The two companies will now work together to improve the availability of charging points across the UK and market electromobility to customers as BMW prepares to launch its first electric vehicles under the i sub-brand. Its first, the i3, is being unveiled on the 28th July.

Chargemaster will provide charging equipment for BMW’s car sharing service, DriveNow, which is already operating a fleet of electric vehicles in San Francisco, as well as installations at residential properties through the ParkatmyHouse (PAMH) project, in which BMW i Ventures also has a financial interest.

PAMH is aiming for 30,000 private parking locations worldwide, which owners can rent to other electric vehicle drivers. Chargemaster is already installing PAMH charging points in London, where the scheme is managed by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Source London.

Thorsten Mattig, managing director of BMW i Ventures, said: ‘We see Chargemaster playing an important role in preparing the way for E-mobility.  This investment and wide ranging cooperation agreement will accelerate our activities as well as boost the synergies with some of our already existing services and investments, such as ParkatmyHouse where Chargemaster equipment has already been installed.’

Founded in 2011, BMW i Ventures has made a number of high profile investments since its launch. The company has existing agreement with MyCityWay, which provides details of local amenities and public transport, and US charging point manufacturer Chargepoint.

Chargemaster is building a UK-wide charging network under the POLAR sub-brand, and has existing supplier contracts with British Gas, SSE, Nissan, Toyota, Renault and Vauxhall in the UK, and is installing charging points for Renault in Paris.