BMW uses i3 to conduct intelligent charging research to prevent grid overload

The charging method of electric vehicles will be completely changed, and the power supply of the power grid will be fully considered to avoid overloading the power grid during peak power consumption. The BMW Group has already started research on this intelligent charging method. According to foreign media reports, with the support of digitalization and Internet technology, the BMW Group and the European power operator TenneT have launched a new cooperation to fully coordinate the charging needs of electric vehicles with the carrying capacity of the power grid while maximizing the use of renewable energy.

The cooperation between the BMW Group and TenneT makes full use of the standard connectivity technology of the BMW i3 to properly manage and calculate the time required for the charging process. For example, in the case of high grid utilization, the electric vehicle may suspend charging or limit the charging power. After the power supply bottleneck disappears and returns to normal usage values, the vehicle charging will resume at a faster speed. In addition, the technology also takes into account the available solar and wind energy resources to maximize charging efficiency.

It is reported that this intelligent charging control technology is part of BMW's charging system. This technology enables communication and interconnection between the car and the charging station to fully optimize the charging process. Whether the owner uses a public charging station, a BMW i Wallbox or a household power socket, he can recharge the electric car.

From a technical perspective, this charging technology is highly advanced. It can record and process signals input from grid operators and perceive the status of the grid in real time. In the joint test between the BMW Group and TenneT, the BMW i3 was able to successfully detect the impending overload of the network and automatically reduce the charging power.

In the future, the number of electric vehicles will continue to grow. In the case of a significant increase in vehicle charging demand, this intelligent charging system can reduce the pressure on the power grid caused by vehicle charging and reduce the requirements for related infrastructure. BMW Group and TenneT hope to reduce the cost of power dispatching in the power grid through this technology. In Germany alone, this cost is close to 500 million euros per year.