BMW i3UK – The OEM’s Light & Charge system is an LED street light combining energy-efficient lighting with cost-effective charging for electric vehicles (EVs). The innovation is being showcased at Mini Plant, Oxford, during the city’s Low Carbon Oxford Week.

According to BMW, Light & Charge has an adaptable modular design and can be installed at any location, easily integrated into existing local authority infrastructure. Up to four LED modules can be used to provide night-time lighting on main roads, while one or two modules are sufficient to provide lighting on side streets and in residential areas. Control electronics allow the street light to adjust to its environment, saving energy by reducing output late at night. The EV charging cable is linked to a standard connector on the Light & Charge street light, and the integrated control panel allows drivers to start charging with the swipe of a card – regardless of the car model.

“Light & Charge is a simple and innovative solution which aims to integrate a charging station network into the urban landscape and this is essential if we want to see more electric vehicles on the road in our cities in the future,” said Frank Bachmann, managing director, Mini Plant Oxford. “I’m delighted that the Mini plant is the first location in the UK to showcase BMW Group’s technological expertise not only in developing electric vehicles but also as part of a much wider commitment to electric mobility.”

A partnership between Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council is seeking to increase the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles such as electric cars as part of their bid for funding from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles, Go Ultra Low City Scheme.

www.bmwgroup.com