BMW Will Offer a Solar Charging Solution for the Upcoming i3 and i8 Vehicles

BARRINGTON, Ill. - May 8, 2013 - PRLog -- As most visitors to dealerships like Motor Werks BMW (http://www.motorwerksbmwbarrington.com/index.htm) in Barrington are well aware, BMW has firmly established itself not only as one of the world’s top automakers, but also a company that’s committed to automotive innovation. BMW’s latest bold innovation is poised to make electric vehicles even more appealing by offering a solar-powered charging solution for the upcoming i3 and i8.

Using solar power to charge electric vehicles necessarily draws power from a more sustainable source than they would otherwise use. This option is the result of a partnership between BMW and Solarwatt, and it’s called the Solarwatt Carport System. This system has been described as “an attractively designed solar-based electric vehicle charging plus household microgeneration system using innovative glass-glass modules.” Drivers who purchase the i3 or i8 will have the option of purchasing the carport at the same time.

Unfortunately, it looks like the carport will only be available in Germany, at least initially. There is hope, however, that they could become available in the United States at some point, since BMW has previously partnered with Colorado-based Real Goods Solar to provide installation of solar panels at a discount to drivers of BMW i models.

The i vehicles are both designed to be tremendously efficient. The i3, which was previously known as “Megacity Vehicle,” is an electric car that will be aimed at urban drivers; the i8 is a plug-in hybrid that will be designed to provide sporty performance together with strong fuel economy.

Whether or not it makes its way to the United States, the Solarwatt Carport System is indicative of BMW’s commitment to making the most of alternative-fuel vehicles, and is surely a sign of other innovations to come from the German automaker. BMW has also partnered with other companies in pursuing electric-vehicle technology, including Naturstrom, Schneider Electric, and The Mobility House.

To find out more about BMW’s alternative-fuel options, or to take a test drive of any vehicle in the BMW lineup, Chicago area drivers should visit Motor Werks BMW. Their dealership is located at 1475 S Barrington Rd (http://www.motorwerksbmwbarrington.com/dealership/directi...) in Barrington, IL, and welcomes prospective car-buyers from throughout the Chicagoland area.