BMW’s smart IX3 charging flap

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in our lives and among the myriad things it enhances is car ownership. The next-generation iX3, for example, features an AI-assisted charging flap.

Evidently, the EV recognises when the vehicle is approaching a public fast charger that the driver has previously used. Once nearby, the AI figures out that the driver wants to charge the car and opens the flap. It also determines if you’re already out of the car and holding the charger if it happens to be one it hasn’t encountered before. 

After the charging process is complete, the flap automatically closes when the connector is removed. 

Handy? Sure but is it unique? Tesla has a similar powered door system. However, it doesn’t activate of its own volition. BMW has yet to explain how AI plays a role here in conjunction with the usual sensors.

The iX3 supports bidirectional charging, with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications.

AI also helps the iX3 with parking duties, selecting the space, and planning the parking manoeuvre. Moreover, innovations introduced with the Neue Klasse are “AI-based, smart, and update-compatible.”

New tech associated with Neue Klasse won’t be exclusive to electric vehicles either, coming to the next 3 Series and X5.