The Best Home Charger for Every BMW (i3, i4, i5, iX & More)
If you’re looking to get a home charger, you might have noticed that there are plenty of options to choose from.
And thanks to the technical specifications of these chargers, picking one can be pretty challenging.
The goal of this guide is to give you a straightforward recommendation of the best home charger for your specific BMW model.
In short, we did all the research, so you don’t have to.
Note: Click here to jump to a section of this article where you can learn more about how we came to our recommendations.
Tip: Use the Table of Contents to jump straight to the section about your BMW model!
The best home charger for every electric BMW
Let’s get started with the recommendations!
BMW i3
This charger is ideal for overnight charging if you have a dedicated parking spot at home and can install a NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 outlet. Its fast charging capability, safety features, and universal compatibility make it the best choice.
- 10 times faster than the standard level 1 EV charger. It can provide up to 30 miles of range per hour of charging.
- Designed with multiple safety features. For instance, it has an IP66 rating for the charging box and an IP67 rating for the EV connector, ensuring protection against dust and water.
- Comes with a 25-foot charging cable.
- Equipped with a SAE J1772 EV connector, making it compatible with most electric and plug-in hybrid cars in the US.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty.
- While it has a good IP rating, it's advised to keep the charging box and plug away from direct rain when used outdoors.
- Some users faced issues with the charger overheating, especially in warmer climates.
Here’s what you should know about charging a BMW i3 at home:
- The BMW i3 can be charged at home with a standard Level 1 (using a 120V AC outlet) or a faster Level 2 (using a 240V AC circuit) charger.
- The i3 comes from the dealership with a Level 1 charger but not with a Level 2 charger.
- A Level 2 charger can charge the BMW i3 significantly faster (typically in 4-6 hours) than a Level 1 charger, which can take around 15-19 hours for a full charge.
- The BMW i3 can handle up to 7.4 kW on Level 2 charging.
- The BMW i3 can accept up to 30 A.
- Ensure the plug type of the charger matches your home’s electrical outlets.
BMW i4
The Emporia EV Charger is a Level 2, UL, and Energy Star-certified charger designed for indoor and outdoor use. It offers one of the best values for the money, especially considering its charging capacity and smart functionality.
- Can be hardwired for up to 48A or used with the supplied 14-50 plug for 40A.
- Meets various safety criteria, including NEC 625 and UL 817.
- Integrates with other Emporia smart devices.
- Users often describe the cable as "extra beefy and heavy."
- Comes with a 3-year warranty.
- Needs a stable 2.4 GHz WiFi connection for accessing its smart features.
- The provided screws can easily strip when trying to screw into a stud.
Here’s what you should know about charging a BMW i4 at home:
- The BMW i4 can be charged at home with a standard Level 1 (using a 120V AC outlet) or a faster Level 2 (using a 240V AC circuit) charger.
- The i4 comes from the dealership with a Level 1 charger but not with a Level 2 charger.
- A Level 2 charger can charge the BMW i4 significantly faster (typically in 8-9 hours) than a Level 1 charger, which can take around 100 hours for a full charge.
- The BMW i4 can handle up to 11 kW on Level 2 charging.
- The BMW i4 can accept up to 40 A.
- Ensure the plug type of the charger matches your home’s electrical outlets.
BMW i5
The Autel MaxiCharger Home is a Level 2, 240 Volt EV charging station, designed to charge any EV or plug-in hybrid. It offers smart charging capabilities and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- The Autel Charge mobile app allows you to track, manage, schedule, and optimize charging.
- Built with high-grade materials
- Offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet connectivity
- Multiple users found the installation process straightforward.
- Certified by CSA testing labs.
- The packaging of the product is robust.
- Autel's customer service is responsive and helpful when issues arise.
- It might be considered expensive.
- While it has a glass cover, it lacks a screen display.
Here’s what you should know about charging a BMW i5 at home:
- The BMW i5 can be charged at home with a standard Level 1 (using a 120V AC outlet) or a faster Level 2 (using a 240V AC circuit) charger.
- The i5 comes from the dealership with a Level 1 charger but not with a Level 2 charger.
- A Level 2 charger can charge the BMW i5 significantly faster (typically in 9-10 hours) than a Level 1 charger, which can take around 100 hours for a full charge.
- The BMW i5 can handle up to 11 kW on Level 2 charging.
- The BMW i5 can accept up to 48 A.
- Ensure the plug type of the charger matches your home’s electrical outlets.
BMW i7 / iX
The ChargePoint Level 2 Smart Home Charging Station is a versatile EV charger. It offers fast charging capabilities and integrates with the ChargePoint app for easy control.
- The ChargePoint app allows you to select the right amperage, schedule charges, receive reminders to plug in, and even offers Alexa voice control.
- Offers flexible amperage settings from 16 amps to 50 amps.
- Comes with all the necessary components for installation, including screws, a drill bit, and even self-adhesive decals for circuit breaker and charger amp ratings.
- Provides consistent charging speeds, with users noting rates of up to 9.5 kW.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty.
- Slightly on the higher end in terms of cost.
- A few users experienced issues with the app not connecting to the unit.
Here’s what you should know about charging a BMW i7 or BMW iX at home:
- The BMW i7 / iX can be charged at home with a standard Level 1 (using a 120V AC outlet) or a faster Level 2 (using a 240V AC circuit) charger.
- The i7 / iX comes from the dealership with a Level 1 charger but not with a Level 2 charger.
- A Level 2 charger can charge the BMW i7 / iX significantly faster (typically in 9-10 hours) than a Level 1 charger, which can take up to 120 hours for a full charge.
- The BMW i7 / iX can handle up to 11 kW on Level 2 charging.
- The BMW i7 / iX can accept up to 48 A.
- Ensure the plug type of the charger matches your home’s electrical outlets.
BMW 330e / 530e / X5 45e
The BougeRV Level 2 EV Charger is great for plug-in hybrids. It offers fast charging capabilities and is relatively affordable.
- Charges up to 3X faster than standard 110V chargers.
- IP55 waterproof rating and multiple safety measures.
- The screen provides information on amps, volts, state of charge, and more.
- Comes with a sturdy carrying case.
- BougeRV's customer service is excellent.
- Limited to 16 Amps, so it's not ideal if you want to upgrade to a full-electric vehicle in the future.
Here’s what you should know about charging a BMW 330e, BMW 530e, or BMW X5 45e at home:
- The BMW 330e / 530e / X5 45e can be charged at home with a standard Level 1 (using a 120V AC outlet) or a faster Level 2 (using a 240V AC circuit) charger.
- The 330e / 530e / X5 45e comes from the dealership with a Level 1 charger but not with a Level 2 charger.
- A Level 2 charger can charge the BMW 330e / 530e / X5 45e significantly faster (typically in 3-6 hours) than a Level 1 charger, which can take around 6 to 18 hours for a full charge.
- The BMW 330e / 530e / X5 45e can handle up to 3.7 kW on Level 2 charging.
- The BMW 330e / 530e / X5 45e can accept up to 16 A.
- Ensure the plug type of the charger matches your home’s electrical outlets.
How do you choose the best home charger for your BMW?
When it comes to selecting a home charger for your BMW, knowledge is your best tool.
Here is what you should know to ensure you make an informed choice:
1. Understand your BMW’s charging specifications
Before anything else, you must familiarize yourself with the charging capabilities of your specific BMW model.
Why?
Because different BMW models have unique limitations when it comes to charging.
Here’s what you should know:
- Level 1 vs. Level 2 vs. Level 3: BMW vehicles can typically charge at Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3. However, Level 3 chargers are only available in public areas due to being so expensive, so you’re left with Level 1 or Level 2 chargers. Level 1 might be suitable for plug-in hybrids, but Level 2 is much faster and recommended for full-electric BMWs.
- Maximum kW input: This tells you how fast your BMW can be charged. A charger might offer high kW output, but if your BMW has a lower kW input, it won’t utilize the charger’s full potential. On the other hand, if a charger’s kW output is too low, your BMW might not charge as fast as it could.
- Maximum Amperage: Similar to kW input, understanding the maximum amperage your BMW can accept ensures you get a charger that fits its needs. Remember, amperage can affect the speed of charging.
2. Check your home’s electrical setup
Safety and compatibility should always come first when setting up your home charging station.
What should you look at? Here’s a guide:
- NEMA Rating: The NEMA rating on an outlet and plug specifies its type and capacity. For instance, a NEMA 14-50 outlet is common for electric vehicle chargers and provides 240V at 50 amps. Ensure the charger you choose matches the NEMA rating of your home’s outlet or the one you plan to install. If you’re unsure about this, it’s always good to consult an electrician.
- Available power: The power available in your home might limit which charger you can use. Some homes have a 120V circuit; however, nearly all homes in America have a 240V circuit.
- Circuit breaker capacity: Ensure your breaker can handle the extra load. If you’re considering a Level 2 charger, check if your current electrical panel has room for a dedicated circuit.
- Electrical wiring: Older homes might have wiring that’s not up to current codes or designed for high power demands. If you have one, it’s always wise to consult an electrician.
- Location of the charger: Think about where you’ll place the charger and how far it is from your vehicle and electrical source. You don’t want to discover that your charging cable doesn’t reach your BMW!
3. Consider the charger’s features
Just like cars, some chargers have basic capabilities, while others come packed with features.
Here are some common charger features to think about:
- Smart charging: Some chargers connect to Wi-Fi or have dedicated apps that allow you to monitor charging status, schedule charging times (to take advantage of off-peak rates), and even control the charger remotely.
- Safety features: Look for chargers with certifications like UL or ETL. Features like over-current protection, ground fault monitoring, and waterproof ratings can ensure a safer charging experience.
- Cable length: Depending on where your charging point is in relation to where you park your BMW, a longer cable might be beneficial. Ensure it’s long enough to conveniently reach your car but not so long that it becomes cumbersome.
- User interface: Some chargers have intuitive displays showing real-time charging metrics like current power levels, charging speed, and more.
- Weatherproofing: If you’re considering an outdoor setup, ensure your charger is rated to handle the elements. A good water and dust resistance rating is IP55 or higher.
- Portability: Do you travel often or have multiple homes? A portable charger might be a better fit, allowing you to take your charger wherever your BMW goes.
4. Check the installation requirements
Before you decide on a home charger, you must understand what it takes to get it up and running.
Here’s what you should consider:
- Professional installation: While some chargers promote a DIY approach, it’s often recommended to have a certified electrician handle the installation.
- Space & mounting: Check the physical dimensions of the charger. Do you have an appropriate space for it?
- Permitting: Some regions may require permits for charger installations. Check with local authorities or an electrician to determine if you need any permissions or inspections before installation.
- Warranty: As with any significant purchase, check the warranty details. In case of malfunctions or issues, you’d want to ensure that the manufacturer supports their product.
Conclusion
Alright, let’s wrap this up!
Finding the perfect home charger for your BMW isn’t just about picking any charger.
Remember to check your car’s charging specs, take a look around your house to see what electrical setup you have, and really think about what features you want in a charger.
If you have more experience to add related to home chargers, it would be great if you would let us know in the comments below.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out our other articles if you’re interested in BMW products:
- These 12 BMW Accessories
- 14 BMW Gift Ideas
- These 15 Amazing BMW Mods
- Top 6 Phone Holders For Your BMW
- 5 Best Dash Cams For A BMW
- The 3 Best Motor Oil Choices For A BMW
- The 6 Best Car Seats For BMW
Happy charging!
