BMW and MINI owners driving pure-electric or plug-in hybrid models will now have access to a nationwide and international network of public chargers using just a single card or app.
Europe-wide charging
Using the app or electronic card, MINI and BMW drivers will now be able to access 1,085 charge points throughout Ireland from companies including ESB Group eCars, EVBox and Chargepoint Ireland among others. Owners will also be able to access Ionity DC fast-charging stations which are found in a number of motorway services locations around the country including on the M1 near Balbriggan, on the M6 near Athlone, on the M7 near Kill, on the M8 near Cashel and on the M11 outside Gorey.
Beyond Ireland, BMW Charging and MINI Charging users will have access to 173,000 charging locations across Europe including 11,000 DC stations.
To locate nearby chargers, customers can use the My BMW app, MINI Connected app, new BMW/MINI Charging app or BMW/MINI Charging websites. Both BMW and MINI navigation systems also show both nearby charge points and all charging points within the network. The website and app will also allow users to get a breakdown of their charging history, fees, and, if they're away from their car while it's charging, the progress of the top-up.
Payment plans
Users will be able to avail of two tariffs, one pay-as-you-go, the other more akin to a subscription service.
The pay-as-you-go Flex tariff will give drivers access to the whole network with just the card or app, and, although users only pay for the electricity they use, prices are based on the network operators' pay-as-you-go rates, meaning that the Flex tariff is probably more suitable for people who use public chargers less often.
For those constantly on-the-go, the Active tariff offers standardised pricing across the network for €4.99 per month. Drivers using up to 43kW AC charging pay 23c per kWh and 27c per kWh if using DC charging up to 150kW.
Neither of these tariffs include Ionity's fast-charging rates, however.
Users on both Flex and Active tariffs will be able to access Ionity's chargers at a standard rate of 73c per kWh. For a standard fee of €13.00 per month, drivers can avail of the Ionity Plus package with a price of 27c per kWh which may suit those BMW and MINI owners who regularly use Ionity's fast-charge stations.
Buyers' perks
Anyone buying a new plug-in hybrid or electric BMW or MINI will be offered BMW or MINI Charging on the Active tariff minus the €4.99 base fee for twelve months. Buyers of the BMW iX3, iX and i4 will receive access to the Ionity Plus package without the €13.99 monthly fee.