The BMW Group, which comprises the BMW and Mini brands, has just launched the latest update to its partner smartphone app, with added functionality that aims to convince petrol and diesel vehicle owners that electric vehicles will work for them.
BMW's latest tool, called the Electric Vehicle Analysis feature, is designed to simulate how well an electric BMW would fit into the current owner's typical driving habits and overall lifestyle.
All the user has to do is register the app with their combustion engine vehicle, provided it has the BMW operating system 7 or later, and then make at least 200 trips, covering a total distance of at least 2,000 kilometres (approximately 1,250 miles).
After selecting one of BMW’s EV alternatives as a comparison vehicle, the app will crunch these numbers and determine how many of those trips could have easily been completed on a single charge.
The German carmaker says the feature is designed to “combat range anxiety and concerns about the everyday practicality of fully electric vehicles.” The app will not only suggest pure electric vehicles, but will also consider hybrid models in case the user’s usual driving patterns require additional range.
In addition to this, the BMW Group has also launched a number of EV-focused updates to the My BMW and My Mini apps, such as the ability to select optimised route planning for charging via smartphone, rather than having to do so in the vehicle.
The apps also alert users to facilities close to charging stations, such as restaurants, cafes, banks and supermarkets, with detailed information about them, so that EV owners do not have to wait for battery recharges and can fit them in with other life tasks.
BMW says 13 million customers worldwide use the My BMW and Mini apps, taking advantage of real-time features such as live payment rates from charging facilities in the immediate area.
Analysis: The impetus to take the leap
BMW's recent addition of the app is a smart move to highlight the few typical trips that actually require a stop to charge an EV's battery.
It's true that the app admits it makes some pretty big assumptions in suggesting an all-electric alternative, such as that potential owners have easy access to charging options at popular destinations.
It also means that EV owners will have the ability to charge their vehicles at home overnight, so the batteries will be charged for future trips.
Despite all this, the app cleverly makes it clear that only a very small percentage of regular trips require additional charging stops, something a big, eye-catching graphic might help EV skeptics understand.
Naturally, the app then suggests the perfect BMW EV for the user’s driving style and will even facilitate a one-click test drive with a local dealer to seat customers and drive the cars off the forecourt.
