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 is suitable for the BMW i5?
Because the BMW i5 accepts 11 kW AC as standard, an 11 kW EV charger uses its full standard AC charging capacity. A 22 kW charger will only charge the i5 faster when the car is equipped with the optional 22 kW onboard charger. Check your vehicle’s equipment before choosing an EV charger. Select a charger with an integrated MID meter when the kilowatt-hours charged at home 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 with a Type 2 socket. It charges the BMW i5 at up to 11 kW or at 22 kW when the car has the optional 22 kW onboard charger. |
| Business use or ERE registration in the Netherlands | Zaptec Go 2 22 kW | Yes | The integrated MID meter accurately records the charged kilowatt-hours. This makes the charger suitable for employer or leasing-company reimbursement and, exclusively in the Netherlands, ERE registration. |
| Budget-friendly choice | Besen 11 kW | No | An affordable EV charger with a fixed Type 2 cable that matches the BMW i5’s standard AC charging capacity. It does not have an integrated MID meter. |
View all 11 kW EV chargers in our range. Do you have a heat pump, induction hob or other high-power electrical equipment at home? Choose an EV charger with Dynamic Load Balancing. It automatically adjusts the charging power to the current electricity consumption of your home and helps prevent the main connection from becoming overloaded.
How long does it take to charge the BMW i5?
The calculation is straightforward: divide the usable battery capacity of 81.2 kWh by the charging power. With an 11 kW EV charger, charging a nearly empty battery to full takes approximately 7.5 hours in practice. Connect the i5 at 23:00 and it will be ready the following morning. With the optional 22 kW onboard charger, the charging time can be reduced to around four hours. This requires a 22 kW EV charger and a suitably rated three-phase electrical connection.
The BMW i5 uses a Type 2 connection, just like almost every modern EV charger in Europe. When using an EV charger or public charging station with a socket, you need a suitable Type 2 charging cable. An EV charger with a fixed cable can be connected directly to the car.
Other BMW models
Wallbox Discounter also provides EV charger advice for other electric BMW models:
- BMW i4, the sporty saloon
- BMW i7 eDrive50, the flagship model
- BMW iX3
- BMW iX xDrive40
Frequently asked questions
Does the BMW i5 charge at 11 or 22 kW?
The BMW i5 charges at a maximum of 11 kW AC as standard. Depending on the model, equipment and market, a 22 kW onboard charger may be available as an option. Without this option, the car will accept no more than 11 kW, even when connected to a 22 kW EV charger. Check your BMW i5’s equipment before selecting a charger.
Does the recommended EV charger for the BMW i5 need a MID meter?
A MID meter is not mandatory for every private charging session. It is important when the electricity charged at home must be measured accurately and in a certified manner, such as for reimbursement 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. Drivers who only charge privately and do not require certified billing can choose a model without a MID meter.
Should an installer connect the EV charger?
We recommend having the EV charger connected by a certified electrician. This is safer and ensures that the installation complies with the applicable technical requirements. Would you like to order the charger with installation? We can arrange this through our regular installation partner together with your order.