The DesignworksUSA concept takes inspiration from the i-series vehicles, pairing raw bamboo struts with carbon elements. Built for the arid climate of California, it is a mostly open form with shade screens on each side.
The roof is covered by translucent glass-on-glass solar modules, sending electricity to the parked car via BMW’s i Wallbox Pro. The system manages energy between the car and the home, which receives surplus power when the car is gone or its battery full.
“With the solar carport concept we opted for a holistic approach: not only is the vehicle itself sustainable, but so is its energy supply,” says BMW designer Tom Allemann.”This is therefore an entirely new generation of carports that allows energy to be produced in a simple and transparent way.”
The company does not provide details regarding estimated prices or actual power output for the structure.
In general comparison, General Electric estimates that a 25 kW ‘premium’ carport built in Los Angeles could produce up to 50,146 kWh annually with a construction cost of approximately $170,000. Output would be more than enough to charge the i3′s 18.8 kWh battery, depending on how much time the vehicle spends in the carport and during which hours of the day.
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