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QOTD: Could Energy Storage Unlock the EV Market?

The Truth About Cars

The New York Times has an interesting piece on cars being used to store excess electricity. As you no doubt know, one reason EVs cost as much as they do -- most EVs are more expensive than ICE vehicles -- is because of the cost of batteries. Maybe EV owners could get free parking, reduced electric rates, or something like that?

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Dürr building smart and resource-efficient paint shop at San Luis Potosí in Mexico for BMW Group; Industry 4.0

Green Car Congress

Dürr is building a paint shop in Mexico for the BMW Group that meets the requirements for connected Industry 4.0 San Luis Potosí will build the BMW brand’s best-selling model series, the BMW 3 Series Sedan. The BMW Group is investing around $1 billion in the new plant and creating at least 1,500 new jobs. production.

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BMW i home energy storage system integrates 2nd-life i3 vehicle batteries

Green Car Congress

BMW i announced a home stationary energy storage system solution integrating its BMW i3 vehicle battery at EVS 29 in Montréal. The system utilizes BMW i3 high-voltage batteries and can be expanded to incorporate second-life batteries as they become available in the market.

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BMW launches BMW i ChargeForward pilot in SF Bay Area

Green Car Congress

The BMW Group Technology Office, together with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), have launched an 18-month pilot of the BMW i ChargeForward Program in the San Francisco Bay Area. The program is now issuing calls to participating BMW i3 drivers in the Bay Area to request the interruption of the charging of their EVs for one hour.

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BMW Group Launches car sharing service “ReachNow” in Seattle

Green Car Congress

Following a successful pilot program, BMW Group has launched ReachNow, a free-floating premium car sharing service, in Seattle. The initial fleet of 370 vehicles, including the BMW i3, the BMW 3 Series and the MINI Cooper, will be located on the streets of Seattle for immediate use. Chauffeur service – book a car with a driver.

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BMW i ChargeForward Program to demo contribution of intelligent EV charging to grid efficiency

Green Car Congress

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, BMW announced the BMW i ChargeForward Program—a pilot study to be undertaken by the BMW Group Technology Office, together with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E). Grid efficiency through managed charging, combined with a used EV battery “second-life” system.

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Enter BMW — with Carbon Fiber

Revenge of the Electric Car

2009 BMW Concept ActiveE. BMW MegaCity Urban Electric Car To Be Built of Carbon Fiber. BMW has not commented on the carbon footprint of transporting the materials across three continents and through five plants. BMW MegaCity Urban Electric Car To Be Built of Carbon Fiber. New type of BMW. April 7th, 2010.