BMW i seals partnership deal to provide home charging installation service in the UK.

BMW i continues to forge ahead with the introduction of customer-friendly electromobility services in the UK, forming a partnership with Schneider Electric. The partnership sees Schneider Electric become, not only the manufacturer of the BMW i Wallbox, but also the recommended installer.

This collaboration will allow Schneider Electric to work closely with the BMW i Sales Agents and customers, providing home surveys, supply and installation of the charging point, as well as offering maintenance and comprehensive support.  The installation package will be provided by Schneider Electric but managed by BMW and can be customised to meet customers‘ specific requirements.

The BMW i Wallbox will allow BMW i owners to charge their vehicle’s quickly and conveniently while at home or at work.  The BMW i3 is the first electric vehicle on the market to be purpose-designed to work with a specially developed home charging unit from the outset.

The BMW i Wallbox will enable owners in the UK to charge their BMW i3 at up to 7.4kW from zero to 80 per cent within three hours, and on to a full charge within four hours.

As part of a £37 million package of investment in electric vehicles in the UK, the government offers a 75 per cent grant for the provision of domestic charging points.  This subsidy applies to the BMW i Wallbox, bringing the installed cost down to £315 incl. VAT*.

David Greaves, National Business Development Manager for EV at Schneider Electric, comments: “We are very excited about this partnership as the provider of home EV charging systems to BMW customers.  We strive to deliver seamless, efficient and customer-friendly EV charging installation, extending excellent service into the provision of domestic electric car charging systems.“                                                                                                                                         

Suzanne Gray, General Manager BMW i, commented: “We are delighted to have Schneider Electric, one of the world’s most experienced leaders in EV charging technology infrastructure, on board to help bring 360˚ ELECTRIC to customers as part of the launch of the new BMW i3”.

This is the first time that a premium car manufacturer has partnered directly with a charging point manufacturer and installer to provide EV charging facilities in the home, not only in the UK but through a global partnership between BMW AG and Schneider Electric.

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* Subject to qualification.

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

Further information about the BMW Group can be found here:

Web: www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview
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About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructure, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Non-residential Building, Data Centres & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the Group's 140,000 plus employees achieved sales of 24 billion euros in 2012, through an active commitment to help individuals and organisations make the most of their energy.

For more about Schneider Electric, go to www.schneider-electric.com/uk

For further information please contact:

Krystyna Kozlowska            BMW Media Relations Executive

Tel: 01344 480707             Email: Krystyna.Kozlowska@bmw.co.uk

Gavin Ward                           BMW Media Relations Manager

Tel: 01344 480829             Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk

Piers Scott                            General Manager, Product and Internal Communications

Tel: 01344 480113             Email: Piers.Scott@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel: 01344 480109             Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Press office fax: 01344 480306

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk

Customer website: www.bmw.co.uk

Lyndsey George                  Schneider Electric Press Office (EV)

Tel: 020 7299 8727            Email: Lyndsey.George@bright-pr.co.uk

                                                            schneider.electric@bright-pr.co.uk