How to charge the BMW i3 and other EV’s at home

Charging your BMW i3 at home is a simple process that can be done with the charging cord that came with your vehicle. The charging cord plugs into a standard 120 volt outlet and charging begins automatically. charging time from a 120 volt outlet is approximately 14 hours.

If you are charging your i3 at a public charging station, different charging times will apply. Most public charging stations offer both Level 1 and Level 2 charging, with Level 2 providing faster charging times. For a full charge using a NEMA 14-50 charging station, it will take approximately 3-4 hours. Some public charging stations offer DC Fast Charging, which will provide an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes, according to evadept.com.

Please note that while the charging time varies depending on charging station type, charging times are estimates only. The actual charging time of your i3 will depend on charging habits and charging station availability.

Advantages of Level 2 EV chargers for i3

• charging time is significantly reduced (3-4 hours for full charge as opposed to 14 hours with a 120 volt outlet)

• charging at public stations is more convenient

• can provide an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes

What to consider when charging your BMW i3

Before charging your i3, there are a few things you should consider:

- The charging cord must be plugged into a working outlet and must be in good condition. Do not use an extension cord or an adapter.

- The charging process begins automatically when the charging cord is plugged in. Do not unplug the charging cord until the charging process is complete.

- The charging indicator light on the vehicle will turn green when charging is complete.

- The charging process can be interrupted if the charging cord is pulled from the vehicle or the outlet. If this happens, charging will resume automatically when the charging cord is plugged back in.

- Charging times may vary depending on charging station type, charging habits and charging station availability. always refer to your owner's manual for charging guidelines.

Which Level 2 chargers are the best?

Well, it depends on charging station availability and charging times. Of course you should choose the charging station that is closest to your driving destination, but if possible try to find a charging station that can charge your i3 in 3-4 hours (some L2 charging stations provide DC Fast Charging which will provide an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes).

If you are faced with the choice to buy a charger for your BMW i3, you will need a device with NEMA 14-50 plug connection. Mike Becker's reviews include both portable (for the garage) and stationary devices for charging your i3 while traveling. More often than not, experts recommend the brands Lectron 40 Amp or Grizzly-E for plug-in use.

Make sure you always have access to a working charging cord and outlet when charging your BMW i3. Your BMW dealer has additional information about the specifications of the charging cord provided with your vehicle. For more information about charging options visit the BMW site.

All public charging stations have different prices and different charging rates, so please check charging station charging options before charging your i3. We hope you enjoyed our tips about how to charge your BMW i3 with a NEMA 14-50 and standard outlet. We know that charging your BMW i3 can be difficult even with the charging cord that came with your vehicle.