BMW has unveiled a new type of street light that is fitted with electric vehicle charging technology, which they are planning to use in a pilot project in Munich next year.
The German car manufacturer has developed two “Light and Charge” street lights which bring together efficient Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and the company’s ChargeNow recharging stations for electric cars.
“Seamless charging infrastructure is essential if we want to see more electric vehicles on the road in our cities in the future,” Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said.
“Light and Charge is a simple and innovative solution to naturally integrate a reliable network of charging stations in the city. Only with a comprehensive charging infrastructure we see the future more electric vehicles in the cities.”
For the Munich pilot, the charging points will initially be integrated into the existing local authority street lighting infrastructure.
These additional charging stations will be available for all EV drivers that are able to make a type 2 connection.
Two street lights are already installed in front of the BMW headquarters. Drivers will be able to pay to charge their cars via a mobile phone app.
Reuters
