BMW i3 60 Ah EV charger: Which one is the best fit?
The BMW i3 60 Ah is the original i3 introduced in 2013 and has the smallest battery of all i3 versions at 22.6 kWh. Its onboard charger supports single-phase AC charging at a maximum of 7.4 kW. To use this full capacity, you need an EV charger that can supply 32 amps on one phase. A standard three-phase 11 kW charger normally supplies only 16 amps per phase and will therefore charge this car at 3.7 kW. A reliable 7.4 or 22 kW charger that supports 32-amp single-phase charging is the appropriate choice. Would you like to learn more about the other battery versions? View our overview of BMW i3 EV chargers or all BMW EV chargers.
For the BMW i3 60 Ah, we recommend an EV charger capable of supplying 7.4 kW or 32 amps on a single phase.
Charging specifications of the BMW i3 60 Ah
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 22.6 kWh (approx. 18.8 kWh usable) |
| Maximum AC charging power at home | 7.4 kW (single-phase, 32 A) |
| Range (NEDC) | approx. 190 km (around 130 to 160 km in practice) |
| Charging time with a 7.4 kW charger | approx. 3 to 3.8 hours |
| Charging connector | Type 2 |
| DC fast charging | CCS, optional on early vehicles (up to approx. 50 kW) |
Which EV charger is suitable for the BMW i3 60 Ah?
The BMW i3 60 Ah charges at home at a maximum of 7.4 kW on one phase. The overall rating of the charger is therefore not the only important factor: you must also consider how much current it can supply on a single phase. A standard three-phase 11 kW charger is normally limited to 16 amps per phase and will charge the i3 60 Ah at a maximum of 3.7 kW. A 7.4 or 22 kW charger capable of supplying 32 amps on one phase can fully utilise the car’s maximum charging capacity. Choose a charger with an integrated MID meter when the charged kilowatt-hours must be reimbursed by an employer or leasing company. In the Netherlands, a MID meter may also be required for ERE registration. The ERE scheme applies exclusively in the Netherlands.
| Situation | Recommended EV charger | MID meter | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard home charging | Easee Charge Up 22 kW | No | A compact and intelligent EV charger that supports single-phase charging at up to 32 amps, allowing the BMW i3 60 Ah to use its maximum AC charging power. It offers app control and can be expanded with dynamic load balancing, but it does not have an integrated MID meter. |
| Business use or ERE registration in the Netherlands | Zaptec Go 2 22 kW | Yes | Supports single-phase charging at up to 32 amps and has an integrated MID meter. The charged kilowatt-hours can therefore be recorded accurately and verifiably for employer or leasing-company reimbursement and, exclusively in the Netherlands, ERE registration. |
| Budget option without a MID meter | Besen 7.4 kW | No | An affordable single-phase charger rated at 32 amps that matches the maximum charging power of the BMW i3 60 Ah. Without a MID meter, however, it is less suitable for certified consumption registration, business reimbursement or ERE registration in the Netherlands. |
The i3 60 Ah has a Type 2 connection. To charge the car at public charging stations while travelling, you need a suitable Type 2 charging cable. At home, you can simply use the attached cable when your EV charger has a fixed charging cable.
How long does it take to charge the BMW i3 60 Ah?
The BMW i3 60 Ah has approximately 18.8 kWh of usable battery capacity. Dividing 18.8 kWh by 7.4 kW gives a theoretical charging time of around 2.5 hours. In practice, charging losses, the charging curve and the battery-management system increase the full charging time to approximately 3 to 3.8 hours. On a standard three-phase 11 kW charger that supplies only 16 amps on one phase, the vehicle charges at a maximum of 3.7 kW and requires considerably more time.
Other versions of the BMW i3
Wallbox Discounter also provides EV charger information for the other versions of the BMW i3:
- BMW i3 94 Ah – larger battery and increased range
- BMW i3s 94 Ah – sportier version
- BMW i3s 120 Ah – the largest battery in the range
Frequently asked questions
Does the BMW i3 60 Ah need an 11 kW EV charger?
Not necessarily. The onboard charger of the i3 60 Ah supports single-phase charging at a maximum of 7.4 kW or 32 amps. A standard three-phase 11 kW charger supplies only 16 amps per phase and will therefore charge this car at a maximum of 3.7 kW. To achieve the full charging power, you need a 7.4 or 22 kW charger capable of supplying 32 amps on one phase.
Why is a MID meter important for the i3 60 Ah?
A MID-certified kWh meter accurately and verifiably records how much electricity is used to charge the car. This is particularly important when the charged kilowatt-hours are reimbursed by an employer or leasing company or when business charging costs must be accounted for separately. In the Netherlands, a MID meter may also be required for ERE registration. The ERE scheme applies exclusively in the Netherlands.
Should I have the EV charger installed professionally?
We always recommend having the electrical connection installed by a certified installer. This is safer and may be important for your insurance coverage. You can arrange the installation together with your order.