BMW's Updated App Aims to Encourage ICE Vehicle Owners to Go Electric

BMW experienced a near-record surge in all-electric vehicle sales in the United States during the second quarter. With the latest update to its companion smartphone app, the company is now focused on persuading more of its internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle owners to transition to electric.

The new feature, called Electric Vehicle Analysis, is designed to work with BMW's combustion vehicles equipped with the Operating System 7 infotainment system or later versions. By selecting a preferred electric vehicle (EV) model from BMW's lineup ' such as the "i4 or iX' and after accumulating data from at least 200 trips covering 1,250 miles, the app generates a simulation. This simulation illustrates how many of those trips could have been completed on a single charge with the chosen EV.

According to BMW, this feature aims to “address range anxiety and the lingering doubts about the everyday practicality of all-electric vehicles.” Additionally, it provides the German automaker with a tool to ease the transition to electric vehicles, allowing current gas-powered BMW owners to identify which EV would best meet their needs based on real driving data.

“Electric vehicles can already seamlessly integrate into the daily lives of many customers—yet most haven’t experienced it firsthand,” said Dirk Wiedmann, Senior Vice President of Sales Steering and Strategy, Digitalisation. “Our app’s Electric Vehicle Analysis helps customers make an informed decision when choosing their next vehicle’s drive system.”

In addition to the Electric Vehicle Analysis, the My BMW app allows owners to remotely start their vehicles, pre-condition the cabin temperature, and even access a remote 360-degree view of the car. The app update also includes a feature that lets users add individual charging stops along a route, which are then automatically synced with the car’s navigation system. A new Charging Wallet section has also been introduced for EV owners, enabling them to select and manage preferred charging tariffs from various providers.