Charging the BMW i3: Everything you need to know for a comfortable ride

The BMW i3 is an electric car that has proven to be a compact, stylish and environmentally friendly vehicle. However, as with all electric vehicles, the issue of charging remains important. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at how to charge a BMW i3 in Ukraine, what charging station options are available, how long it takes to charge, and how to choose the most suitable method for your car.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

Features of the BMW i3

The BMW i3 is one of the first all-electric vehicles from BMW that combines innovation, energy efficiency and stylish design. The car has a range of up to 310 km on a single charge in optimal conditions, making it an excellent choice for city driving and short journeys. Depending on the conditions and driving style, the range may vary, but in most cases it is sufficient for everyday driving.

The BMW i3 is equipped with a 42.2 kWh battery, which provides sufficient power for the vehicle's efficient operation. This battery maintains a high level of energy efficiency, which is important for reducing charging costs, especially for those who use their electric vehicle frequently.

With its powerful acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, the BMW i3 provides quick starts at traffic lights and confident driving on highways. Although it is not the fastest electric vehicle on the market, this speed is more than enough for urban use.

Which connector does the BMW i3 use?

The BMW i3 uses two main types of connectors for electric charging: Type 2 for alternating current (AC) charging and CCS for direct current (DC) charging. These two standards are the most popular in Ukraine and Europe for electric vehicles, ensuring that the BMW i3 is compatible with most charging stations.

• Type 2 (AC) - is a standard AC charging connector commonly used for most home charging points, as well as many public charging stations, including workplace or shopping centre charging points. This connector allows the vehicle to be charged using standard chargers with a power output of up to 22 kW. For the BMW i3, it provides efficient charging at home or at work, where you can leave the car overnight or for several hours to fully charge it.
• CCS (DC) - is a DC fast-charging connector used on more powerful charging stations. In the BMW i3, this standard allows the vehicle to be charged at up to 49 kW, which significantly reduces the charging time compared to AC charging. With CCS, you can get up to 80% of charge in around 40 minutes, making it ideal for fast charging at public stations, especially when you need to get back on the road in a short time. This type of charging is usually available at specialised public charging stations, such as petrol stations or places with a large number of charging points.

With these two types of connectors, the BMW i3 can be charged at different speeds and with different convenience, making it one of the most versatile electric vehicles on the market.

How long does it take to charge the BMW i3?

The charging time of the BMW i3 depends on the power of the charging station and the type of socket used. Let's take a look at the main types of chargers that can be used to recharge this electric car.

Standard socket (220 V)

Charging via a standard household outlet is the easiest but slowest option. You can plug your car into a regular outlet at home or at work using the standard charging cable that comes with your car. This method requires no additional investment in specialised devices, making it affordable for most users. However, due to the low charging power, this method is mainly suitable for long charging sessions at night or when you have enough time to top up the charge without rushing.

Charging time: up to 14 hours for a full charge.

Charging via 3.6 kW charger

This type of charging is mainly used for home and work use. The charger has a power output of 3.6 kW, which allows you to charge your car faster than with a standard socket. However, this option is still slow, so it is best used overnight or when the car is parked for a long time. For maximum comfort, you can install a special charger that supports this power at home.

Charging time: up to 12 hours for a full charge.

Charging via 7 kW charger

Charging via a 7 kW charger is one of the most common options for home use and at workplaces with dedicated charging stations. It allows for much faster charging of the BMW i3, and this method can be very useful for users who use their electric vehicle frequently and want to charge it overnight or during the working day. 7 kW charging stations can be found both in public places and in private institutions.

Charging time: up to 6 hours for a full charge.

Charging via 22 kW charger

This type of charger is faster and is usually used at public charging stations such as shopping centres, car parks or petrol stations. The charging power is 22 kW, which significantly reduces the time required to charge the car. It is ideal for people looking for a way to quickly replenish their energy supply without waiting for several hours.

Charging time: up to 4 hours for a full charge.

Fast charging via 50 kW station (DC)

Fast charging via a 50 kW station is one of the most convenient ways to charge the BMW i3 at public stations. Thanks to their high power output, these stations can significantly reduce the time it takes to top up the vehicle's charge. The 50 kW charging stations use direct current (DC) technology, which ensures a higher charging speed compared to AC charging stations. This is ideal for those travelling long distances and needing fast charging.

Charging time: up to 40 minutes to charge from 0 to 80%.

Where can I charge my BMW i3 in Ukraine?

In Ukraine, there are three main options available for charging your BMW i3: at home, at work and at public charging stations. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on which charging method suits you best.

Charging at home

Charging at home is the most convenient and cost-effective option for BMW i3 owners. Simply plug the car into a standard household socket or install a charger at home. Charging is best done at night or during long breaks when the car is not in use.

Advantages:

• Convenience: you can charge your car directly at home, which does not require time to travel to charging stations.
• Low cost: Electricity tariffs are usually lower at night, which can significantly reduce the cost of charging.
• Continuous access: there is no need to plan trips to charging stations or limit the time for charging.

Disadvantages:

• Slow charging: charging via a standard socket takes a long time - up to 14 hours for a full charge, making this method suitable only for long periods without using the car.
• Limited capacity: standard sockets provide low charging power, making this method less efficient than other types of charging stations.

Charging at work

Charging at work is becoming increasingly popular, with many companies installing charging stations for their employees. This is a convenient option if you need to charge your car during the working day, especially if you stay at work for several hours or all day.

Advantages:

• Free or reduced price: Some companies provide free charging for employees or offer discounts on the use of chargers. This significantly reduces energy costs.
• Comfort: charging at work allows you not to worry about where to find a charging point, as you can connect your car directly in the office or on the company's premises.
• Charging time: Depending on the capacity of the charging station at work, you can charge your car during the working day, allowing you to fully restore the charge by the end of the day.

Disadvantages:

• Availability of charging stations: Not all companies provide charging stations. If your workplace doesn't have one, you'll need to look for alternatives.
• Low charging speed: Many workplaces use chargers with lower power, which can significantly increase charging times.
• Restricted access: If a company has only a few charging points, it can be difficult to find a free charging space, especially during peak hours.

Public charging stations

Public charging stations are one of the most convenient options for charging the BMW i3, especially for those who travel frequently or do not have access to home charging points. There are many public charging station networks in Ukraine that offer various fast charging options.

Advantages:

• Fast charging: Public stations often have powerful chargers (50 kW and above) available, allowing you to quickly replenish your energy supply. This is especially useful for those who don't want to spend a lot of time charging and need a quick top-up on long journeys.
• Convenience: public charging stations are available in many cities and on major routes, allowing you to charge your car in different locations without any problems.
• Accessibility: some stations offer free charging, which is beneficial for drivers, especially if the station supports convenient payment methods through mobile apps or cards.

Disadvantages:

• Variety of networks: There are several different charging station networks in Ukraine, which may require drivers to install several mobile apps or register cards to access different networks. This can complicate the process of finding and using charging points.
• The cost of charging: depending on the network and type of charger, the price for charging may vary. In order to avoid unexpected costs, the driver should carefully check the rates at each station.
• Overload of stations: on popular routes or during rush hour, charging stations may be occupied by other users, which reduces accessibility and may force you to spend more time searching for a free charging point.

Overall, there are advantages and disadvantages to each of these options, so it's important to choose a charging method that suits your driving style, location and time requirements. The best option is a combination of home charging for everyday commuting and public charging stations for travelling and emergencies.

How to find a BMW i3 charging station using the ECOFACTOR app

At ECOFACTOR, we offer a simple and reliable way to find charging stations for your BMW i3 with our app. Thanks to our platform of over 180,000 electric motorists from Ukraine, Europe and Central Asia, you can easily find charging points along your route that meet your requirements and the needs of your electric vehicle.

Our ECOFACTOR app for iOS and Android provides several important features that greatly facilitate the charging process for electric vehicles:

• Map of charging stations: With our interactive map, you can find the nearest BMW i3 charging stations and filter them by connector type and charging speed.
• Reservation of a place: you can reserve a charging spot 15 minutes before arrival to avoid queues and unforeseen situations.
• Access to up-to-date data: check the status of the charging station in real time to ensure that charging is available and working.
• Payment through the application: a convenient payment process via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit/debit card allows you to avoid wasting time on additional steps.

Our app allows you to search for stations, sort them by power (from 7 kW to 350 kW), and check for specific connectors (Type 2, CCS1, CCS2, etc.). This is especially important as it ensures that the charging process will go smoothly. With our help, you can plan your travelling routes, setting up charging stops at the most convenient locations.

Comprehensive solutions for your business

We also provide solutions for businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, shopping centres and other commercial facilities that require charging stations. We not only supply charging stations, but also offer a charging point network management platform that allows operators to conveniently monitor energy consumption and set flexible tariffs.

You can buy charging stations, cables, adapters and accessories through our online shop. We offer a wide range of products that meet the highest quality standards. In our store you will find chargers of various capacities - from mobile stations to powerful 420 kW DC chargers.

Conclusion.

Charging a BMW i3 in Ukraine is becoming increasingly accessible thanks to numerous charging stations that provide convenient and fast charging options for electric vehicles. As this vehicle supports two main connector types, Type 2 for AC and CCS for DC, it is compatible with most charging stations available at home and in public locations. With a wide range of charging options, from standard sockets to ultra-fast stations, you can choose the most suitable charging method depending on your needs and time.

Charging your BMW i3 doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. With the ECOFACTOR app, you can easily find the nearest charging stations, reserve a charging space and pay for the service quickly via the mobile app. All these tools will make the charging process convenient and smooth. Whether you're charging at home, at work or at a public charging station, it's important to have access to convenient solutions that allow you to charge your electric vehicle efficiently and without any problems.

Frequently asked questions