BMW i5 EV charger: Which one is the best fit?
The BMW i5 charges at home at 11 kW as standard using a three-phase connection, immediately indicating which EV charger you need. With an 11 kW EV charger, the i5’s usable 81.2 kWh battery can be fully recharged in approximately seven and a half hours, conveniently between two working days. A 22 kW charger only reduces the charging time when your BMW i5 is equipped with the optional 22 kW onboard charger. View our overview of all BMW EV chargers when you drive a different model.
For the BMW i5, we recommend an EV charger from our range of 11 kW EV chargers.
Charging specifications of the BMW i5
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Usable battery capacity | 81.2 kWh |
| Maximum AC charging power at home | 11 kW as standard, 22 kW optional |
| WLTP range | up to 581 km |
| Charging time with an 11 kW EV charger | approx. 7.5 hours |
| Charging connector | Type 2 |
| DC fast charging | up to 205 kW |
Which EV charger suits the BMW i5?
Because most i5 versions accept 11 kW AC as standard, an 11 kW charger gets the most out of them. A 22 kW charger only makes sense if your i5 charges at 22 kW, so check your specification first. A built-in MID meter is also worth a look. This is a certified kWh meter that records your home charging separately from your household use. That way you know exactly what charging your i5 costs.
Our 11 kW range includes a model with a built-in MID meter. The widest choice is among our EV chargers with a MID meter. Most of them are 22 kW models. A 22 kW charger simply charges an 11 kW i5 at its own 11 kW.
All our 11 kW EV chargers match the standard charging power of most i5 versions. Does your home have a heat pump or an induction hob? Then choose an EV charger with load balancing. Load balancing adjusts the charging power automatically, so your main fuse never trips. Charging overnight on your own driveway? That is exactly what our home EV chargers are built for.
How long does the BMW i5 take to charge?
The basic sum is simple. Divide the net battery capacity of 81.2 kWh by the charging power of your charger. At 11 kW that gives a theoretical minimum of 7.4 hours from empty to full. Some energy is lost while charging, so BMW itself gives about 8.5 hours. Plug the i5 in at 11 pm and it is ready in the morning.
With 22 kW on board and a 22 kW charger, the theoretical minimum is 3.7 hours. BMW gives about 4.25 hours. This does need a home supply that can deliver 32 A on each of the three phases. Have an electrician check that before you choose 22 kW.
Which charger type does the i5 need? It uses a Type 2 connection, like almost every modern charger in Europe. You only need a separate Type 2 charging cable in two cases. The first is a charger with a socket instead of a fixed cable. The second is a public charging point without its own cable.
Other BMW models
Wallbox Discounter also has EV charger advice for BMW's other electric models:
- BMW i4, the sporty saloon
- BMW i7 eDrive50, the flagship
- BMW iX3
- BMW iX xDrive40
Frequently asked questions
Does the BMW i5 charge at 11 or 22 kW?
The eDrive40 and xDrive40 charge at 11 kW AC as standard, with 22 kW as an option. The M60 xDrive charges at 22 kW as standard from the 2025 model year. Without 22 kW on board, you never get more than 11 kW at home, even with a 22 kW charger. Check your car's specification before you choose a charger.
Do I need an EV charger with a MID meter for the BMW i5?
It is not required, but for many drivers it is useful. A MID meter is a certified kWh meter built into the charger. It records exactly how much energy goes into your car, separately from your household use. That makes the cost of charging at home fully transparent. Without a MID meter your i5 charges just as well, you simply lack that certified record.
Should I have the charger connected by an electrician?
We always recommend having the connection made by a qualified electrician. That is safer and important for your insurance. Want your charger including installation? We arrange that through our installation partner in the Netherlands, Flanders (Belgium) and Germany. In the Netherlands and Flanders you can order it together with your charger. In Germany, installation runs via a free quote.