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Best EV Home Chargers for BMW i3

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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.

Top Home Charging Stations for BMW i3

Best EV Home Chargers for BMW i3

BMW i Wallbox Essential: An In-Depth Look

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.

Pros:

  • The strong power output of up to 7.7kW
  • Beautiful design and high-quality materials
  • Eco-friendly – made with some recycled materials
  • Easy to use and designed specifically for your BMW i3

Con:

  • Lacks the three-phase charging option, unlike the European version.

ClipperCreek HCS-40P 240V 32A EV Charging Station: Review

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.

Pros:

  • Solid and high-quality construction with ETL safety certification
  • Very easy to use and offers a charging output of up to 7.7kW (5.5 x faster than level 1)
  • The long 25-foot cable allows it to reach any EV in a 2-car garage
  • Quality supported by a 3-year warranty

Con:

  • Short NEMA 14-50 cable and a relatively simple system when compared to its price point

Amazon Basics Electric Vehicle (EV) Level 2 Charging Station: A Comprehensive Review

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.

Pros:

  • Slim, compact, and simple design, perfect for limited spaces
  • Fast charging of up to 25 miles of range per hour, ideal for the BMW i3
  • Durable IK10-rated materials
  • Good long cable and an easy NEMA 6-50 plug-in setup

Con:

  • The heavy and stiff power cables can be challenging to uncoil and get to your car

POTATO EV Charger Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station

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.

Pros:

  • Portable, flexible, and easy to use at home or away from home
    Charges 3 times faster than level 1, and can be used as level 2 or 1
    Made from durable ABS materials
    Intelligent chip auto-fixes problems as they occur

Con:

  • The charge rate is slower than a typical level 2 wall box unit.

Splitvolt Level 2 EV Portable Charger 40 AMP

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.

Pros:

  • Powerful 40-amp charging that rivals wall boxes
    CE-, TUV-certified and IP55-rated
    Plug into a NEMA 14-50 outlet and go
    Portable, affordable, easy to use

Con:

  • Short 16.4-foot charge cable.

Siemens US2 VersiCharge Universal

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.

Pros:

  • Simple setup with any NEMA 6-50 outlet
  • 30 Amps charging, 4 times faster than level 1
  • Wide operating temperature range
  • Delayed charging function available even with no Wi-Fi
  • 3-year warranty

Con:

  • The wall mount bracket(cheaper plastic).

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