My BMW App and MINI App get new features

The BMW Group has updated its My BMW App and MINI App.

The two apps now come with a new Electric Vehicle Analysis function that allows customers to simulate how well an all-electric BMW would suit their personal driving profile.

Those who drive electric cars can now use the apps to find information on amenities close to their charging points, and can select and manage preferred charging tariffs from a number of charging providers via the new Charging Wallet

Users of the app can select an electric BMW model as an alternative vehicle in the app, and once their current combustion-engine model has completed at least 200 journeys and covered a distance of 2,000km, an analysis will show how the number of journeys that could have been completed with the selected electric vehicle on a single charge.

BMW states that the new feature is intended to combat range anxiety and address concerns about the everyday practicality of all-electric vehicles. The information is additionally intended to leave users better informed when the do decide to make the switch to an all-electric vehicle.

The updated apps also now offer an improved route-planning experience thanks to new added options such as to avoid motorways, ferries, or toll roads. For current electric vehicle owners, the apps also now offer the option to add individual charging stops and will notify users of facilities in the vicinity of charging stations, such as restaurants, cafes, banks and supermarkets, complete with detailed information on them.

Drivers of electric vehicles will also now be able to select and manage preferred charging tariffs from a large number of providers in the app's new Charging Wallet.

BMW states that the My BMW App and MINI App currently has 13 million users around the world. Both apps allow drivers to keep informed of the current status of their BMW or MINI, and allow 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. Servicing and maintenance requirements can also be managed from the two apps.