BMW Home Charger Installation
Everything you need to know about charging your BMW EV at home.
Owning a BMW electric vehicle blends performance with sustainable driving. To keep your BMW EV charged and ready, establishing an at-home charging setup is essential.
Understanding BMW EV Models and Their Charging Needs
BMW offers fully electric lineup consists of the BMW i4, i5, iX and i7, offering a range anywhere from 249 to 364 miles depending on make and model. Installing a level-2 charger allows you to enjoy the efficiency, speed, and convenience of charging your BMW EV at home. Before discussing level-2 chargers, it is important to familiarize yourself with the most common charging levels.
Charging Levels and How To Charge Your BMW EV
Before understanding the best way to charge your BMW EV at home, it is helpful to understand EV charging levels, connector types, and considerations. There are three charging levels:
- Level 1 Charging: Leverages a standard 120V household outlet providing approximately 2-5 miles of range per hour. It offers a simple solution, but at the expense of speed.
- Level 2 Charging: Utilizes a 240V circuit, hardwired into your electrical system, although plug-in options are also an option. This offers charging speeds up to 25 miles per hour on average and is the most convenient at home charging solution.
- Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging): These chargers are typically found in public spaces and generally reserved for use during long road trips. These chargers offer high-powered charging for BMW EVs producing up to 90 miles of charge in 10 minutes (depending on make and model). Currently, BMW EVs can access 130,000+ charging points across North American through partner networks.
Note: BMW currently utilizes the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard for its electric vehicles. The company plans to expand support to include the NACS (North American Charging Standard) in the future. This will provide BMW owners with more charging options and access to a broader network of chargers, enhancing the overall charging experience.
Check out this guide to learn more about the differences between level 1 and level 2 EV charging.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Charger for BMW EV
When it comes to choosing a Level 2 charger for your BMW EV, there are a few key considerations to take into account:
Compatibility
BMW EVs are compatible with Level 2 chargers, providing fast and reliable home charging. It’s important to choose a charger that meets BMW’s specifications to ensure safe and optimal performance.
Connectivity
Many modern chargers offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor charging through your smartphone. This feature is perfect for managing energy usage and scheduling charging during off-peak hours.
Charging Speeds
Level 2 chargers can add up to 25 miles of range per hour. Select a charger with adjustable power settings to match your home’s electrical capacity, ensuring your BMW charges quickly and efficiently.
For the most practical and efficient home charging experience for your BMW EV, opting for a Level 2 charger is highly recommended. While BMW does offer its own dedicated wall charger, there are numerous level 2 chargers available that deliver comparable charging speeds at a more attractive price point.
What is the best level 2 charger for BMW EVs?
Emporia Level 2
The Emporia Level 2 charger is a dependable and affordable choice, delivering up to 48 amps of power. It features energy monitoring and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy to track and manage your charging sessions. Its compact size and competitive pricing make it ideal for most BMW owners.
Tesla Universal Wall Connector
For those looking to enhance their charging setup, the Tesla Universal Wall Connector is an excellent upgrade. It supports the NACS charging standard, offering fast and efficient charging. Its modern design and versatile installation options make it a premium choice for BMW EV owners.
Installation and Safety Considerations For Home Chargers for BMW EVs
Ensuring safety is crucial when installing a home EV charging station. It's important to have a licensed electrician handle the installation to guarantee proper setup and compliance with local electrical codes. A professional electrician will also assess whether your home's electrical system can handle the increased power demand required to charge your BMW EV efficiently.
It may also be necessary to upgrade your electrical panel to accommodate a 240V circuit required for Level 2 charging. A qualified electrician or certified installation service can assess your current system and recommend any needed enhancements along with any other alternative options and related costs. Additionally, when deciding on a location for your level 2 home charger, choose a spot that is both convenient and secure.
Installing Home Chargers for BMW EVs With ChargerPro
If you are ready to set up a home charger for your BMW EV, ChargerPro makes the entire process seamless. Our team of licensed electricians specializes in EV charging installations, ensuring that your home setup is safe, reliable, and optimized for your charging needs. We pride ourselves on offering clear, flat-rate pricing along with a streamlined process that gets you charging quickly in a few simple steps:
- Book Your Installation: Choose a charger, select an installation date and secure your flat-rate, all-inclusive price with a fully refundable deposit.
- Consult with an EV Charging Specialist: One of our experienced guides will contact you to determine the optimal location for your charger. They'll ask a few simple questions about your electrical panel and installation preferences and ensure everything is set for the installation day.
- Installation Day: A licensed electrician will arrive at your home and install your charger—typically within about two hours—so you can plug in and start charging immediately.
Equipping your home with a dependable level 2 charger is key to maximizing the convenience and performance of your BMW EV. With ChargerPro’s professional installation services that strictly adhere to safety standards, you can enjoy a hassle-free charging experience every time.
Home Chargers for BMW EVs FAQs
Will ChargerPro help with rebates and incentives?
We know rebates and incentives can be challenging to navigate. ChargerPro can offer guidance on what rebates you may be eligible for and point you in the right direction. BMW also offers guidance on EV rebates and incentives. Learn more about rebates, incentives, and tax credits available in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Texas.
Can You Charge a BMW with the Emporia Universal Charger or Tesla Universal Wall Connector?
Absolutely. Both the Emporia Universal Charger and the Tesla Universal Wall Connector are fully compatible with BMW EVs. Learn more about the highly rated Emporia Level 2 charger here.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a BMW EV?
Charging speed depends on your EV charger’s power output. A Level 2 charger like the Emporia or Tesla Universal Wall Connector can deliver up to 48 amps, providing a quick and efficient charge compared to a 128V standard household outlet. Check out this guide for more on how long it takes to charge an EV.
