BMW and MINI first in NZ with plug and charge technology

BMW Group New Zealand and ChargeNet have launched Plug & Charge technology, making BMW and MINI the first brands in the country to offer automatic electric vehicle (EV) charging without apps, cards or fobs.

The technology enables vehicles to begin charging automatically through a digital handshake between the car’s onboard systems, the user’s ChargeNet account, and compatible public chargers. Drivers simply plug in their vehicle to start a charging session.

Plug & Charge is available on selected BMW and MINI vehicles and can be activated through the ChargeNet app using a Plug & Charge Identifier found within the BMW or MINI vehicle or app.

The system also supports multiple charging accounts, allowing users to manage payments across work, home or different family members. The specific account can be selected through the car’s dashboard menu before plugging in at a charge point.

BMW Group New Zealand Managing Director Francois Roca says Plug & Charge represents “a leap forward for technology and customer convenience.”

“Being the first in New Zealand to have access to this technology is a big win for BMW and MINI customers in simplifying the charging experience and making use of the seamless – and user friendly – technology embedded in both our brands and ChargeNet’s,” Roca says.

He says the technology will also be available on next-generation electric vehicles, including the BMW iX3 of the Neue Klasse, expected to arrive mid-2025.

Growing charging network drives innovation

ChargeNet Head of Growth & Commercial Roberto Balzarelli says the technology launch comes as New Zealand’s EV charging infrastructure expands rapidly, with hundreds of fast chargers already available nationwide.

“As that infrastructure evolves, it’s essential the experience becomes simpler and more intuitive for drivers,” Balzarelli says.

“By continuing to roll out innovations for seamless charging, like Plug & Charge, we’re making public charging feel as familiar as refuelling, giving drivers greater confidence to go electric and making every day charging easier across New Zealand.”

ChargeNet operates over 520 rapid DC charging points across the country and has powered more than 3.5 million charging sessions since 2015. The network also provides over 90 AC chargers in communities, car parks and destination sites.

The Plug & Charge technology uses the ISO 15118 standard to authenticate vehicles and chargers through digital certificates, differentiating it from ChargeNet’s existing Autocharge system which uses vehicle identifiers for recognition.

While both technologies provide automatic charging startup, Plug & Charge offers additional features including multiple account linking and switching within vehicle settings, where supported by the car’s systems.