BMW makes charging even cheaper with new ChargeNow programs
The offer extends to EV and plug-in owners in major markets.
Filling up a tank can get expensive, even in the land of milk, honey and cheap gas known as the US. Charging is definitely cheaper, but depending on local rates, it can still get pricey. BMW hopes to lessen that blow, thereby expanding EV desirability, with new programs through ChargeNow.
ChargeNow is a program operated in conjunction with EVgo, a national charging network. The offers are open to EV and plug-in owners in 25 different markets to start. That includes the i3 and i8, as well as BMW's new i Performance models, like the 7-Series and 3-Series plug-in hybrids. Since it's an EVgo collaboration, only EVgo chargers are included.
ChargeNow's Annual Pass will give i3 owners access to 30-minute DC fast charging and one-hour Level 2 charging sessions for a full year for $99. The same program, for i8 and plug-in owners, offers unlimited Level 2 access for $39 for the year. This pricing is available for owners who sign up by the end of this year.
There's also a Pay As You Go scheme. Owners can enroll in the program and receive DC fast charging for $2.95 per session, plus 15 cents per minute, which represents a 30 percent savings over the standard pricing. If you'd rather use Level 2 charging, that'll cost $1.20 per hour spent plugged in, which is about 20 percent cheaper than the usual rate. This program requires enrollment by the end of July 2017.
Will $2.95 per DC fast charge session spur you to go out and purchase a $40,000-plus electric BMW? Maybe not. But, for those who were on the fence prior, this could be the thing that pushes 'em over the fence.
