BMW models & EV chargers

BMW has embraced the electrification of its fleet of vehicle offerings as much as any existing auto manufacturer. The Bavarian-brand currently has three all-electric models and three plug-in hybrids with its M performance sub-brand introducing a high-performance model for the 2024 model year.

BMW i7

The BMW i7 launched for 2023 bringing pure electric, zero emissions driving to the Bavarian brand’s flagship sedan. Riding on the Cluster Architecture with its platform siblings the i4 and iX, it gains 11 kW Level 2 charging and 195 kW DC fast charging for its large 101.7 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. Features like a 31 inch 8K display and a Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof show just how luxurious a full electric vehicle can be.

BMW iX

Launched alongside the i4 in 2022, the BMW iX is a mid-sized electric crossover SUV riding on the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform shared with the i4 and other modern BMW models. With all wheel drive as standard across the model range and 8 inches of ground clearance, the iX serves as BMW’s first purpose built electric SUV. With two models: xDrive50 and M60, both make use of a large 111.5 kWh. 

BMW i4

BMW launched the i4 in 2022 alongside the iX as the first two all-electric models on its Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform. For its first year it launched with the eDrive40 and M50 models which both have 83.9 kWh lithium-ion batteries, for 2023 BMW added a new base model, the eDrive35 which has a smaller, lighter 70.2 kWh battery.

The i4 can charge at 11 kW on a compatible Level 2 charger and between 180 kW and 200 kW at a DC fast charging station, depending on the model.

BMW i3

BMW launched the BMW i3 in late 2013 as a 2014 model. The i3 is available in two iterations; an all-electric (BEV) and as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with the addition of the optional range extender that BMW calls the “REx”. This makes the BMW i3 the only car that you can buy in either all-electric or plug-in hybrid form.

The BMW i3 is a rear-wheel drive, four-passenger, five-door hatchback, with rear coach-style doors that open in the opposite direction of conventional doors. This gives the i3 a “clamshell” appearance when both the front and rear doors are open.

The i3 is known for its quirky, non-conventional styling for a BMW. It employs a carbon fiber reinforced plastic body, aluminum frame, and exterior body panels that are thermoplastic. Since its launch, BMW has upgraded the charging capabilities once, and the battery twice to increase the all-electric driving range. See the chart below for the BMW i3 battery, charging and electric driving range details.

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Charging BMW EVs

For Level 2 charging, BMW EVs uses the industry-standard SAE J1772 connector in North America. The charge port is located on the rear right side of the vehicle.  

BMW EVs are capable of level 3 DC fast charging and uses the North American standard Combined Charging System (CCS) connector for Level 3 charging. Since the inroduction of the BMW i3 in 2013, BMW EVs have made massive fast charging gains, going from the i3’s original 50 kW rate to their current 200 kW maximum, resulting in far quick fast charging speeds for the much larger batteries built into them. 

Level 3 DC fast charging: CCS Combo

BMW EVs incorporate some of the fastest DC fast charging speeds on the market with the i4, iX and i7 capable of 195 kW resulting in an 80% charge in 30 minutes. 

BMW XM

The first electrified model coming from BMW’s M performance brand, this large sports SUV incorporates a 4.4 twin-turbo V8 and 25.7 kWh battery for a combined 644 hp and 30 miles of all-electric range. This model is the M-subbrand's first plug-in hybrid and purpose-built SUV, bringing BMW’s performance division into the age of electrification.

BMW X5 plug-in hybrid

Launched in 2016 as the electrified variant of BMW’s most popular SUV. The X5 40e launched with a 9.2 kWh battery and 14 miles of EV range, it has since been updated and renamed in 2021 as the X5 45e with a 24 kWh battery giving it an all electric range of 31 miles, giving it a great balance of performance and range.

The updated model, renamed X5 50e, was announced in early 2023 for the 2024 model year, again increasing the battery andn range to 25.7 kWh and 40 miles of range. 

BMW 5-series plug-in hybrid

The BMW 530e is the plug-in hybrid version of BMW’s 5-series midsize sedan. It has a 9.2 kWh battery and has been BMW’s best selling plug-in vehicle in 2019. The 530e has an 18 mile all-electric range, and the hybrid powertrain delivers 29 miles per gallon once the battery is exhausted, which is very good for a luxury sports sedan in this class. 

BMW 3-series plug-in hybrid

The BMW 3-series plug-in hybrid was launched originally in 2016 as the electrified variant of BMW’s best-selling car, the 3-Series. Available since 2016, it began with a 7.6 kWh battery delivering 14 miles, but has been increased to 12 kWh and up to 22 miles beginning with the 2021 model year onward. BMW’s sportiest plug-in hybrid is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations mated to a 2.0 liter inline-four.

The BMW 7-series plug-in hybrid

Like all BMW’s with an “e” at the end of their model designation, the 7- series plug-in hybrid is the brand’s electrified variant of its flagship 7-series sedan. Upgraded in 2020 and named th 745e, it came with a 3.0 litre inline-six and 12 kWh battery, the latest generation of 7-series plug-in hybrid is focused on efficiency and performance with 16 miles of EV range. The previous generation BMW 740e made due with a smaller 2.0 liter inline-four powering its 9.2 kWh battery good for 14 miles of all-electric range. For 2023 the 745e was replaced with the introduction of the new BMW i7 all-electric variant in the US.

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Charging BMW plug-in hybrids

For level 1 and level 2 charging, all of BMW’s plug-in hybrids use the industry-standard SAE J1772 connector in North America. The charge ports on all of BMW’s PHEVs are all located in the same place, on the front left side of the vehicle, just ahead of the driver’s door. None of BMW’s PHEVs are capable of using level 3 DC fast chargers. Match up your BMW plug-in hybrid with the model and year in the chart below, to see how long it takes to charge your EV battery.

BMW EV and PHEV charging stations

Charge faster, smarter, cleaner with JuiceBox

The JuiceBox 48 is a great choice to use as your BMW EV charger while the JuiceBox 32 is ideal if you own a BMW plug-in hybrid. BMW has consistently demonstrated with all of their electric vehicles, that they upgrade models to include larger batteries for longer electric driving range every time they introduce the next generation of that model.

A larger battery means a longer charging time. Therefore, as battery sizes increase, it becomes more important to have an electric vehicle charging station that can deliver enough power to rapidly recharge your battery. Future proof your investment with a high powered JuiceBox smart charger, and you’ll never need to upgrade it in the future when you get your next EV.