Energy storage attracts BMW

German car maker BMW AG (ETR:BMW) this week unveiled a stationary energy storage system featuring its BMW i3 vehicle battery and designed for use by homes and small businesses.

The company said it was the first automotive manufacturer to use a complete automotive high-voltage battery for energy storage.

The product was announced at the Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition 29 in Montreal. It can incorporate new, or second-life batteries as they become available in the market, extending the life of the battery for the owner beyond in-vehicle use, BMW said.

The system can store unused power produced by solar panels during the day that can then either be used for devices in the home or for charging the battery of an electric car. The company said that given that US households typically consume between 15 kWh and 30 kWh of energy daily, its battery storage system with capacities of 22 kWh or 33 kWh could operate a variety of appliances and devices for up to 24 hours on its own.

The system also has a voltage converter and power electronics to manage the energy flow between renewable energy sources, the house interface, and the Li-Ion high-voltage battery.

"Coupled with the home charging and solar energy programs, the system enables BMW drivers to embrace holistic sustainability beyond e-mobility," said Rob Healey, manager of EV infrastructure for BMW North America.

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