Why Choosing the Right BMW Charging Solution Matters
Owning a BMW electric vehicle (EV) like the BMW i4, BMW iX, or BMW iX3 means embracing cutting-edge technology and sustainability. However, to fully enjoy your electric driving experience, you need a reliable, efficient, and compatible EV charger. Choosing the right home EV charger or public charging solution can significantly impact your charging speed, convenience, and overall driving efficiency.
This guide will help you find the most suitable electric vehicle charging station for your BMW and introduce you to MOREC’s top-quality charging solutions to enhance your charging experience.
1. Understand Your BMW’s Charging Requirements
Before choosing an EV charger, you need to check your BMW's charging specifications:
· Connector Type: Most BMW electric vehicles in Europe use the Type 2 charger for AC charging and CCS (Combined Charging System) for DC fast charging.
· Charging Power: Your BMW’s onboard charger determines how much AC power it can handle.
o BMW i3: 7.4kW AC charging
o BMW iX3: 11kW AC charging
o BMW i4 / BMW iX: 11kW AC charging (upgradable to 22kW for some models)
· Battery Capacity: Larger batteries (like in the BMW iX) require higher power chargers for quicker charging.
BMW 225xe iPerformance: The BMW 225XE has a charging capacity of 3.7kW. You can charge it with a Type 2, 1-phase, 16A charger. Portable EV chargers can usually charge at 2.3 or 3.6 kW (10 or 16A), so you can also charge the car just as fast with a mobile EV charger.
BMW 330e eDrive: The BMW 330e eDrive has a 7.6 kWh battery and a charging capacity of 3.6kW. The battery of the BMW 330e has a Type 2 charging socket on the front left side. Therefore, the best choice is a Type 2 charger with 16A, 1-phase. It has a maximum charging rate of 3.6 kWh and takes about 3 hours from empty to full.
BMW 530e iPerformance: The BMW 530e iPerformance has a 9.2 kWh battery and a charging capacity of 3.6kW. Use a Type 2 socket when charging at home or at public slow and fast AC points. A suitable charger should be 1-phase, 16A maximum.
BMW X5 eDrive: The BMW X5 eDrive has a 9.2 kWh battery with a charging capacity of 3.6kW. This model does not have a fast charging function. The BMW X5 x Drive40e is equipped with a 1-phase 3.6 kW on-board charger for Type 2 AC charging. Therefore, you need a Type 2, 1-phase, 16A charger.
BMW i8: It uses a Type 2 connector for AC charging with a maximum charging rate of 11kW. A Type 2, 3-phase, 16A charger is suitable for this model.
BMW 740e eDriv: Your BMW 740e uses a Type 2 socket with a maximum charging rate of 3.6kW (1-phase 16A). A Type 2, 1-phase, 16A charger is suitable for this model.
2. Home Charging vs. Public Charging: Which is Better?
Home EV Charging Solutions (Best for Daily Convenience)
If you want an efficient and cost-effective way to charge your BMW, installing a home EVSE charging solution is the best choice. Home chargers provide stable and fast charging speeds compared to public stations and save you time and money.
Public Charging Stations (For Long-Distance Travel)
For long trips, you may need to rely on public electric vehicle charging stations, including AC wallbox chargers and DC fast chargers along highways.
3. Choosing the Right BMW Home Charging Solution
Level 1 Charging (Standard Household Outlet – 2.3kW)
· Charging Time: Over 20 hours for a full charge
· Best For: Occasional use or emergency backup
· MOREC Recommendation: PCD018T2- Schuko Plug, 10/16A
Level 2 Charging (Wallbox 7kW, 11kW, or 22kW)
· Charging Time:
o 7kW – 10-12 hours for a full charge
o 11kW – 6-8 hours for a full charge
o 22kW – 3-5 hours for a full charge (if your BMW supports it)
· Best For: Daily home charging
· MOREC Recommendation:
o MOREC 7kW Wallbox EV Charger (Type 2, Adjustable Power)
o MOREC 11kW Wall Charger (Type 2, Fast Home Charging)
o MOREC 22kW EVSE Charger (High-Speed Charging)
4. Key Features to Look for in a Home EV Charger
✔️ Adjustable Power & Smart Charging
MOREC EV chargers offer adjustable charging power, allowing you to optimize your charging speed according to your home’s electrical capacity.
✔️ Safety and Certification
Safety is a top priority. All MOREC chargers come with overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating protection and are CE & TUV certified for European safety standards.
✔️ APP Control & Remote Monitoring
With WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, MOREC’s smart EV chargers let you control charging sessions via a mobile app, schedule charging times, and monitor energy consumption.
✔️ Compatibility with European BMW Models
MOREC chargers are fully compatible with all BMW electric models and other Type 2 electric vehicles in France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium.
5. Installation Guide for a Home EV Charging Station
1. Check your home's electrical system – Ensure you have a dedicated circuit for an EV charger.
2. Hire a certified electrician – Professional installation ensures safety and compliance with local regulations.
3. Choose the right charger power – If your BMW supports 11kW or 22kW charging, install a higher-power charger for faster charging.
4. Install in a convenient location – Preferably near your parking space with weather protection.
6. Final Thoughts: The Best BMW Charging Solution
Whether you drive a BMW iX, BMW i4, BMW iX3, or BMW i3, a MOREC home EV charger ensures fast, safe, and efficient charging. Investing in a reliable charging station saves time, reduces costs, and enhances your overall BMW EV experience.
