Can I charge my BMW at home?

Yes, you can charge your BMW electric car at home but your car will charge slower than with a high-speed charger. Charging your electric car is entirely feasible using a standard 3-pin plug along with an EVSE1 cable, commonly known as a granny cable, and a domestic socket.

BMW Home Charging

Depending on the model, your purchase of an electric or plug-in hybrid BMW includes either the standard charging cable (Mode 2) or the Flexible Charger. This enables you to conveniently charge your vehicle using any standard household socket. The Flexible Charger, when paired with a separately available adapter cable, can also be utilized at industrial sockets (high voltage) with a maximum power of up to 11 kW.

For enhanced convenience, speed, and safety, opting for a wallbox significantly reduces charging times compared to standard household sockets.

Pod Point Solo 3 Smart Home Charger

The home charger from our partner, Pod Point, provides easy and convenient charging options. You can choose between 7 kW and 22 kW (three-phase supply only). Monitor, track, and manage your charging experience through the Pod Point App for added control and visibility.

Can I charge my BMW electric car at home with a normal plug?

BMW Charging presents two extra charging alternatives for your BMW electric or plug-in hybrid battery model. The Solo 3 Smart Home Charger, supplied by our partner Pod Point, delivers secure and intelligent charging, with standard installation costs already included. For added convenience, the Flexible Charger is designed to work with both domestic and industrial power sockets, providing charging speeds of up to 11kW, ensuring versatility in charging wherever you find yourself.

However, it’s worth noting that this charging method tends to be quite slow. With a typical domestic 2.4kW socket, the charging process might extend beyond 24 hours to fully replenish your EV battery.

Most EVs come with a portable charger that has a regular 3-pronged plug on one end and a charging connector on the other end. To charge, plug one end of the charger into the wall outlet and the other into the car. 

Charging with a conventional 3-pin plug and domestic socket can be very slow. A domestic 2.4kW socket can take over 24 hours to charge an EV battery. 

Tips for charging your BMW at home: 

• Make sure an electrician has checked the sockets you use.
• Place the cable carefully on the ground or hang it using the loop.
• Don’t use an extension cable between the charging cable and the socket.
• The green power LED indicates readiness.
• BMW recommends a state of charge of between 20% and 80% to optimize the service life of your electric BMW’s battery.
• All-electric BMWs come with a portable Flexible Fast Charger that is compatible with any 120V and 240V household outlet. 

What is the cheapest way to charge a BMW electric car?

In most cases, the slower the charging, the more cost-effective it becomes. Charging your electric car at home overnight typically stands out as the most economical option. Exploring specific BMW electric car tariffs, such as the Intelligent Octopus Go, can ensure you get the best pricing for your home charging needs.

Charging a BMW electric car at home overnight is usually the cheapest way to charge it. This is because slower charges are cheaper and more affordable, and you can charge at a slower rate for longer. You also pay a lower rate of tax on electricity at home. 

Fast chargers charge much more per unit of energy. The equipment and wiring needed to set up a slow charge point are also cheaper per station than fast charging systems. 

However, charging at home does mean an increase in electricity usage at home, which could be as high as 80%. 

You can also look for free public chargers, or free charging facilities at work. Some places like museums, zoos, theaters, and leisure centers may have charging points that are free to use while you visit. Some pubs, restaurants, and cafes are also getting on board with free EV charging. 

More About Home Charging

Installation Service

• Ensure a seamless installation and setup of your wall box with professional assistance.

• Easily request this service when ordering your wall box.

• Additionally, consider the option for installing an industrial socket at home, enabling the utilization of your Flexible Fast Charger with the appropriate adapter.

Green Energy

• Power your BMW exclusively with electricity sourced from renewable energy.

• Further minimize your CO2 footprint by exploring special green electricity tariffs.

• Suitable for charging your BMW or meeting the energy needs of your entire household.

BMW Package Offers For Home Charging

• Craft a personalized combination of BMW Charging products and services.

• Tailor-made to suit your specific domestic charging requirements.

• Seek guidance from your BMW Partner, ensuring that all essential information is seamlessly conveyed to our partners who will handle each subsequent step.

What is a Smart Partner Wallbox?

For a secure and expedited home charging solution with added features like remote charge scheduling, BMW Charging presents the Solo 3 smart home charger from our Premium Partner, Pod Point. Effortlessly monitor your charging activity, stay informed about costs, and track energy usage—all conveniently accessible from your smartphone through the Pod Point App.

Getting A Wall Box Installed

Secure a professional installation of your wallbox through BMW’s authorized installation partner, Pod Point, ensuring every installation is conducted by a certified electrician. Simply place an order at your preferred BMW Centre. Pod Point will manage the consultation, delivery, installation, and setup of your home charger, complete with up to 15m of appropriate cabling (standard installation is covered in the charger’s price). Should there be a need for additional groundwork, Pod Point will provide a no-obligation quote.

Benefits:

– Assessment of electrical connections and conditions in your home.

– Guidance on suitable installation locations tailored to your personal parking space.

– Expert installation, connection, and setup at your chosen location.

– Comprehensive explanation of the charging process.

– Enjoy a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.