BMW and Apple tackle EV range anxiety

BMW and Apple have teamed up to try and reduce range anxiety for electric vehicle drivers.

When the fully electric BMW i4 arrives in 2021 it will include a new Apple Maps feature operated via iPhone or CarPlay that will help plan where to charge on longer routes.

Announced at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference in Cupertino, California, the new feature allows drivers to plan their trip in advance on their iPhone or simply enter the destination through CarPlay when they get in their car.

Apple Maps then picks the optimal route based on electric range and the locations of charging stations along the way.

In a joint press release BMW and Apple described this as a “seamless, simple feature”.

We’re looking forward to testing it out, along with the i4!

At the same Cupertino event the two companies also revealed their co-operation in developing a fully digital car key operated by iPhone.

The new function allows BMW drivers to tap to unlock and then place the iPhone in the smartphone tray and push the start button to get going.

Set-up is via the BMW smartphone app and access can be shared with up to five friends, including a configurable car access option for young drivers which restricts top speed, power, maximum radio volume and more. 

Management of access can be done from inside the car as well as through Apple Wallet.

Additional features of the new Digital Key include storage in the secure element of the iPhone and a power reserve for iPhone that means car keys still function for up to five hours if  the iPhone turns off due to low battery.

Digital Key for iPhone is  available in 45 countries including Australia by late 2020, for a broad range of models: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M and Z4 if manufactured after July 1 2020.