[Mini EV News]

Mini’s upcoming EV may be wireless charging compatible as BMW has become the first automaker to offer a factory-backed inductive charge pad for an EV, the 530e iPerformance.

Called a GroundPad, the system connects to its car equivalent called the CarPad. It then transfers energy across a short distance of around eight centimetres via a magnetic field. This field creates an electric current that charges the battery though some energy is bound to be lost in transition.

With 3.2Kw of charging power, the GroundPad has an efficiency rating of 85%, which translate to around three and a half hours to fully charge the 530e. The system is automatic so all one has to do it roll over the platform and turn off the vehicle. Once the battery is at 100%, it will stop charging on its own.

Those worried about damaging it will be glad to know that the pad was build to withstand the weight of your vehicle and it was designed handle various weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors be rain or snow.

Set to go on sale simultaneously in the USA, China, Japan, the UK and Germany, the vehicle module should set you back 890 euro with the GroundPad module priced at 2,315 euro. Perhaps wireless charging will become standardized throughout the BMW group’s lineup including vehicles produced under the Mini badge.

 

[Greenie]

For how much the charging system costs, you may as well get a top of the line EVSE for your home and there's no charge lost in the process. Since it's only available in the 530e for now, I assume it'll be limited to the higher end EV models from both BMW and Mini, so some cars may be left out.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

Wireless charging will be big business for businesses that wish to attract more customers. Starbucks being one of them.

 

[Coops]

I personally don't really see the advantage to wireless charging when you're parked. Is it really that much more convenient than plugging in your car, that its worth an additional $3k on top on your initial purchase price.

 

[Greenie]

Not a financially sound decision when they can install regular chargers and franchise owners probably don't want to shell out the money needed to lay down the necessary power lines. Though I do appreciate the wireless phone chargers some Starbucks have indoors.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

I personally don't really see the advantage to wireless charging when you're parked. Is it really that much more convenient than plugging in your car, that its worth an additional $3k on top on your initial purchase price.

Its the same reason why people buy wireless chargers for their phones. These companies know there's a market for accessories because people spending money here can afford it. Technology becoming the new "luxury" anything that complements it will sell.