by Mike Becker | Reviewed by David Perez | Updated: Dec 21, 2022The Flexible Fast Charger is good as a portable charging device for your BMW, connecting to 120-volt and even 240-volt. The real fast charger is provided by home stations like the BMW Wallbox and the more powerful models we’ll review here.
Best hardwired EV chargers for BMW
- #2 Good for BMWSiemens Level 2 Hardwired Electric Vehicle (EV) Home Charging Station (240 Volt, 14ft Cable, up to 30 Amp)
$1,09800Mar 26, 2023 6:15 AM
$73734Prime
eligibleMar 26, 2023 6:15 AM
Hardwired chargers such as JuiceBox or Siemens are more convenient than ever before, because it takes up less space on your floor or desk, won’t get unplugged accidentally.
If you live in the US, BMW will send you a home сharging Installation Kit to your address free of charge after purchasing your i4, i7 & iX online at their website. The out-of-pocket cost for home charging installation should be less than $500 , whereas most electricians would charge around $700 to install the same kind of charger.
Some Home Owners Associations (HOA) may not allow certain types of home EV Chargers to be installed, so please check with them before purchasing. If you do not have an outlet installed, or your HOA does not allow home EV Chargers to be installed, there are public charging stations located throughout the US. You can find the nearest charging station by using this website: https://www.plugshare.com/
Best plug-in EV chargers for BMW
- #1 Great for BMWSiemens Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger (240 Volt, 20ft Cable, 40 Amp) NEMA 6-50 Plug, VersiCharge AC Series, Indoor/Outdoor$1,07799Mar 26, 2023 6:15 AM
- $41900Prime
eligibleMar 26, 2023 6:15 AM
We recommend plug-in chargers like Grizzl-E for those who have more than one electric vehicle because they can be used simultaneously and don’t require hardwiring. These types of chargers are less expensive up front but do have some drawbacks as well–you’ll need to remember to unplug them when not in use so they won’t overcharge your battery or overload your electrical system.
How to choose BMW-compatible home EV сhargers
The amperage of your home electric vehicle charger will need to be at least 16 amps, but most home сhargers can be found with 30 amps or more. For the BMW i3, i4, i7 and iX the optimal home сharger would be a Chargepoint 240-volt (50 amp) with weatherproof cover.
Where can I buy an electric vehicle charger?
You can buy home EV Chargers from many different places, but we recommend checking with your local electrician, Home Depot, or Amazon. Home Depot offers the Chargepoint 240-volt (50 amp) home сharger with free shipping. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can get the same home charger shipped to your door in two days for free.
What’s the difference between Level 1, 2, & 3 chargers?
Level 1 charging uses a standard wall outlet (the same one used for your computer or television) and can take anywhere from 7-30 hours to charge your car depending on how much power your local utility company is supplying at any given time. A level 1 charger will cost around $200 but it will only give you enough charge for 50 miles of driving per day. This makes level 1 charging impractical for most people.
Level 2 chargers are much more common because they are installed in your garage and connect directly to your electric system. A level 2 charger can charge a BMW i4, i7 and iX from 0 to 100% in 7-8 hours, so it’s much quicker than the standard home Depot outlet which is why level 2 chargers have rapidly grown in popularity.
Level 3 chargers are the fastest and most expensive type of EV charger, and can charge a BMW i4 & iX models from 0 to 100% in as little as 30 minutes. Level 3 chargers are not commonly found outside of commercial settings such as airports or shopping malls.
What’s the difference between an EV Charger and a Tesla EV Charger?
An EV Charger is compatible with BMW electric vehicles that use the standard J1772 plug, while a Tesla EV Charger is only compatible with Tesla vehicles.
Can I install an EV Charger myself?
Yes, you can install an EV Charger yourself as long as you are comfortable with basic electrical wiring (via NEMA 14-50 or 6-50). EV adept offers a free installation service for all EV Chargers, and most professional electricians are also familiar with installing EVSE.
How do home EV Chargers work?
Home EV chargers work by plugging into a standard outlet in your home and then connecting to the BMW i4, i7 and iX. Once plugged in, the charger will automatically start charging your car. Home EV chargers are available in different amperages, so it’s important to choose one that is compatible with your BMW i4, iX and i7. Most home EV chargers have an amperage of 16 amps, which will work with most electric vehicles.
How Much Will it Cost to Install a Home EV Charger for i4 & i3 models?
Home EV chargers can be installed by either a professional service or by DIY enthusiasts. The cost of installation will vary depending on the type of charger you choose and the amount of work required. Home EV chargers typically range in price from $200 to $1,500.
Charging your BMW i4, iX and i3 at home is easy with a home EV Charger. Home EV chargers are available in different amperages, so make sure to choose one that is compatible with your car. Most home EV Chargers have an amperage of 16 amps, which will work with most electric vehicles.
Calculation of waiting time for charging to a full battery of a BMW i4, i3 and i7
| BMW i3BEV 120 Ah | BMW i4 eDrive40 | BMW iX xDrive50 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 Amp EV charger | 4 h 06 min | 8 h 10 min | 11 h 15 min |
| 50 Amp EV charger | 2 h 53 min | 5 h 43 min | 7 h 52 min |
| 16 Amp EV charger | 8 h 19 min | 16 h 33 min | 22 h 48 min |
For public networks, the calculation can be done using a calculator.
We can assist you with installing EVSE for the i4, i7, iX.
For your house EV charger, we offer installation services for home chargers, which is a 240-volt Level 2 charging station. Installation includes standard electrical wiring and conduit, as well as all hardware needed for a successful installation. For more information or to schedule an appointment.
Charging modes
There are several different EV charging modes that allow drivers to choose the fastest charge time for their vehicle. Typically, this mode is used for short-term parking and is powered by a 22kW-EV charging station. However, there are also more powerful stations that can deliver higher charging currents. These stations are permanently connected to an AC power grid, integrate control and protection features, and typically have higher charging currents.
Listed below are charging times for the BWM i4 with the eDrive40 or M50 versions. The eDrive40 version charges quickly; the M50 version takes longer, with a 50-mile range. These times are approximate and will vary based on the temperature of the charging station and your vehicle. Listed rates also take into account the current state of your battery, which is important if you’re charging a BMW i4 quickly.
Chargers available
The BMW i4 has an impressive range, and the EV charging specs and guide show just how much you can expect to charge it in eight hours. If you want to charge it faster, you can use a DC fast-charging station. In as little as 10 minutes, the battery pack will have a 90-mile range boost! However, if you are looking for a more efficient charging option, you will have to choose a level two charger.
If you want to charge the BMW i4 at home, you can take advantage of a government grant that saves up to PS350 for a fully-installed charging point. The grant is conditional on a few conditions, though. You must have off-street parking and an OZEV-approved charge point. The public chargers will vary in cost, so you should shop around for the best deal.
Installation
When you’re able to use a 240-volt home charger, your BMW i4 will accept up to 11 kilowatts of power. This is enough power to fully charge the battery in less than eight hours. This is because European power delivery is based on three-phase wiring, which is more efficient than single-phase power flow in the U.S. Most home EV chargers will accept up to seven kilowatts of power, but that is still far less than the amount needed to charge an empty battery.
The guide also lists charging times for the eDrive40 and the M50 versions. The M50 has double the power but 50 miles less range. The charging times given are for a 20% to 80% charge, but this may be different depending on ambient temperature and energy load in the vehicle. Depending on the temperature, the charging rate may be slower. The EV charging times will vary depending on the model you own.
Comparison table – plug-in BMW iX, i7 & i4 EV chargers
 |  |  |  | |
| Siemens Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger (240 Volt, 20... | LEFANEV Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station NEMA... | Splitvolt Level 2 Portable Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger (2... | EV Gear Level 1 Portable EV Charger 3.8 kW (120/240Volt, 30... | |
| Overview | A time-tested model. Installed not only in residential areas. Suitable for EV adepts waiting for a medium charging speed. | NEMA 5-15 Compatible with the supplied adapter. | ||
| Brand | Siemens | LEFANEV | Splitvolt | EV Gear |
| Amperage | 40 | 32 | 24 | 16 |
| Cable length, ft | 20 | 20 | 16.4 | 30 |
| Outdoor | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Socket | NEMA 6-50 | NEMA 14-50 | NEMA 10-30 | NEMA 5-15, NEMA 6-20 |
| Travel/Portable | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wall/Stand | Wall | Stand, Wall | ||
| Waterproof | Yes | No | IP55 | |
| Weight | 18.7 | 6.6 | 7.7 | 6.9 |
| Working temperature | -40°F to 158°F | -13 ~ + 131°F | n/a | |
| Warranty | 3 years | n/a | 1 year | 3 years |
| Certificate | UL, cUL | TUV,CE | n/a | n/a |
Comparison table – hardwired BMW EV chargers
 |  |  |  |  | |
| JuiceBox Pro 40 Hardwired Commercial Charging Station (40 A... | Siemens Level 2 Hardwired Electric Vehicle (EV) Home Chargi... | BOSCH EV300 Level 2 NEMA 14-50 or Hardwired Electric Vehicl... | ClipperCreek Level 2 Hardwired EV Charging station (240 Vol... | Lectron Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station (240... | |
| Overview | Designed for commercial areas. Supports access via RFID cards. | Hardwired connections are eligible up to 48 amps. | This charger offers two connection options and two maximum power options, making it perfect for EV owners. Hardwired connections are eligible up to 48 amps. | ||
| Brand | JuiceBox | Siemens | Bosch | ClipperCreek | Lectron |
| Amperage | 40 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 16, 24, 32, 40, 48 |
| Cable length, ft | 25 | 14 | 16 | 25 | 20 |
| Outdoor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wall/Stand | Wall | Wall | Wall | Wall | Wall |
| Waterproof | Yes | 1 | IP55 | ||
| Weight | 15 | 15.52 | 18.26 | 13 | 19.06 |
| Working temperature | n/a | -22°F to +122°F | -22°F to 122°F | ||
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | ||
| Certificate | UL and cUL Listed & ENERGY STAR certified | UL | ETL, cETL, ENERGY STAR | Energy Star Certified |
Does my BMW come with an EV charger?
For the U.S. market, every new EV purchased from BMW comes with a Flexible Fast Charger, which plugs into 120/240-volt, but still can’t provide fast speed like the Wall Box and top-of-the-line models described here.
What’s the best BMW charger for fast charging at home?
If you’re happy with the price and speed, the BMW Wall Box is optimal. There are also more powerful top models, which we compared in our review.
How far i can drive on one charge with the iX xDrive50?
The BMW iX xDrive50 has a range on one battery charge up to 324 miles.
How far can the BMW iX M60 travel on a single charge?
The BMW iX M60 has a range of up to 288 miles on one battery charge.
How far i can drive on one charge with the i4 eDrive40?
The BMW i4 eDrive40 has a range on one battery charge up to 301 miles.
How far i can go on single charge with the i4 M50?
The i4 M50 has a range of up to 270 miles on a single charge.
Contents
- 1 Best hardwired EV chargers for BMW
- 2 Best plug-in EV chargers for BMW
- 3 How to choose BMW-compatible home EV сhargers
- 4 Where can I buy an electric vehicle charger?
- 5 What’s the difference between Level 1, 2, & 3 chargers?
- 6 What’s the difference between an EV Charger and a Tesla EV Charger?
- 7 Can I install an EV Charger myself?
- 8 How do home EV Chargers work?
- 9 How Much Will it Cost to Install a Home EV Charger for i4 & i3 models?
- 10 Calculation of waiting time for charging to a full battery of a BMW i4, i3 and i7
- 11 We can assist you with installing EVSE for the i4, i7, iX.
- 12 Charging modes
- 13 Chargers available
- 14 Installation
- 15 Comparison table – plug-in BMW iX, i7 & i4 EV chargers
- 16 Comparison table – hardwired BMW EV chargers
i3 connected to a 40 amp charger, settings: 1:00 am to 7:00 am. The electric car has been plugged in until 10:00pm.
When I checked the i3 at 7:15 am the next day, the car was not charging. When I opened the driver’s side door, it started charging. This has happened several times now. What is the problem?
Most likely your car has a faulty charger, you need to take your car to the dealer.
i put my i3 on charge and i waited 12 hours to charge from half battery to full battery. am i doing something wrong?
If you use a standard socket it takes less time to charge the battery from a low battery charge to 80% than it does to charge from 80% to 100%. Therefore, if you charge the battery to 100%, it will take longer. Especially if you are using low amperage. Choose Level 2 alternative chargers for your BMW and you will speed up the process considerably.
I noticed that the i3 charging time is not synchronized with the i3 Remote app and after rebooting the values change, has anyone had this happen?
The app indicates when the last update was, so if it’s not close to the current time, that’s one reason why it’s different when you look at the data in the electric car.
as soon as i plug in the cable, my bimmer immediately starts charging, although i have enabled delayed charging. what’s wrong ?
If the EV thinks it won’t be at 100% by the time you leave, then it starts charging right away.
Unfortunately, if the BMW i3 thinks it won’t have time to charge, the car starts charging immediately.
Does the charging station come with every car or does it need to be purchased additionally?
Can I charge my BMW with a regular wall charger?
A 110V charger comes with the car and will charge the i3 overnight if you have a 20A 120V circuit available. You can purchase a 220V battery charger for the beamer which charges faster.
Is there an option to automatically stop charging at 80% in the BMW i3?
In the BMW i3 there is no possibility to automatically stop charging, charging up to 100% is normal.
Is there any way to see what the current charging rate is in the i3?
You can’t see the current charging rate of the car, you have to calculate it yourself. Try the BMW charging time calculator.
Does anyone know what the actual charging rate of a BMW is in kW or amps? I know that the car charges at most 32 amps. What about the different chargers?
The power will depend on the charger and the outlet.
The lowest power is 6A. And limits are introduced by manufacturers up to 7kW to reduce the problem of overheating.
Put the i3 on charge with about 75% charge the indicator on the dashboard says charging will be complete in about 4 days. It actually charges in a few hours. How can I get a correct prediction of the wait time?
If your car is under BMW warranty, return it to the service for diagnosis.
After setting the timer to off-peak time with the app, a day later the time changed by itself.
Try deleting your profile in the BMW charging app and relying on the on-board computer in the BMW i3 to control charging time.
How long does it take to charge the i3 from the 3-pin connector?
At maximum battery discharge, the electric car is charged for 13 hours from the 3-pin connector.
I would only like to charge to 80% to take care of the battery. How do I set the charging limit to 80% on my BMW?
You can’t limit the charge to 80%. Mike Becker wrote about this in his blog.
It is best to charge the vehicle to 100% so that the battery cells are balanced.
This morning when I thought my i3 was fully charged, I had the same charge level as yesterday and my charger was flashing red.
What to do?
I had a similar situation, try unplugging and plugging in your charger. Or give it back under warranty. Hardwired EV stations are more stable than OEM chargers.
Does anyone know if the BMW iX supports bi-directional charging?
The BMW iX does not support bi-directional charging.
I can’t find a clear answer about how much amperage does the charger that comes with the BMW iX car require?