BMW has announced wireless charging will be added as an option for the 2018 model year 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid.

The 3.2 kW wireless system will be integrated with the 530e’s on-board infotainment system to show the charger’s alignment on the screen.

The conventional system of charging for the 530e (ie-plugging it in yourself) is rated at 3.7 kW, that can replenish the BMW’s 9.2 kWh battery in less than three hours using a wall box.

From electric socket, while charging power is limited due safety reasons/output limits, charging takes about five hours.

The 3.2 kW wireless system would take a little over three hours to charge the battery.

“In addition, BMW Wireless Charging for the high-voltage battery will be made available as an option for the BMW 530e iPerformance from 2018. This technology allows energy transfer to take place without the use of cables.

Presented by BMW in prototype form, the system consists of a base pad with integrated primary coil – which can be installed in a garage, for example, but also in the open – and a secondary coil integrated in the underside of the vehicle. An alternating magnetic field is generated between the two coils, through which electricity is transmitted without cables or contacts at a charge rate of up to 3.2 kW.

This form of power supply to the high-voltage battery is extremely convenient for customers and involves a charging time of around three-and-a-half hours.”

Read more: InsideEVs