Bosch and BMW announce the BMW i DC Fast Charger for North America

- Sub-$10K DC fast charger can charge a BMW i3 battery to 80 percent in just 30 minutes - Station uses SAE Combo 1 connector, found on BMW i3 and other electric vehicles in North America - Industry-first DC fast charger to offer wall or pedestal mounting options WARREN, Michigan – Expanding on its position as a market leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions will supply and install the BMW i DC Fast Charger for North American BMW i Centers and authorized partners, starting in August 2014. Using the SAE Combo 1 connector, the BMW i DC Fast Charger will charge a BMW i3 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes and is also compatible with other electric vehicles (EVs) using the SAE Combo 1 inlet. Several major automakers, including BMW have committed to adopting the SAE Combo 1 DC Fast Charge connector standard. The BMW i DC Fast Chargers will also be ChargePoint-networked, allowing BMW and non-BMW electric vehicle drivers alike to access the stations with a ChargePoint or ChargeNow card for a quick charge. “With our BMW partnership already covering BMW i3 drivers who wish to charge their electric vehicles at home, we’re now helping them charge quickly on the road, at BMW i Centers and elsewhere nationwide,” said Kevin Mull, VP of Business Development, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions. “As we’ve grown our relationship with BMW over the years, including residential charging, this is another way we can help both dealer and driver realize the full capabilities of the BMW i3.” In addition to providing the charging station, Bosch will offer installation services. “BMW strongly believes DC fast charging is a critical element in increasing overall acceptance and adoption of the BMW i3 all-electric vehicle,” said Cliff Fietzek, BMW Connected eMobility Group Manager. “In working with Bosch to develop and install the DC fast chargers we continue to underscore the company’s commitment to the BMW i3 and to the future of electric mobility.” The 24 kW DC fast charger feeds current directly to a vehicle’s battery, resulting in a more efficient and faster charge. AC charging feeds current into a vehicle’s onboard charger, which must be converted into DC power to charge a battery. The use of DC fast charging means a faster vehicle charge and an increase in efficiencies in vehicles that are already some of the most efficient in the world. The BMW i DC Fast Charger is also half the size of current fast chargers, taking up less space and offering an industry-first wall-mount or pedestal-mount option. The station is 31”H x 19”W x 12”D and weighs less than 200 pounds, featuring a rugged IP54 enclosure, meeting NEMA 3 requirements, and is outdoor rated from -40°F to 185°F to perform in extreme conditions. Bosch Automotive Service Solutions is currently the residential charging installation partner for the BMW i3 in North America, providing concierge-level services to drivers as part of BMW i 360º Electric, a portfolio of complementary, innovative offerings for driving electric. For more information on the BMW i DC Fast Charger, please visit www.BMWicharging.com/BMWiDCFastCharger. About Bosch: The Automotive Aftermarket division (AA) provides the aftermarket and repair shops worldwide with a complete range of diagnostic and repair shop equipment and a wide range of spare parts – from new and exchange parts to repair solutions – for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Its product portfolio includes products made as Bosch original equipment, as well as aftermarket products and services developed and manufactured in-house. More than 17,000 associates in 150 countries, as well as a global logistics network, ensure that some 650,000 different spare parts reach customers quickly and on time. In its “Automotive Service Solutions” operations, AA supplies testing and repair-shop technology, diagnostic software, service training, and information services. In addition, the division is responsible for the “Bosch Service” repair-shop franchise, one of the world’s largest independent chains of repair-shops, with some 16,000 franchises. In addition, AA is responsible for more than 600 “AutoCrew” partners. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch-automotive.com. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In 2013, its roughly 281,000 associates generated sales of 46.1 billion euros ($61.2 billion). Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2013, Bosch invested some 4.5 billion euros ($6.0 billion) in research and development and applied for some 5,000 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.” Additional information on the global organization is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, and http://twitter.com/BoschPresse. In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions. For more information, please visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca. *Due to a change in accounting policies, 2013 figures can only be compared to a limited extent with 2012 figures. Exchange rate: 1 EUR = $1.32812