BMW i3 EV charger: overview by version
BMW built the i3 in several versions. They range from the first 60 Ah model to the later i3s with a 120 Ah battery. This page covers that original i3 hatchback, built until 2022, not the new electric i3 sedan presented in 2026. It also covers the European-spec i3, which has a Type 2 connection.
The home charging power differs per version. The 60 Ah charges on a single phase at up to 7.4 kW. From the 94 Ah onwards, the i3 accepts up to 11 kW on a three-phase connection, depending on its equipment. Battery size grew over the years, but the switch to 11 kW kept charging times short. Charging needs also differ across the BMW range, as our BMW EV charger overview shows model by model. Find your version below and click through for specific charger advice.
For the BMW i3 we recommend a charger from our 11 kW EV chargers.
Versions of the BMW i3
| Version | Usable battery | Max. AC charging power | Years | Charger information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i3 60 Ah | 18.8 kWh | 7.4 kW (single-phase) | 2013–2016 | BMW i3 60 Ah |
| BMW i3 94 Ah | 27.2 kWh | 11 kW (three-phase) | 2016–2018 | BMW i3 94 Ah |
| BMW i3s 94 Ah | 27.2 kWh | 11 kW (three-phase) | 2017–2018 | BMW i3s 94 Ah |
| BMW i3s 120 Ah | 37.9 kWh | 11 kW (three-phase) | 2018–2022 | BMW i3s 120 Ah |
Which charger suits the BMW i3?
The right charger depends on your version and on your home connection. The i3s 120 Ah charges at up to 11 kW on three phases, and so do the 94 Ah and i3s 94 Ah, depending on their equipment. With a three-phase connection at home, an 11 kW charger lets these versions charge at full speed. A 22 kW charger will not charge any i3 faster.
The 60 Ah is different: it charges on a single phase at up to 7.4 kW. A typical 11 kW charger supplies three phases of 16 A each. A single-phase car draws only one of them, so it tops out at about 3.7 kW. For the 60 Ah, a 7.4 kW charger is therefore the better match.
A charger with a built-in MID meter is also worth considering. A MID meter is a certified, calibrated kWh meter. It records the electricity you charge at home separately from your household use. That way you know exactly what charging costs you. Our 11 kW range includes a model with a built-in MID meter. You will find it among our EV chargers with a MID meter.
Browse all 11 kW EV chargers in our range. Do you drive the 60 Ah, or does your home have a single-phase connection? Then look at our 7.4 kW EV chargers. The BMW i3 has a Type 2 connection for AC charging. For charging away from home, a matching Type 2 charging cable fits that socket.
Charger information by version
- BMW i3 60 Ah: smallest battery, charges on a single phase
- BMW i3 94 Ah: larger battery and the first i3 with 11 kW three-phase charging
- BMW i3s 94 Ah: sportier version with the same battery
- BMW i3s 120 Ah: largest battery, charges at up to 11 kW
Frequently asked questions about the BMW i3
How fast does the BMW i3 charge at home?
That depends on your version. The figures below are the theoretical minimum: usable battery capacity divided by charging power. In practice, charging losses add some extra time. The 60 Ah takes about 2.5 hours at 7.4 kW. The 94 Ah and i3s 94 Ah take about 2.5 hours at 11 kW. The i3s 120 Ah, with its larger battery, needs about 3.5 hours at 11 kW. Plug in during the evening and your i3 is full by morning.
Does the BMW i3 need an 11 kW charger?
The 94 Ah, i3s 94 Ah and i3s 120 Ah benefit from an 11 kW charger. That does require a three-phase connection at home. The 60 Ah charges on a single phase and gains nothing from it. On a typical 11 kW charger it even drops to about 3.7 kW. A 7.4 kW charger suits it better. Not sure which version you drive? Check your registration papers or the charging settings in the car.
Is a MID meter useful for the BMW i3?
A certified MID meter shows exactly how much electricity you charge at home, separate from your household use. That makes your charging costs transparent, whichever i3 you drive. Our 11 kW range includes a model with a built-in MID meter. Our 7.4 kW chargers currently come without one.