– On Wednesday 18 December 2024, MINI announced their latest circular media system, designed to provide an unparalleled EV charging experience for drivers. This system seamlessly integrates Parkopedia’s award-winning EV charging data into the vehicle, making the charging process a more positive and enjoyable experience. This exciting new feature is now available for drivers across the USA, Europe, and Asia.
EV charging data is a central component of the latest generation of electric MINIs, featuring the automotive world’s first circular in-car OLED screen. The high-resolution 240mm screen offers exceptional clarity and advanced digital technology while staying true to the iconic MINI design of a circular central dial. The lower portion of the screen is dedicated to essential functions, including navigation, which can be accessed at any time, improving overall usability.
The central OLED display is a key feature of the minimalist interior of the latest MINI models. It provides all core vehicle data, navigation, connected services, media, and climate controls. Drivers can now customize the “ambience” of their car through distinct new MINI Experience Modes, allowing them to personalize displays and the driving experience.
This OLED display contributes to a clean and uncluttered interior layout, reducing distractions and allowing drivers to focus on the driving experience. The car’s interior boasts a minimalist, digital, immersive, and warm feel. To ensure maximum usability, MINI has made sure that all vehicle functions can be operated through touch or voice controls, with the display moved closer to the driver for easy reach.
This innovative in-car technology is available in a wide range of global markets, including the USA, Europe, and Asia. MINI Navigation features 3D visualization and augmented reality displays, as well as providing information on free parking spaces. Additionally, it offers integrated in-car payment functionality, further enhancing the driver experience.
Charging remains a significant concern for many EV drivers, with more than 90% expressing anxiety about the process, according to the latest Parkopedia Global Driver Survey. Additionally, 44% of drivers have run out of charge before. The new circular OLED screen and seamless functionality aim to make charging a more enjoyable experience, a standout value-added feature for MINI drivers.
OLED screens are thinner and offer greater color and contrast than LED equivalents, providing a more vibrant image and greater clarity on the move. The integration of connected car services from Parkopedia offers added value to MINI drivers through parking and charging data and seamless in-car payments. This enables drivers to search for parking and charging effortlessly from within the vehicle, navigate to these locations, and pay for parking directly through the vehicle.
This functionality successfully addresses the growing demand for more sophisticated in-car services, with 60% of drivers wanting in-car payments for services such as parking, charging, fuel, and tolls, according to the latest Parkopedia Global Driver Survey. EV charging is highly valued by drivers, with 56% of global motorists desiring this feature, including 74% of current EV drivers.
More than half of drivers who would consider an EV see finding charging away from home as a concern. Therefore, having in-car features that simplify the process of both finding and paying for charging should help encourage drivers to choose cars with these features. Brands that execute these features well also stand to benefit from increased customer loyalty compared to those that leave their drivers to find charging without assistance.
MINI Corporate and Governmental Affairs Spokesperson Julian Kisch stated, “This service not only simplifies the process of locating EV chargers, but it also makes the entire charging experience more in tune with MINI’s brand values. The circular OLED media system provides a uniquely fun experience, and being able to seamlessly access charging data directly from the vehicle removes the stress of charging for MINI drivers.”
Markus Dohl, VP of Sales Europe at Parkopedia, highlighted the value of this service, saying, “MINI’s new circular media system provides a distinct, customizable driving experience. The addition of Parkopedia’s high-quality and extensive charging data charmingly displayed on their unique circular OLED screen addresses one of the main concerns raised by EV drivers – finding and navigating to EV chargers to alleviate charging anxiety, potentially even with a smile. This is a significant selling point for a distinctive brand like MINI, where a significant portion of the vehicle range is now electric.”
Notes to Editors:
1EV charging services may vary depending on region and vehicle model.
About Parkopedia:
Parkopedia is the leading provider of connected car services used by automakers, organizations, and millions of drivers worldwide. Parkopedia helps drivers find and pay for parking, EV charging, fuel, and tolls in 90 countries. The company is also developing highly detailed indoor maps and corresponding algorithms to help drivers and self-driving vehicles navigate to available parking spaces and EV chargers. Visit business.parkopedia.com for more information.
About MINI:
With its four brands BMW, MINI
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.