How to charge an electric BMW: home, public and fast charging

Knowing how to charge an electric BMW makes ownership easier and cheaper. Whether you drive an i4, i5, iX or another electric BMW, you can charge at home, at work, at public charging points or at fast chargers on long trips.

Each option has different speeds and costs. In this guide we explain how to charge an electric BMW at home and on the road, what affects charging speed, how to look after the battery and how to plan longer journeys.

How to charge an electric BMW at home

Most electric car owners do most of their charging at home. There are two main options:

• A household socket with the supplied charging cable. This is slow, but it can be enough for owners who drive short distances and can charge overnight.
• A home wallbox, installed by a qualified electrician. It charges much faster and more safely, and it is the most convenient solution for daily use.

Many electric BMWs can charge on alternating current (AC) at up to 11 kW with a suitable wallbox and electrical connection. Ask an electrician to check your home installation before buying a wallbox.

Many wallboxes can be controlled by an app and set to charge at times when electricity is cheaper. The car itself can also schedule charging, so it starts at a chosen time or finishes before you leave in the morning.

Public AC charging

Public AC charging points are found in car parks, shopping centres, hotels and on streets. They are useful when you are parked for a few hours. Charging speed depends on the charger and the car's onboard charger.

You usually need a charging card or app to start a session. Bring your own Type 2 cable, as many AC points do not have a fixed cable.

Fast DC charging

Fast chargers use direct current (DC) to charge the battery much faster, usually along motorways or in charging hubs. Electric BMWs can charge at high power at suitable fast chargers, adding a large share of range in about half an hour in good conditions.

Fast charging is ideal on long trips. For daily use, slower AC charging is gentler on the battery and usually cheaper.

What affects charging speed

Charging speed depends on several factors:

• The charger's power and the car's maximum charging power.
• Battery state of charge. Charging is fastest at low charge and slows down as the battery fills, especially above around 80 percent.
• Battery temperature. A cold battery charges more slowly. Many electric BMWs can pre-condition the battery when you navigate to a fast charger.
• Sharing power with other cars at the same charging station.

For the fastest stops, arrive with a low charge and a warm battery, and continue when you reach around 80 percent.

Battery care tips

To keep the battery healthy:

• Charge to around 80 percent for daily use, and charge to 100 percent before long trips.
• Avoid leaving the battery at very high or very low charge for long periods.
• Use AC charging for everyday needs and fast charging when travelling.
• Park in the shade in very hot weather when possible.
• Keep the software updated. Our article on BMW Remote Software Upgrade explains updates.

Electric BMW batteries are designed for a long life and are usually covered by a long warranty in many markets.

Planning long trips

For long trips:

• Use the car's navigation, which can plan charging stops and pre-condition the battery.
• Check charging stations on the route with the My BMW app. Our article on the My BMW app explains its features.
• Plan stops at fast chargers with facilities, so you can rest while charging.
• Keep a buffer of range in case a charger is busy or out of service.

With planning, long trips in an electric BMW can be relaxed and comfortable.

Charging costs

Charging costs depend on electricity prices, tariffs and the charging network:

• Home charging is usually the cheapest, especially with off-peak tariffs.
• Public AC charging varies in price.
• Fast charging is usually the most expensive per kilowatt-hour.

Scheduling charging at night with the car or app can reduce costs if your tariff has cheaper night rates.

Plug-in hybrids

Plug-in hybrid BMWs also charge from sockets and wallboxes, but usually only with AC and at lower power. Our article on BMW plug-in hybrids explains how they work.

Whether you drive a fully electric BMW or a plug-in hybrid, a home charging solution is the key to convenient and affordable electric driving. Our articles on the BMW i4 M50 and i5 M60 explain two of BMW's electric performance models.

How to charge an electric BMW at a glance

Item	Details
Home socket	Slow, convenient overnight
Home wallbox	Faster AC charging, up to 11 kW on many models
Public AC	Useful when parked for hours
Fast DC	Large share of range in about half an hour
Daily charging	Around 80 percent recommended
Speed factors	Charger power, charge level, temperature
Long trips	Navigation plans stops and pre-conditions

Frequently asked questions

How do I charge my electric BMW at home?

With the supplied cable from a household socket or, better, with a wallbox installed by an electrician.

How fast can an electric BMW charge?

At fast DC chargers, many models can add a large share of range in about half an hour in good conditions.

Should I charge my BMW to 100 percent?

For daily use, around 80 percent is recommended. Charge to 100 percent before long trips.

Why does my BMW charge slowly in winter?

A cold battery charges more slowly. Pre-conditioning the battery before fast charging helps.

Sources

• BMW – charging and electric mobility information
• BMW Group PressClub – electric vehicle press material