BMW is working on an inductive charging method of its high voltage batteries of both BMW i cars and future plug-in models. The advantage to this would be a cable-free connection between the supply point and the vehicle's high-voltage battery.

BMW Group and Daimler AG have signed an agreement on the joint development and implementation of a standardized technology for inductive charging of electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

It will consist of two components - a secondary coil in the vehicle floor as well as a base plate with integral primary coil located underneath the car. Energy is transmitted through contact-free alternating magnetic field generated between the coils and will charge the battery at 3.6 kW.

For the future, there is also the possibility of increasing the charging rate to 7 kW, ensures that BMW i3’s battery could still be fully charged overnight when using the inductive system.