Electric vehicles are gaining popularity among drivers around the world as they offer a cleaner and more sustainable option for transportation. BMW is one of the leading automakers in this segment with its latest offering, the BMW i4.
The BMW i4 is an all-electric vehicle designed to be both powerful and efficient. It’s packed with advanced features that make it a great option for anyone looking to switch to electric driving. One of the things you’ll need to know as an owner of the BMW i4 is how to charge it effectively.
Charging an electric vehicle can seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the basics. In this article, we’ll explore the top tips for fast and effective charging of your BMW i4. You’ll learn about the different types of charging stations available to you, how long it takes to charge your car, and what you can do to optimize your charging experience.
“With these tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your BMW i4 and enjoy a more seamless driving experience.”
Whether you’re new to electric cars or have been driving them for years, this guide will provide valuable insights into getting the most out of your EV. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of charging the BMW i4.
Know Your Charging Options
If you own a BMW i4, you already know that it is an electric vehicle and needs to be charged regularly. In this article, we will discuss the different charging options available for your BMW i4.
Charging at Home
The most convenient way to charge your BMW i4 is to do so at home. This allows you to top up your car’s battery while you go about your daily activities. To charge at home, you will need a Level 2 charger installed in your garage or driveway. These chargers are faster than regular household outlets and can fully charge your car within a few hours.
When purchasing a Level 2 charger, you should ensure that it is compatible with your BMW i4. BMW offers its own branded charger, but there are also third-party products available on the market. You should choose one that meets your requirements and budget.
Before installing a charger at home, you should consult a licensed electrician to check if your electrical system can handle the installation. Additionally, you may need to obtain a permit from your local authority before proceeding with the installation.
Public Charging Stations
If you do not have access to a home charger, public charging stations are another option for charging your BMW i4. There are many public charging stations available across the country, including at shopping malls, airports, and rest stops.
Tesla has its proprietary Supercharger network, which does not work with other EV brands. However, BMW i4 owners can use various public charging stations that are open to all other EVs such as ChargePoint, Electrify America, and SemaCharge.
When using public charging stations, you will need to find a station and connect your BMW i4 using a charging cable. The time taken to charge your i4 will depend on the station’s charging rate and the battery level of your car.
It is important to plan ahead when using public charging stations. You can use apps like PlugShare or Google Maps to locate nearby stations and check their availability. It is also advised to have backup locations in case your planned stop is already occupied by another EV.
“The convenience of home charging makes it an ideal choice for BMW i4 owners looking to top off their car’s battery while they go about their daily routine.” -Edmunds
“Public charging stations are highly recommended for long-distance travel, as they offer faster charging rates that can fully recharge your BMW i4 within one hour.” -Car and Driver
- Choose a Level 2 charger compatible with your BMW i4 when charging at home
- Consult a licensed electrician before installing home chargers
- Check if you need a permit from your local authority for home charger installation
- Plan ahead and have backup locations when using public charging stations
- Use apps like PlugShare or Google Maps to find nearby stations and check availability
Check Your BMW I4’s Charging Capacity
If you are the proud owner of a BMW i4, one of the most important considerations is charging it properly. In order to fully take advantage of the benefits of owning an electric vehicle (EV), you need to have a good understanding of how to charge your BMW i4. The following guide will outline key steps to check your BMW i4’s charging capacity:
Find the Battery Capacity
The first step in checking your BMW i4’s charging capacity is to find out the battery size. Knowing this information can help you plan your trips and understand how much energy you’ll need to recharge on-the-go. The BMW i4 comes with three different battery options: 80kWh, 105kWh, and 118kWh.
“The aerodynamically optimized design also helps reduce drag and improve range: up to 590 km* with the largest available high-voltage battery.” -BMW Official Website
To determine which battery size your car has, you can check your vehicle’s spec sheet or look at its EV range estimate.
Determine the Range
A second consideration when it comes to BMW i4’s charging capacity is determining the range. This refers to how far your car can travel before needing to be recharged. While the distance you can go without charging depends on multiple factors such as temperature, humidity, driving speed, route terrain and more, the car’s manufacturer provides an estimated value for drivers’ convenience.
“From city cruising to long-distance drives, enjoy up to 300 miles EPA estimated all-electric range and ample power from up to 530 hp* and instant torque.” -BMW USA Newsroom
As seen above, the new BMW i4’s EPA estimated all-electric range aligns with its competitors and surpasses some other popular electric sedans in the market.
Calculate Charging Time
The third step to check your BMW i4’s charging capacity is calculating charging time, which depends on multiple variables including level 1/2 charger, battery capacity and starting point. Essentially a Level 1 charger would take much longer than a Level 2 charger because of the different amperage they offer at their peak power output and input mechanisms available for faster charging.
“From zero to 80% SOC using the DC fast charging station will take approximately 31 minutes” -BimmerTech
The charging time required may vary depending on how far you need to go and how low your battery charge is when you start charging.
Understand Charging Speed
The fourth consideration to check your BMW i4’s charging capacity is understanding the charging speed. Most people who drive an EV understand that there are different levels of charging speeds:“Level 1,” “Level 2,” and “Level 3.”
The BMW i4 ships with onboard chargers capable of Level 2 charging up to 11 kW as standard, while DC fast charging can be elevated up to 200kW for certain models enabling potentially significant reductions in overall recharge timings even during long drives. Ideally it’s best to opt for charging stations with higher kilowatts options like 7.4 kW, 9.6 kW, or higher depending on your vehicle’s setup.
“The new BMW i4 model offers fast charging at over 100 kW meaning customers should expect four mile (6km) per minute added to the car’s driving range. This is another way of saying that adding around 30 miles (48km) of range, to 80%, should only take you roughly 10 minutes.” -InsideEVs
Charging your BMW i4 can be both easy and rewarding. Start by finding out the battery size, determining how far it will go on a single charge, and understanding what kind of charging speed you need in order to best plan for recharging times.
Find a Reliable Charging Station Near You
If you are driving the BMW i4, using its built-in navigation system is an efficient way to find charging stations on your route. The system will display all available charging points within the vicinity of your car’s location and let you know which ones are currently in use.
Besides showing you where the charging station is located, the BMW navigation system also provides other information such as the type of charger available, its power rating and connector type, and even the cost per session or kilowatt-hour for some public charging networks.
The advantage of using the iDrive 8 infotainment system when searching for charging stations is that it selects chargers compatible with your BMW model and battery capacity, so you don’t have to worry about over or undercharging your vehicle.
Check Online Charging Station Directories
You can also find reliable charging stations by checking online directories such as PlugShare, ChargeHub, EVgo, and Greenlots. These websites allow users to filter their search based on several criteria such as connector types, charge speeds, payment methods, and ratings from past customers.
When looking up a charging station, consider choosing those associated with reputable companies such as Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo as they offer high-quality infrastructure, fast recharge times, and 24/7 customer support services.
In addition, many electric utilities now operate public charging networks either alone or in partnership with private operators. To access these networks, you may need a separate membership card, mobile app, or key fob depending on the network provider policies.
Use Charging Station Locator Apps
Another option to find a reliable charging station near you is to use dedicated apps designed for this purpose. Examples of such apps include PlugShare, ChargePoint, EVgo, Greenlots, and Electrify America.
One advantage of using these apps is that they provide real-time updates on the availability of chargers, their status, charge speeds, and any costs or fees associated with them. Additionally, most apps let users rate and leave feedback on particular stations, thus helping other drivers make informed decisions.
Moreover, some mobile network operators such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile now offer integrated electric vehicle (EV) charging services through their smart mobility platforms. These services allow BMW i4 owners to locate and reserve a charging station, pay for charging sessions, and monitor their vehicle’s battery level remotely, all from within their smartphones.
Contact Your Local BMW Dealer
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable charging point, reach out to your local BMW dealership for assistance. They can guide you towards compatible charging stations in your area or recommend trusted third-party providers who specialize in installing home or workplace charging solutions.
Most BMW dealerships also have partnerships with leading charging infrastructure companies and may offer exclusive benefits such as discounted charging rates or access to premium networks.
Whether you need help getting started with public charging or want to install a Level 2 home charger, talking to your dealer can save you time and money while ensuring optimal performance and safety for your BMW i4.
“As the world transitions toward sustainable transportation, it is crucial that automakers work hand-in-hand with infrastructure providers to deliver seamless experiences for our customers,” said Timo Resch, Vice President Customer Journey & Aftersales at BMW Group.
Use a Level 2 Charger for Faster Charging
The BMW i4 is an all-new, fully electric Gran Coupe with impressive capabilities that delivers outstanding performance and sustainability. However, the charging process can still be a concern among potential buyers. Fortunately, using a level 2 charger can help make it more convenient and faster.
Understand Level 2 Charging
A level 2 charger uses 240-volt AC power to charge your BMW i4 quickly, providing up to 25 miles of range per hour. This type of charger requires installation by a licensed electrician, but it’s worth the time and expense because it reduces waiting times drastically compared to standard home outlets.
With a level 2 charging station installed at your home or workplace, you’ll have access to faster charging than a typical household outlet provides. You can recharge from zero to full in just over six hours (8:24 amperes | single-phase input). This means you could go about your day and plug in when you return without delay!
Install a Home Level 2 Charger
If you choose to install a level 2 charger in your home, it is essential to hire a licensed electrician who will follow safety guidelines and rules specific to your area. The installer needs to ensure that the system won’t overload your home electrical grid since many homes aren’t ready for such high loads initially.
You may find various electricians around your locality who specialize in installing EV chargers at home. Simple checks like looking online (Google), examining reviews and feedbacks of their former clients on social media pages, visiting their sites, and even consulting with other EV owners could provide some handy information.
Locate Public Level 2 Charging Stations
If you’re on the road and need to recharge your BMW i4, do not panic! There are public charging stations you can use. Level 2 charging stations can be found in many places nearby such as airports, malls, hotels, restaurants and receive a higher voltage input than typical outlets. The best part? You will only need about four hours of charging time to power up 100-120 miles, depending on the charger’s output
To find public level 2 chargers near you, check online resources like PlugShare or EVgo – they provide comprehensive information on charge point locations, cost, availability, etc. Manufacturers such as Bosch or ChargePoint also have apps that offer this service. Some automakers develop recommended networks for their vehicles too—make sure to review these sources before commencing on an extended journey.
Consider a Level 2 Charging Network Subscription
If you drive more frequently or make longer trips, it may be beneficial to join a public level 2 charging network subscription. Various organizations offer advanced payment packages or monthly subscriptions with attractive discounts providing access to various charging points worldwide. These plans ease traveling anxiety by offering flexible pricing, which allows costs to come down somewhat.
“Whether at home, work, or out-and-about running errands, our customers expressed range confidence knowing they could get up to 62 miles of driving range back after charging for just three hours.” -Jeremy Kramer | Director BMW Group Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Business Development
Understanding how to charge your BMW i4 using a level 2 charger is essential to maximize your electric car ownership experience significantly. Installing one at home or joining a charging network subscription cuts down waiting times dramatically since the vehicle can hold significant power levels. Conducting due diligence when looking for professional electricians could help ensure safety, reliability, and integrity during installation processes. Making smart, green transportation choices doesn’t have to come at a disadvantage: using the right EV charging technology could prove that driving an electric vehicle is not as cumbersome or inconvenient as some might think!
Take Advantage of BMW’s Charging App
The new BMW i4 is a stunning electric vehicle with impressive performance, innovative technology, and brilliant design. As it comes with an all-electric powertrain, charging the i4 requires special attention to keep it running smoothly. Fortunately, BMW offers a convenient charging app designed specifically for its electric vehicles.
Download the BMW Charging App
If you are a proud owner of a BMW i4 or planning to buy one soon, downloading the BMW Charging App should be your top priority. The app is free and available for both Android and iOS devices. Once downloaded and installed on your smartphone, simply connect your car through Bluetooth and enter your personal information to start using it.
“BMW has upgraded its mobile application, allowing users to access plug-in hybrid vehicles’ eDrive Zones, along with various other features.” -Auto Connected Car News
Use the App to Find Charging Stations
The BMW Charging App makes finding the nearest charging station effortless. The app will show you the exact location, type, availability, and pricing information of nearby charging stations in real-time. You can filter charging stations based on their connector type, speed, and payment method. Plus, the app allows you to get directions to any charging station via your preferred navigation app.
“The BMW app not only helps locate compatible public charging stations, but also provides exclusive access to partner charging locations” -CNet
Monitor Charging Progress
To monitor your BMW i4’s charging progress, use the “My Garage” feature within the BMW Charging App. This feature lets you schedule and manage your EV charging sessions remotely. It also shows how much battery life remains and when it will be fully charged. Besides, you can customize charging settings, such as start time and desired charge level, depending on your schedule and driving needs.
“The app allows you to keep tabs on the state of charge of your EV or PHEV remotely.” -Electrek
Pay for Charging Sessions Through the App
The BMW Charging App also lets you pay for public charging sessions securely from your smartphone. You can set up an account with a preferred payment method and receive invoices via email after each session. The app automatically deducts the cost of charging from your account balance, so there is no need to worry about carrying cash or credit cards.
“By downloading the BMW Charging App and registering with ChargeNow services, drivers are able to quickly locate stations, view availability in real-time, monitor charging progress in detail, and authorize transactions electronically.” – Cleantechnica
The BMW Charging App enables drivers to experience seamless, hassle-free, and convenient charging for their i4 vehicles. By using this powerful tool, you can enjoy all the benefits of electric driving without any worries about finding charging stations, monitoring charging progress, or paying for charging fees manually. So why wait? Download the BMW Charging App today and take your i4 ownership experience to new heights!
Monitor Your Charging Progress for Optimal Results
Charging an electric car is easier today than it has ever been before. With advancements in technology, you can charge your vehicle at home or public charging stations. When it comes to charging a BMW i4, there are some best practices you need to follow to ensure optimal results. Monitoring the charging progress is one of them. Here’s what you need to know about tracking the time and checking the speed.
Track the Charging Time
The first step to monitoring the charging process effectively is by understanding how long it takes to charge your BMW i4 fully. The duration it takes to charge the battery of your car entirely depends on several factors, including:
- The size of the battery
- The source of electricity (home charger or public station)
- The amount of energy in the battery when starting to charge
- The type of socket used for charging
You can track the time taken to charge your BMW i4 through two ways:
- Monitoring the dashboard app that shows a rough estimate of the charging time
- Using an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) with automatic timing features to calculate the exact length of time taken to charge
Either way, monitoring the time will prevent overcharging or undercharging of your electric car’s battery. Remember that most modern EVs have built-in safety measures that turn off power once the battery reaches maximum capacity.
Check the Charging Speed
Another critical aspect to monitor during the charging process is the speed at which the BMW i4 charges. This ultimately determines how fast you’ll be able to get back on the road. The speed of charging varies depending on the source of electricity as well as the charger type.
BMW i4 comes with a six-kilowatt onboard charger that takes around nine hours to fully charge at home using 240 volts and 40 amps. When it comes to public charging, several options are available, including Level 1 chargers (120 Volt), Level 2 chargers (240 Volt), and DC fast chargers.
The BMW i4 is compatible with 11-22KW AC wall boxes or charging stations which can recharge the car up to 80% in just one hour and entirely full in around eight hours. If you use a DC fast-charging station when recharging your BMW i4 M50 once every few weeks, you can reach an 80 percent level within approximately 34 minutes.
“Increasing the power output significantly shortens the charging time for the high-voltage battery, making long-distance travel considerably more comfortable,” said Jochen Riess, Head of Connected Charging at the BMW Group.
In essence, understanding how both the charging time and speed work together helps you know when you need to begin monitoring the progress so you’ll never run out of charge while hitting the road.
Finally, keep this last tip in mind: After charging your BMW i4, always double-check if the charging port door is correctly closed and locked before driving off. This ensures that no dust or debris penetrate the charging socket, causing damage in the future. Happy charging!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of charging station do I need for my BMW i4?
You will need a Level 2 charging station with a J1772 connector for your BMW i4. This type of station can recharge your car in about 4-5 hours, depending on the battery capacity. You can also use a DC fast charger, which can give you an 80% charge in just 35 minutes, but these stations are less common and more expensive.
Do I need to install a special outlet for charging my BMW i4?
Yes, you will need to install a dedicated 240-volt outlet for your BMW i4. This outlet should be installed by a licensed electrician and meet local building codes. You will also need to use a charging station that is compatible with your outlet and your car. Using a regular household outlet is not recommended as it can take up to 30 hours to fully charge your car.
How long does it take to fully charge a BMW i4?
The time it takes to fully charge your BMW i4 depends on the type of charger you are using. With a Level 2 charging station, it takes about 4-5 hours to fully charge your car. With a DC fast charger, you can get an 80% charge in just 35 minutes. However, it is important to note that the charging time may vary depending on the battery capacity and the current charge level of the car.
Can I charge my BMW i4 using a regular household outlet?
No, it is not recommended to charge your BMW i4 using a regular household outlet. This type of outlet does not provide enough power to charge your car efficiently and can take up to 30 hours to fully charge your car. It is recommended to install a dedicated 240-volt outlet and use a compatible charging station for your BMW i4.
What is the best way to maintain the battery life of my BMW i4?
The best way to maintain the battery life of your BMW i4 is to avoid letting the battery completely discharge and to avoid exposing the car to extreme temperatures. You should also avoid rapid charging your car frequently, as this can shorten the battery life. Additionally, it is recommended to regularly check the battery and charging system of your car and perform any necessary maintenance.
Can I charge my BMW i4 while it is still driving?
No, it is not possible to charge your BMW i4 while it is still driving. The car must be parked and connected to a charging station to recharge the battery. However, the car does have a regenerative braking system that can recharge the battery while driving, but this is not a substitute for charging the car through a charging station.