BMW 740Le plug-in hybrid EV charger: which one fits best?
The BMW 740Le plug-in hybrid charges at home at up to 3.7 kW, through a Type 2 (Mennekes) connection. That is a deliberate choice. With 7.4 kWh usable you gain nothing from a heavier charger, because the car sets the pace. For this BMW you pick a charger on features and convenience, not on speed. The overview of all EV chargers for BMW covers every other model.
For the BMW 740Le plug-in hybrid we recommend a charger from our 11 kW EV chargers.
Charging specifications of the BMW 740Le plug-in hybrid
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Usable battery capacity | 7.4 kWh (9.2 kWh gross) |
| Max. AC charging power (home) | 3.7 kW (single-phase) |
| Electric range | approx. 40 to 48 km |
| Charging time with an EV charger | approx. 2 hours calculated, under 3 hours in practice (including charging losses) |
| Charging connector | Type 2 (Mennekes) |
| DC fast charging | not available |
Which EV charger fits the BMW 740Le plug-in hybrid?
Because the 740Le charges at 3.7 kW, a basic charger is technically enough. The car is full again in about two hours. An 11 kW charger does not charge this BMW any faster. It splits its power over three phases, 16 A each, and the car uses just one of them. It therefore still reaches its full 3.7 kW. The 11 kW model is the sensible buy if your next car charges at 11 kW. You then avoid replacing the charger within a few years.
At that power you can have a built-in MID meter, a calibrated kWh meter. It records your charging separately from the rest of your household use. So you know exactly what charging at home costs. Compare the EV chargers with a MID meter to see which model suits you.
Browse all 11 kW EV chargers in our range. Or choose a lighter 7.4 kW EV charger if you are sure you will not drive a heavier car. In our range no charger at that power has a built-in calibrated meter. Our home EV chargers category gathers every model that suits a driveway or a garage.
How long does the BMW 740Le plug-in hybrid take to charge?
The calculation is simple. 7.4 kWh of usable battery divided by 3.7 kW comes to about two hours for a full charge. BMW itself quotes under three hours at a wallbox, because charging losses add to the calculated time. Through an ordinary socket, at 2.3 kW, it takes under four hours. The difference stays small, precisely because the battery is compact. Plug the car in during the evening and you drive off fully electric in the morning. The 740Le has a Type 2 connection, like most chargers. You only need a separate Type 2 charging cable if you want to charge at a public charging point.
Other versions of the BMW 7 Series plug-in hybrid
Wallbox Discounter also has EV charger advice for the successors of the 740Le within the 7 Series:
- BMW 745e xDrive: the successor with a larger battery and more electric range
- BMW 745Le xDrive: the other 7 Series plug-in hybrid successor
Frequently asked questions
Does the BMW 740Le need a three-phase connection?
No. The 740Le charges at 3.7 kW on one phase. An ordinary single-phase connection in your fuse box is therefore enough. A three-phase charger works fine too, but it does not charge this car faster. It is only worth it if you later drive a car that takes more than 3.7 kW.
Why is a MID meter relevant for the BMW 740Le?
A MID-certified kWh meter records your charging accurately and separately from your household consumption. So you see exactly what a charging session cost you, without guessing. In our range that meter starts at 11 kW, so it comes with a three-phase model.
Can I rapid charge the BMW 740Le?
No, the 740Le has no DC rapid charging. You charge it at home or at a public AC charging point, at up to 3.7 kW. For its short electric range that is plenty in practice. We always recommend having the connection made by a qualified electrician, because that is safer. Check what your own insurer requires. Wallbox Discounter arranges installation in the Netherlands and Flemish Belgium, and in Germany through a free quotation.