What's the Real Charging Speed of the BMW i4?

Charging and Infrastructure
1

I’ve been looking into the BMW i4 and its charging capabilities, and I wanted to gather some insights from the community. What are the actual charging speeds when using different chargers?

Here’s what I’m curious about:

  • Level 1 Charging: How long does it take to get a decent charge overnight?
  • Level 2 Charging: What’s the typical time to charge at home with a dedicated charger?
  • DC Fast Charging: How much range can you gain in a 30-minute session?

Additionally, I’ve read some accounts that suggest varying experiences depending on the charging station and conditions. If anyone has specific numbers or personal anecdotes, I’d love to hear them.

In comparison, how does the i4 stack up against other EVs in the same category regarding charging efficiency? Are there any common frustrations or tips you’d recommend for optimizing charging sessions?

Looking forward to your insights! Thanks!

2

That’s great info! I heard public fast charging can get you about 80% in just 30-40 minutes. Have you tested that out?

3

I’ve been researching the BMW i4 charging options, and I’ve found that home charging can be quite efficient, especially with a Level 2 charger. It can get you 10-20 miles of range per hour.

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4

Public fast charging is really convenient. I’ve noticed that some stations are pretty busy, though. It’s good to plan ahead!

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5

Have you tried using any specific charge point networks? PlugShare has helped me find reliable ones near my area.

6

I love how the BMW i4 can connect with ChargePoint stations! The app makes it easier to find stations and track charging speeds.

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7

I’ve been using Electrify America, and the experience has been a bit hit or miss lately. Some stations are super fast, while others lag.

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8

I think the actual charging speed can really depend on the network and the time of day. Peak hours can slow things down quite a bit.

9

Honestly, charging my i4 feels like waiting for a pot to boil sometimes! :joy: But on a serious note, home charging is simply the best for everyday use.

10

True! I’ve had days where I just couldn’t find a fast charger, which was so frustrating.

11

I’ve also been reflecting on how different charging stations impact the overall range I can get. It’s very much a quality-over-quantity situation.

12

Exactly! I think having a home setup, complemented by occasional fast-charging on trips, is a solid strategy.

13

I’ve been driving my BMW i4 for about 6 months now. When charging at a fast charger, I usually see speeds around 140 kW. It’s pretty solid, but I do think temperature plays a big role. On colder days, I notice a drop in speed.

14

That’s interesting, I’ve heard that the i4 can peak at 205 kW. Is that realistic, or just marketing? I haven’t hit those numbers yet.

15

I’ve seen as much as 180 kW at peak times, but it really depends on the charging station and the battery’s state of charge. There’s a sweet spot where it really shines.

16

Good to know! Do you mostly use public chargers? I’m curious about efficiency at home versus on the go.

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17

Home charging is pretty slow for me, typically around 7 kW. It’s great for overnight, but definitely not for quick top-ups. The fast chargers are where I get the most benefits for longer trips.

18

I agree with rwalker. Home charging takes forever! It’s comforting, but not very speedy. On the other hand, I find public DC chargers a lot more variable. Some stations deliver much better speeds than others.

19

Exactly! I’ve gone to a Superscharger and went from 10% to 80% in just under 30 minutes. But then, some other places just don’t cut it. What gives?

20

It’s all about the charger’s capacity and the battery’s health. I find that early in the day is better too. Maybe those stations are busier later in the day and can’t deliver as much.