BMW and Westfield team up to install 40 EV charge points around Oz

BMW is partnering with the Scentre Group to install 40 new charging stations for electric vehicles at Westfield shopping centres around the country.

The new charging stations will be installed at 10 different locations across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.

Electric vehicle owners will be able to use the charging stations free of charge (however Tesla owners will miss out due to a different type of plug being used to charge their vehicles).

BMW estimates there are currently around 8000 EVs driving around Australia, with the number expected to rise to 35,000 by 2024.

Tim Roberts, General Manager Leasing, Scentre Group says, “We’re very excited to partner with BMW Group Australia to bring such a comprehensive network of EV charging stations to our customers.

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“This is all about convenience for the growing number of EV drivers in our local communities. EV drivers will be able to identify charging station locations in our centres via the ChargePoint app, online or through their BMW navigation system.”

BMW offers a range of plug in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric vehicles.

Marc Werner, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Australia says it was logical for the German manufacturer to invest in a project which will grow Australia’s EV infrastructure.

“The new charging stations at Westfield locations is another way BMW is providing mobility solutions to our customers as BMW i electric vehicles gain momentum in the Australian market,” he Werner.

A lack of charging stations is currently the biggest roadblock to electric vehicles becoming a legitimate choice of car for many Australians. With BMW planning to expand its full EV range in the future (currently the i3 is the only pure electric car they sell). The BMW i8 PHEV sports car, along with PHEV versions of the BMW 3 Series and X5, would also benefit from this infrastructure.

The project is expected to be completed by March 2017, with four stations each located at Westfield Bondi Junction, Chatswood, Miranda, Sydney, Warringah Mall, Carindale, Chermside, Doncaster and Southland.