ChargeNow DC Fast Offers Free Fast Charging For i3 Buyers

BMW reconfirmed availability of ChargeNow DC Fast - free fast charging promotion.

By: Mark Kane

May 8, 2016 at 3:00pm ET

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Together with the announcement of 33 kWh BMW i3 (with 115 miles of all-electric range) available later this year, BMW reconfirmed availability of the ChargeNow DC Fast - free fast charging promotion.

The project includes 25 major markets, where purchasing an i3 also nets the buyer 24 months of free access to EVgo charging points (30 minute DC sessions or 1 hour AC Level 2 sessions).

And intersting hiccup in the project is that the larger battery pack can no longer be recharged to 80% in the timeframe of 30 free minutes (as was an earlier 'selling feature'). BMW states 0 to 80% capacity DC fast recharge at 50 kW in:

25 minutes BMW i3 (60 Ah) - 21.6 kWh
39 minutes BMW i3 (94 Ah) - 33.2 kWh

We are not sure the additional fees after 30 minutes for DC charging, but "After the initial no cost 1 hour Level 2 charging session, there will be a $1.00 per hour fee assessed."

ChargeNow DC Fast5: Eligible BMW i3 drivers can recharge for no charge.

Offered by BMW in cooperation with EVgo, ChargeNow DC Fast allows eligible BMW i3 drivers in participating markets to enjoy 24 months of no cost charging sessions for the BMW i3 at participating EVgo Stations. Enrolled BMW i3 customers can use the ChargeNow card for unlimited 30 minute, DC Fast Combo charging sessions and Unlimited 1 hour, Level 2 charging sessions.

The BMW i3 is equipped with the future-proof 50 kW direct current (DC) Fast charging technology. When the BMW i3 (94 Ah) is connected to a DC Fast charging station, the battery cells are charged up to 80 percent of their capacity in less than 40 minutes. In the BMW i3 (60 Ah) this takes approximately 25 minutes.

Who is eligable?

"*Eligible BMW i3 owners in ChargeNow DC Fast markets must purchase or lease a Model Year 2015 or later BMW i3 vehicle on or after November 1, 2015, from a BMW i Center. Fleet customers not eligible. Program participation extends for 24 months from date of enrollment at chargenow.com/us, which must occur on or before December 31, 2018. Both the registration period and the termination date may be reduced or extended from time to time, without notice. Other terms apply."

See more about ChargeNow DC Fast.

25 ChargeNow DC Fast markets: