BMW to set up DC fast chargers in 34 cities in India, largest network among carmakers

Tuhin Guha Published: May 30, 2022, 10:10 AM IST

Along the sidelines of the BMW i4 launch, BMW India announced it would set up DC fast chargers across 34 cities in India. These chargers will be installed at BMW dealerships and will be accessible to BMW as well as all other EV owners.

BMW India charging network

BMW plans to install 50 chargers at these 34 locations, which should be the largest DC fast-charging network to be set up by an automaker in India. These are expected to be 50 kW units which will charge a BMW i4 in just under 1.5 hours or a Tata Nexon EV Max in 56 minutes, both up to 80 per cent. Rivals like Saudi and Mercedes-Benz currently offer an AC charging network across the dealerships.

This is the third such announcement this month. Hyundai India recently announced it would set up 50 kW chargers at 34 locations. Kia India is set to install 150 kW DC fast chargers at some dealerships across the country. This comes before the launch of the Kia EV6. These 150 kW units will be the fastest chargers to be set up by a carmaker in India.

2022 BMWi4 eDrive40 M Sport exterior front quarter

BMW i4 battery, range, charging, specifications, price

An 83.9 kWh(80.7 kWh usable) battery pack powers the single-motor BMW i4 eDrive40 and gives it has a WLTP range of up to 590 km. The BMW i4 is based on the firm's CLAR architecture which it also shares with the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Although, significant structural changes have been made to the suspension, front sub-frame and underbody to accommodate the battery pack and EV drivetrain.

The BMW i4 can charge at up to 205 kW DC which lets the i4 eDrive40 add 164 km in 10 minutes. There is one-pedal driving, an adaptive regen mode as well as a heat pump for improved efficiency. The rear-motor BMW i4 eDrive40 can do the 0 to 100 kmph sprint in 5.7s and puts out 340PS and 430 Nm. The car uses a fifth-gen electric motor that optimises performance over a wider operating range for better high-speed performance. The BMW i4 is priced at Rs 69.90 lakh.