At public charging stations, you’ll find options ranging from 22 kW, 43-50 kW rapid charging to 150 kW rapid charging. Typically, you can achieve a full charge for your vehicle in approximately an hour.
The charging time for a BMW electric car can differ based on various factors, such as the specific model, the battery’s size, the type of charger used, and the current charge level. Generally, using a Level 2 charger at home can take several hours to fully charge a BMW electric car. Faster options like DC fast chargers can provide an 80% charge in around 30 minutes, but these times can vary between models and charging station capabilities. For precise details, consulting the car’s manual or the manufacturer’s recommendations would give the most accurate charging times.
BMW Electric Car Charging Times
The charging time for a BMW electric car depends on the charging type used. BMW presently offers the electric BMW i3, with upcoming models like the i4 and iX soon hitting the market. To give you an idea of their efficiency, here are their approximate charging times:
- BMW i3: 11 hours using a home charger
- BMW i4: 80% charge achieved in 30 minutes using fast charging
- BMW iX: 80% charge attained in 40 minutes via fast charging
Typical Domestic Charging Electric Car Charging Time
Your choice between Level 1 and Level 2 charging will significantly affect the charging duration. Here’s a breakdown to answer the question ‘How long does it take to charge an electric car?
- Level 1 Charging: 120V/1.2kW, 1–100% charge in about 100 hours
- Level 2 Charging: 240V/11kW, 0–100% charge in about 8.25 hours
- Level 3 Charging/DC Fast Charging: 195 kW, 10–80% charge in about 31 minutes
Level 1 EV charging might take days to fully charge an electric car. Level 2 EV charging often requires several hours to achieve a full charge for your electric car. However, using Level 2 DC charging, you can attain a range of 60-200 miles in just 20-30 minutes. Many users combine daytime ‘top-off’ charging with overnight charging. If you’re currently driving or have a plug-in hybrid vehicle, your charging times might be much shorter than described here. Typically, a plug-in hybrid takes 1-4 hours for a full charge because they don’t solely rely on electricity. They operate on electric power for short periods and at specific speeds before switching to the gas-powered engine.
Charging at home typically offers 3.7 kW or 7 kW, while public stations vary from 22 kW, 43-50 kW, to 150 kW for rapid charging. Depending on the vehicle, it might take anywhere from about an hour to reach 100% charge, while others could take between 4 to 11 hours.
| items | HOME CHARGING | PUBLIC CHARGING |
|---|---|---|
| i4 | 3 hrs – 4 hrs 30 mins – Level 2 BMW Wallbox/Flexible Fast Charger (240V/9.6kW) | ~2 hrs 45 mins – 4 hrs 45 mins – Level 2 charging (48A, 240V/11 kW)~10-13 mins – High-powered DC Fast charging (500A, 250 kW)~36-46 mins – Slower DC Fast charging (125A, 50 kW) |
| i5 | 3 hrs 30 mins – 4 hrs 15 mins – Level 2 BMW Wallbox/Flexible Fast Charger (240V/9.6kW) | ~3-3 hrs 30 mins – Level 2 charging (48A, 240V/11 kW)~10-12 mins – High-powered DC Fast charging (500A, 250 kW)~35-43 mins – Slower DC Fast charging (125A, 50 kW) |
| i7 | 3 hrs 45 mins – 4 hrs 30 mins – Level 2 BMW Wallbox/Flexible Fast Charger (240V/9.6kW) | ~3 hrs 30 mins – 4 hrs – Level 2 charging (48A, 240V/11 kW)~11-12 mins – High-powered DC Fast charging (500A, 250 kW)~43-50 mins – Slower DC Fast charging (125A, 50 kW) |
| iX | 4 hrs – 4 hrs 15 mins – Level 2 BMW Wallbox /Flexible Fast Charger (240V/9.6kW) | ~3 hrs 30 mins – Level 2 charging (48A, 240V/11 kW)~11-12 mins – High-powered DC Fast charging (500A, 250 kW)~45-47 mins – Slower DC Fast charging (125A, 50 kW) |
How far can I go on a single charge with the BMW all-electric models?
Your range on a single charge will depend on factors like the vehicle’s battery capacity, driving conditions, your driving style, and charging habits.
- BMW i4 iDrive 35: range from 252 to 276 miles
- BMW i4 eDrive40: range from 283 to 301 miles
- BMW i4 xDrive40: range from 279 to 307 miles
- BMW i4 M50: range from 227 to 269 miles
- BMW i5 eDrive 40: range from 270 to 295 miles
- BMW i5 M60: range from 240 to 256 miles
- BMW i7 eDrive50: range from 301 to 321 miles
- BMW i7 xDrive60: range from 298 to 317 miles
- BMW i7 M70: range from 274 to 291 miles
- BMW iX xDrive50: range from 305 to 311 miles
- BMW iX M60: 296 miles
Easy Installation of BMW Electric Charging at Home
Qmerit, a leading provider of electrification solutions nationwide, offers effortless access to Level 2 charging stations for your home. This includes wallbox installations or setting up a 240V outlet, all supported by swift and hassle-free EV charger installation services. Begin by completing Qmerit’s straightforward online home assessment. You’ll be paired with a Qmerit certified installer who will assess your project details and present a comprehensive proposal. Opt for the Concierge Installation Service for an even more streamlined experience, where a dedicated Concierge guides you through every phase of the process.
Do I need special equipment to charge my BMW electrified vehicle?
Every all-electric BMW is furnished with the Flexible Fast Charger, a portable device compatible with 120V or 240V outlets, ensuring optimized charging on-the-go. At a 240V outlet, you can charge from 0 to 100% in under 12 hours. For an enhanced charging experience, the optional BMW Wallbox offers Level 2 charging at 9.6 kW (~30 miles per hour of charging), reaching a full charge in about 12 hours. Public charging stations adhere to standardized systems in North America: CCS (DC Fast Charging) and J1772 (L2 charging). Your BMW’s navigation and MyBMW App will display public charging stations equipped with CCS/J1772 plugs, eliminating the need for additional equipment.
What is the best time to charge my BMW electric vehicle?
The price of electricity can fluctuate based on the time of day. Some electricity providers offer discounted rates for charging your battery during periods of low demand. This takes advantage of surplus electricity at night that might otherwise go unused. Contact your utility company to learn about their peak and off-peak rates. These rates can vary depending on the utility company you’re using.