In 2013, BMW unveiled its i3 electric vehicle, which has since been a popular choice due to its urban-friendly design, impressive range, and other appealing features. However, if you own an EV like this, it’s also necessary to have the Best EV Home Chargers for BMW i3 to keep it running. Here are our top six recommendations for electric car home charging stations suitable for the BMW i3.
We begin our list with BMW’s specific EV charging station, the BMW i Wallbox Essential. This Wallbox is designed explicitly for the BMW i3 and other BMW EVs. One of its significant advantages is its straightforward design, which connects and syncs with your car perfectly without the need for additional apps or screens. You can control everything from your BMW i3 and related apps.
The BMW i Wallbox Essential can be plugged into a NEMA 6-50 plug or hardwired, providing a charging output of up to 7.7kW. With this power output, you can charge your BMW i3 from depleted to full in approximately six hours (estimated with our charging calculator). Unfortunately, the US version of this charger does not feature the 3-phase charging option that the European version does. Nevertheless, it has the same BMW-inspired design, ease of use, overall reliability, and convenience of managing everything through a single brand.
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The ClipperCreek HCS-40P 240V 32A EV Charging Station is an entirely American-made, legendary EV charging station brand. With a power output of up to 7.7kW, this unit is about 5.5 times faster than level 1 charging. It comes with a robust NEMDA 4 enclosure, which ensures safe installation indoors or outdoors and is backed by a 3-year warranty. Just plug it into a NEMA 14-50 socket, and you’re good to go; no hardwiring is required.
One minor drawback is that the power cord to the NEMA 14-50 socket is relatively short. Additionally, for this price point, one might expect additional features or Wi-Fi connectivity, but this unit is relatively simple.
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The Amazon Basics Electric Vehicle (EV) Level 2 Charging Station is a slim, compact, and straightforward unit that is perfect for home setups where space is limited. It can add up to 33 miles of range per charging hour, making it capable of keeping your EV charged in short bursts and fully charged overnight. The charging unit is made of durable PC material with an IK10 rating, ensuring long-lasting durability. The wall unit is compact but comes with a 25-foot cable for maximum reach. However, some users have reported that the cable is too stiff and difficult to move from its coiled position.
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POTATO’s Level 2 charger is perfect for BMW i3 owners. It charges three times faster than level 1, and can be used as level 2 or 1 depending on your needs. Plus, it’s made from durable ABS materials and has an intelligent chip that auto-fixes any issues.
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With 40-amp charging, it’s as fast as most mounted wall box units. It’s CE- and TUV-certified, with an IP55-rated all-weather enclosure. Just plug it into a NEMA 14-50 outlet, and you’re good to go. The only downside is the 16.4-foot charge cable.
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This unit works in extreme temperatures (-22 to 122°F) and has a built-in delayed charging function. It’s made in California and has a 3-year warranty. All you need is a NEMA 6-50 outlet. The only downside is the wall mount bracket is made of cheaper plastic.
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