The BMW Group has announced new updates to both its My BMW and MINI smartphone apps, available for iOS and Android devices. Within these updates, a key addition for the BMW app is a new Electric Vehicle Analysis tool designed to drive EV uptake, while both apps benefit from enhanced vehicle-to-app interaction and charging functions.
The Electric Vehicle Analysis function allows customers who drive a BMW with a combustion engine to simulate how well an all-electric BMW would suit their personal driving profile. To carry out the simulation, the customer selects an electric BMW model as an alternative vehicle in the app. Once the combustion-engined model has made at least 200 journeys and covered a distance of 2,000 kilometres (approx. 1,250 miles), the analysis clearly shows the number of journeys that could have been completed with the selected electric vehicle on a single charge.
For the simulation, the app uses the real-world driving data for the combustion-engined model in question, as generated by the My Trips function. With individual database, Electric Vehicle Analysis is able to provide the customer with a sound basis for deciding which drive type to choose in their next vehicle. The function will be upgraded in future to expand the reach of the analysis. Evaluations of the time vehicles are not in use and of long-distance journeys will be added, combined with information on charging facilities and the time required for charging. To use Electric Vehicle Analysis, customers must have a BMW with a combustion engine and BMW Operating System 7 or later and also consent to their driving data being used for the purpose of the analysis.
Functions for interaction between vehicle and app
The update introduced a series of features designed to produce a seamless route-planning experience when switching between vehicle and app. Options such as avoiding motorways, ferries or toll roads can also be set in the app. In addition to this, the My BMW / MINI App with charging-optimized route planning for all-electric vehicles also makes it possible to add individual charging stops, and these are then synchronized with the vehicle. The apps also notify the user of facilities in the vicinity of charging stations, such as restaurants, cafés, banks and supermarkets, complete with detailed information on them.
Charging Wallet for managing charging tariffs.
Drivers of electric vehicles are able to select and manage preferred charging tariffs from a large number of providers in the app’s Charging Wallet. When the app user selects a charging station, the applicable prices for the selected charging tariffs are shown, depending on availability, allowing the user to choose the cheapest tariff for them.
App functions are improved and expanded
The apps keep drivers informed of the current status of their BMW or MINI, as well as allowing them to lock and unlock the doors, switch on the climate control, send destination addresses to the navigation system, or use the Remote 3D View feature to call up an image of the vehicle’s immediate vicinity or its interior. They can go to the Services & Store tab to check out the available digital services or obtain ConnectedDrive Upgrades. If the BMW or MINI Digital Key Plus has been set up, previously stored manoeuvres and parking functions can be carried out from outside the car while standing nearby.
Servicing and maintenance requirements can also be managed from the two apps. The app also provides support during the service process, including check-in, service videos, status tracking and payment. Accident and breakdown assistance can likewise be accessed quickly using the app.
The availability of individual functions varies according to the vehicle specification and country involved.
