Which charging cable should I get for my BMW i3?

Wanting to find the correct charging cable for your BMW i3? We at EV Wired are here to lend a helping hand.

The BMW i3 is similar to most other recent electric vehicles in that it has a CCS Type 2 charge socket. This requires a (16A or 32A) Type 2 to Type 2 charge cable for general charging.

A Type 2 plug design is the EU standard connector type for electric vehicles and is compatible with practically all public charge points within the UK (bar Tesla-specific charge points). Beneath your vehicle’s 7-pinned Type 2 socket, two additional larger pins are located: these are for use with CCS rapid DC charging cables, rather than general Type 2 charging. You’ll find CCS cables tethered at certain 3-phase charging stations. These are great to use when you get the chance, as they charge your vehicle at a super-fast rate.

The BMW i3 model electric vehicle has a maximum charge rate of 7.2kW when charging via a 32A (Amps) single-phase supply, or 11kW when charging using a 16A 3-phase supply. Single-phase supplies are found in the vast majority of households, whereas 3-phase are common at bigger buildings, service stations, offices etc.

Whether you opt for a 16A or 32A cable for charging, your vehicle’s onboard circuitry will charge at the optimal rate that the cable and charge point provides. As such, you can feel free to use a 16A cable at a 16A or 32A charge point and vice-versa. Just bear in mind that if you are using a 16A cable or charge point, the charge rate will always be lower than using a 32A cable with a 32A charge point.

Most households in the UK use a single-phase electricity supply, so for simply home charging, only a single-phase 32A cable is required. We highly recommend, however, purchasing a 32A 3-phase charger cable. This gives you the additional option to charge at faster-charging public 3-phase charging stations and provides an extra degree of security for the future as such charge points become more common.

Check out the full range of EV cables for your BMW i3. Our cables come with a 5 year warranty, free next day delivery* and a free carry case worth £14.95