BMW trunk lid charger patent 2026: how the double-opening compartment works

© DPMA

BMW has designed a trunk lid that opens two different ways and hides a separate compartment for charging gear inside. The DE102025104779A1 application was published by the German patent office DPMA on August 13, 2026. One important caveat: the document is still a pending application, so it's too early to call this a confirmed production option for BMW.

The point isn't so much extra space for small items as it is charging convenience. Going by the drawings, the small section in the lid is sized to hold a portable charging brick and cable. The connector on the car's side stays permanently plugged in, so the driver only has to pull out the wall plug and put it into an outlet. Most of the cable stays inside the car the whole time.

The idea solves a real everyday problem. BMW itself notes that the Flexible Fast Charger is stored in an EV's trunk today: before charging, it has to be pulled out, unrolled, and connected at both ends. The new design effectively turns part of the lid into a permanent home for the charging gear, while also shielding it from weather and casual access.

The patent isn't tied to any specific model, so it's too early to link it to the new i3. Still, the electric 3 Series has already moved from prototypes to series production: the BMW i3 has entered series production in Germany and uses a modern 800-volt architecture. BMW has filed other patents recently too, including a feedback system for electronic steering: BMW developed a new steering feedback system.

The DPMA registry lists Bayerische Motoren Werke AG as the applicant. The document was actually filed on February 10, 2025, and its official title translates as “Double luggage compartment lid with a compartment arranged between them.” The next real confirmation won't be a new patent drawing, but this design showing up on a prototype or in a production BMW's spec sheet.