BMW Group DesignworksUSA and BMW i develop solar carport concept

The international media launch of the BMW i8 in Los Angeles last week included the presentation of a solar carport concept developed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA for the use of renewable energy.

In its choice of materials, design and colour, the DesignworksUSA carport concept takes its cue from the characteristic styling of the BMW i models to form a harmonious counterpart.

In addition to the carbon elements on the side of the carport, the principal material used is bamboo in the form of struts.

For the generation of electricity, high-grade glass-on-glass solar modules are used. These are translucent and very durable, as well as generate a high energy yield. For the panels used in Europe, the manufacturer offers a 30-year guarantee.

In conjunction with the BMW i Wallbox Pro, the car can be specifically charged with solar electricity from the carport.

The Wallbox also indicates the amount of solar energy that goes into the car and provides an analysis of recent charging processes which shows the respective proportions of solar and grid power. If the solar panels provide energy beyond the requirements of the vehicle, this surplus solar power can be put to domestic use.

Regularly hooking up the high-voltage battery to the Wallbox connected to the solar carport enables a high degree of CO₂-neutral usage of the BMW i8. With a fully charged high-voltage battery, the plug-in hybrid sports car has a range of around 37km in all-electric mode.