BMW is making history as the first automotive manufacturer to use a complete automotive high-voltage battery for energy storage, as the company announced during the Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition 29 that the BMW i3 battery can be used for storing energy at home. Using battery storage system of the BMW i, users can further commit to sustainability by obtaining energy from renewable sources.
"The remarkable advantage for BMW customers in using BMW i3 batteries as a plug and play storage application is the ability to tap into an alternative resource for residential and commercial backup power, thus using renewable energy much more efficiently, and enabling additional revenues from the energy market," BMW North America's Manager Connected eMobility Cliff Fietzek explained in a press release. The brand is working with Germany's BECK Automation to integrate the BMW i3 high-voltage battery.
According to Autoblog, BMW is also working with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for a pilot study that analyzes the relationship between home electric vehicle (EV) charging and the energy grid. ChangeForward, a key component to the battery storage system of the BMW i, is expected to showcase how efficient management of EV charging can benefit vehicle owners by reducing the overall cost of electricity.
Compared to Tesla Energy's Powerwall, BMW i3 battery packs are a complete vehicle battery. It is available in 22 kWH or 33 kWh, which according to the German car maker can run a household for as much as 24 hours. In addition, the system is looking to work on both new batteries and offer a second life to batteries that have run its course on the road, but can still be used at home.
"With a battery storage system electrified by BMW i our customers can take the next step towards a sustainable energy lifestyle. Coupled with the home charging and solar energy programs, the system enables BMW drivers to embrace holistic sustainability beyond e-mobility," BMW North America Manager of EV Infrastructure Rob Healey shared.
To find out more about BMW's sustainable energy products, visit bmwusa.com.
