Through a data licensing agreement, real-time usage data about nearby Blink charging points and other stations operated by CarCharging will be visible in the car, as well as on the BMW i Remote smartphone app.

Michael D. Farkas, chief executive officer of CarCharging, said: ‘Just as we witnessed the transition of cellular phones from limited analog functions, such as texting and voicemail, to the enhanced digital functionality of today’s smartphones, providing BMW i drivers with direct access to station details from their EV or mobile device serves as evidence of the digitization of the automobile.’

The rapidly expanding infrastructure supplier acquired four businesses last year, including ECOtality's 12,560-strong Blink charging point network after the company went into administration in September. It operates nearly 14,000 units across the 35 states and three countries, and has recently formed a partnership which will offer members access to GE’s WattStation network.