BMW and Westfield to open 40 EV charge stations

BMW Group Australia and Scentre Group have partnered up to install 40 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 10 Westfield shopping centres across NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

The pair says that by March 2017, EV drivers will be able to access four charging stations per centre at Westfield Bondi Junction, Chatswood, Miranda, Sydney, Warringah Mall, Carindale, Chermside, Doncaster and Southland.

In a move that's designed to make "Westfield centres become the leading shopping destination for EV owners", the charging stations can be used by any EV free of charge.

BMW and Scentre expect initiative like this one help increase the number of EVs on Australian roads to expand from around 8000 currently to more than 35,000 by 2024.

“We’re very excited to partner with BMW Group Australia to bring such a comprehensive network of EV charging stations to our customers," said Tim Roberts, General Manager Leasing, Scentre Group.

“This is all about convenience for the growing number of EV drivers in our local communities. EV drivers will be able to identify charging station locations in our centres via the ChargePoint app, online or through their BMW navigation system.”

For its part, BMW says the move aims on facilitating the sales growth of its electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle range, including the i3, i8, X5 and 3 Series.

“The new charging stations at Westfield locations is another way BMW is providing mobility solutions to our customers as BMW i electric vehicles gain momentum in the Australian market,” said BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner.

Meantime, Tesla this week opened its 200th destination charging network site in South Australia’s McLaren Vale.