BMW & Naturstrom to Provide Renewable Electricity to BMW i Drivers in Germany

Almost anyplace on Earth, driving electric vehicles is greener than driving gasoline-powered vehicles. But as is well known, and as cynical people of the world always like to point out, some electricity is greener than others. In particular, you don’t want to be driving your electric car powered with coal electricity. Basically, you want to be powered by wind and solar electricity, the greenest options on Earth.

So, it’s pretty great to hear that BMW and Naturstrom are teaming up to offer all BMW electric vehicle drivers in Germany 100% green, renewable electricity.

Of course, Germany is basically the easiest place to do so, since there’s more solar and wind power there than just about anyplace in the world (it may actually be the #1 country when it comes to per capita renewable electricity). From BMW (translated using Google Translate):

“As part of the strategic cooperation BMW i customers will have the opportunity in the future to acquire a customized package for green electricity to run their electric vehicles.” BMW is bringing its first electric car, the BMW i, to market in 2013.

From Cosmas Asam, head cooperation with BMW AG (also translated using Google Translate):

“The BMW AG takes a holistic approach to sustainable mobility. Electric vehicles are a key component in it. We look at the entire value chain.For this purpose, the environmentally friendly production of renewable energy at the sites of the company, innovative vehicle concepts with new materials are also working with the green on the road. With the NATURSTROM AG we have the partner with the best eco-offering on our side. NATURSTROM offers 100% renewable energy with a very high proportion of wind power that is generated mostly in Germany. The future product will be offered joint electricity for our customers in Germany, BMW i an attractive offer.”

Of course, in many situations, owners could go 100% renewable simply by putting solar panels on their roofs and charging only at home. Germany does have the highest solar power capacity per capita, and most of that is in solar panels on people’s roofs.