BMW to launch combined LED streetlight and EV charging station
“Light & Charge” system demonstrated at Low Carbon Oxford Week and is set to be launched this year
BMW Group demonstrated the company’s new combined LED streetlight and electric vehicle charging station for the first time in the UK and the “Light & Charge” system is set to be launched this year.
The new technology was showcased by MINI Plant Oxford during the city’s Low Carbon Oxford Week.
The EV charging stations are designed to be set up at any location where suitable parking is available by replacing conventional street lights with the new Light & Charge systems.
The Light & Charge street light has a modular LED design, improving energy-efficiency when compared to conventional street lighting and providing more effective light.
Four LED modules can be used to provide night-time lighting on main roads, while one or two modules are sufficient to provide lighting on most streets and residential areas.
LED technology enables more targeted light distribution with highly uniform illumination to increase road safety and is also designed to minimise glare and light pollution.
The street light can adjust itself to its environment using intelligent control electronics and saves energy by reducing light output late at night and whenever no people or vehicles are being detected.
Frank Bachmann, Managing Director, MINI Plant Oxford: “Light & Charge is a simple and innovative solution which aims to integrate a charging station network into the urban landscape and this is essential if we want to see more electric vehicles on the road in our cities in the future. I’m delighted that the MINI plant is the first location in the UK to showcase BMW Group’s technological expertise not only in developing electric vehicles but also as part of a much wider commitment to electric mobility.”
