Is BAYERISCHE MOTERENWE (BAMXF) Building Its Own EV Charging Stations?

Taking into account that the U.K. is BMW’s fourth largest sales market in the world, an expanded infrastructure is fantastic news for consumers considering the i3 but worried about range. Also good news? BMW claims the i3 can recharge in as little as 30 minutes when connected to a 50kW fast-charge station.

What about charging stations in the U.S?
Right now, BMW’s quick-charge stations are only for the U.K., but that doesn’t mean it can’t use the same approach in the United States. The U.S. is BMW’s largest market by sales — although China is expected to surpass the U.S. later in 2013 — and building a quick-charge infrastructure in the U.S. would probably have a positive impact on BMW’s EV sales. Furthermore, the i3 isn’t BMW’s only car to launch into the EV market. The i8 extended-range plug-in hybrid is expected later in 2014, and it’s an impressive vehicle, to say the least. Clearly, these moves signal that BMW is throwing its considerable weight into what is still a niche market. How it’ll pan out has yet to be seen, but considering BMW’s reputation, this is something to watch — both for how i affects BAYERISCHE MOTERENWE (OTCMKTS:BAMXF)’s bottom line, and for how it affects other EV manufactures’ sales.

The article Is BMW Building Its Own EV Charging Stations? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Katie Spence.

Fool contributor Katie Spence has no position in any stocks mentioned. Follow her on Twitter: @TMFKSpence. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors (NYSE:GM).

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