WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. – In a move to build the success of its new BMW i3 electric vehicle, BMW Group announced this week that it has helped develop a small, less expensive charger that could help create a nationwide charging network for their vehicles.

BMW anticipates that the suitcase-size chargers, available for $6,500, will encourage third-party companies to step in and set up a system similar to Tesla’s nationwide Supercharger network. Notably, the BMW-branded chargers can also be used to recharge EVs made by competitors such as Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Volkswagen AG.

Supplier Bosch Automotive Service Solutions designed the new 24-kilowatt charger with an investment from BMW. The charger can recharge the lithium ion batteries in the i3, which has an estimated range of 72 miles on electric power, to about 80% full within half an hour.

While current quick chargers are usually as tall as an adult male and weigh more than 1,500 pounds, BMW’s charger is small and light enough to mounted on the wall of a building or a parking garage.

The first ones will be sold in August to BMW dealers. The company is also trying to set up partnerships with third-party companies to set up an extensive charging network.