Partnership gears up for electric car pilot zone

BMW i3 at the Shanghai Expo. Provided to China Daily

A pilot zone for electric vehicles will be built at the Shanghai Expo venue after a partnership agreement between BMW China Automotive Trading Ltd, State Grid Shanghai Electric Power Co and Expo Shanghai Group.

The collaboration was announced on May 28 and will see 50 public charging pillars installed in the 5-square-kilometer zone that covers the expo axis and neighboring areas.

To date, 10 charging pillars have been installed for charging BMW electric vehicles and other brands.

BMW said the partnership would help the electric vehicle business grow in Shanghai and gain experience of charging facility construction, operation, management and related services.

The project also hopes to raise public awareness of electric vehicles and set a positive example in China.

Karsten Engel, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, said BMW was leading individual e-mobility in terms of product and service.

"We not only produce the most innovative electric cars, but also offer our customers thoughtful home charging services.

" We will join hands with governments, energy companies, real estate developers and property management companies to construct charging facilities in communities and business areas," Engel said.

"BMW is looking forward to the demonstrative result of this project on public charging facility setups and electric vehicle business operation," he added.

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