With the all-electric BMW i3 already on selected markets globally and the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car poised for its own global launch, BMW Group DesignworksUSA seized the opportunity to introduce a solar carport concept for the use of renewable energy. It combines high-grade technology for generating electricity from solar power with an innovative design that perfectly complements the BMW i models.
The DesignworksUSA carport concept is made by carbon elements on the side of the carport, and bamboo material in the form of struts. Thanks to its rapid growth, bamboo is considered a particularly sustainable raw material, something construction companies in Asia have known for decades actually.
For the generation of electricity, high-grade glass-on-glass solar modules are used. These are translucent and very durable, as well as generating a high energy yield. For the panels used in Europe, the manufacturer offers a 30-year guarantee.
The solar carport not only guarantees the supply of green power but furthermore allows for energy self-sufficiency, so that customers remain independent of electricity costs.
In conjunction with the BMW i Wallbox Pro, the car can be specifically charged with solar electricity from the carport. The Wallbox also indicates the amount of solar energy that goes into the car and provides an analysis of recent charging processes which shows the respective proportions of solar and grid power. If the solar panels provide energy beyond the requirements of the vehicle, this surplus solar power can be put to domestic use.
Generating private electricity with the aid of solar collectors and feeding this CO2-free energy via the BMW i Wallbox into the vehicle’s high-voltage battery further optimises of the life cycle assessment of the BMW i models. Regularly hooking up the high-voltage battery to the Wallbox connected to the solar carport enables a high degree of CO2-neutral usage of the BMW i8. With a fully charged high-voltage battery, the plug-in hybrid sports car has a range of around 37 kilometres in all-electric mode.
Meanwhile, we’ve recently tested the all-electric BMW i3. If you would like to know what does it feels like to drive an all-electric vehicle, click here to read our first impression review.
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