BMW i is continuing to progress its strategy for sustainable electric mobility and responsible charging, by partnering with leading UK green energy firm, Good Energy Ltd.
The purpose of the partnership is to provide 100% renewably sourced energy to households of BMW customers throughout the UK (with the exception of Northern Ireland). The partnership is intended to be aimed at owners of both the i3 and i8 who will likely be charging their vehicles when at home.
Good Energy sources all its electricity from certified renewables across Britain, meaning that every Watt of energy comes from either wind farms or similar electricity generation. Of course, the actual electricity that comes into homes will be from multiple sources; such is the way of the National Grid, but in essence the offset of paying for sustainably sourced electricity comes to the same effect.
Good Energy claims to have some of the strictest purchasing policies in the energy industry and a main electricity tariff that’s certified by the independent Green Energy Supply Scheme. In BMW’s own words,
“Good Energy has the rigorous product specifications and sustainability requirements customers would expect from any BMW i partner.”
The partnership with Good Energy helps to displace CO2 emissions from ‘power plants to tailpipe and fulfill the BMW objective of providing truly low carbon driving. BMW will be the first electric vehicle manufacturer in the UK to offer a holistic product portfolio including a specially developed and purpose-designed home charging unit with complementary green electricity products and services.
However, it should be noted that the iWallbox charging unit does not come as a part of the deal with the car, instead it can be purchased for around £300 as an optional extra. Considering there are free options available to individuals due to current government incentives, the iWallbox is a luxury item that is not regarded as essential to have for the use of the BMW i3 or i8. It is worth noting that with current government incentives, free charging units are available, though their outputs are lower than BMW’s iWallbox.
The new partnership between BMW and Good Energy will allow the latter to work closely with BMW in developments of custom-made green electricity tariffs for Electric Vehicles. This will take the UK’s supply and demand and typical charging behaviours into account to maximise the positive effects of Electric Vehicles on the national CO2 footprint.
Source; BMW i
