long-distance journeys. The app will then also display the time required and the options for charging. The prerequisite is a combustion-powered BMW with the BMW OS7 or newer and consent to analyse the driving data – and the customer must select an electric model as a comparison vehicle in the app.
“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,” says Dirk Wiedmann, Senior Vice President of Customer and Sales Strategy, Sales Steering and Digitalization. “Our app’s Electric Vehicle Analysis helps our customers to make an informed judgement in their choice of drive system.”
There are also new or improved functions for the BMW Group’s existing electric customers. The aim is to offer a “seamless route-planning experience when switching between vehicle and app.” In other words, navigation settings such as avoiding motorways, ferries or toll roads can now be defined in the app or synchronised between the vehicle and app. Route planning on the smartphone should thus offer the same result as in the vehicle.
In addition, the new ‘My BMW’ or ‘Mini’ app with charging-optimised route planning for vehicles now allows individual charging stops to be added, which are then synchronised with the vehicle. According to BMW, the apps also point out facilities near charging stations such as restaurants, cafés, banks, or supermarkets, including detailed information.
Another new feature is a ‘Charging Wallet.’ There, users can select and manage their “preferred charging tariffs” from various providers. “When the app user selects a charging station, the applicable prices for the selected charging tariffs are shown, depending on availability, allowing the user to choose the cheapest tariff for them,” the press release states.
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