A BMW i3 was fully charged in under 30-minutes yesterday at the first-ever public SAE Combo-Charging fast charging station in the U.S., located at the Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego, CA. The optional fast charging system will enable BMW i3 drivers to charge their EV from a standard 110-volt outlet with a cord set, a 220 volt charging wallbox or public charging station, and also from a DC Fast Charging public charging station - all from the same charging inlet.

“The start of the public DC Combo Fast Charging Infrastructure installations in the US is a great base for the US launch of the new BMW i3, because it will offer our customers the ability to recharge their EV in less than 30 minutes instead of the three hours needed with conventional 220 volt public charging stations” said Cliff Fietzek, Manager Connected eMobility at BMW of North America.

The Combo Charging System is a joint development between most OEMs and the EV industry. BMW and General Motors have tested several Combo Charging Stations from various suppliers both in Munich, Germany and Warren, Michigan.

The manufacturers have been  working together with the EV industry to confirm a DC combo-charging standard. Major automakers including BMW, GM, Ford, Chrysler, Daimler, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche have committed to adopting the combo fast charge connector standard.

This installation of the first-ever public charging station to use the SAE-standard DC Fast Charging Combo Charging System is yet another milestone for BMW on the road to the launch of the Born Electric BMW i3 in North America. The growing DC “Combo” public charging infrastructure in the US will be accessible for the all-electric BMW i3 when equipped with the DC Fast Charging option. Production of the new i3 has begun in Leipzig, Germany, and the car will be available in the US in the second quarter of 2014. Canadian availability is set to follow close behind.