BMW's electric range covers everything from the original i3 of 2014 (legacy Type 1) to the new G45 iX3 of 2025 (V2L-capable, 800V architecture). Cable compatibility depends almost entirely on which generation you drive — and there's one specific edge case (the pre-refresh i3) that catches buyers out.
Connector type by model
- i3 (2014-2017, pre-refresh) — Type 1 (J1772). The original i3 used the older AC standard. Cables for these cars are at Type 1 charging cables.
- i3 / i3s (2018-2022, post-refresh) — Type 2. Switched with the 2018 facelift.
- iX3 G08 (2021-2024) — Type 2, 11kW AC max.
- iX3 G45 (2025+) — Type 2, 11kW AC max, 400kW DC, V2L-capable, 800V architecture.
- i4 (2022+) — Type 2, 11kW AC.
- i5 (2024+) — Type 2, 11kW AC.
- i7 (2023+) — Type 2, 11kW AC.
- iX (2021+) — Type 2, 11kW AC.
- iX1 / iX2 (2023+) — Type 2, 11kW AC.
The pre-refresh i3 edge case
If you drive a 2014-2017 i3 — particularly the early 60Ah variant — you have Type 1, not Type 2. This catches a lot of secondhand buyers out because BMW marketing rarely emphasises the difference. Quick test: look at the charge port. Type 1 is a square 5-pin connector with the locking lever on top; Type 2 is the hexagonal 7-pin connector. If you see the square plug, you need Type 1 cables.
AC charging speed across the range
Every modern BMW EV (i3 refresh onwards) accepts 11kW AC — the maximum useful at single-phase (only 7.4kW) but 11kW at three-phase. If you have three-phase supply at home, an 11kW (16A 3-phase) cable charges your BMW from 10-100% in about 6.5-7 hours on a 80kWh battery. On a typical UK single-phase 7kW wallbox, the same charge takes 10-11 hours.
Worth noting: BMWs do NOT accept 22kW AC, even with three-phase supply. Don't buy a 22kW cable expecting faster charging — it'll throttle to 11kW.
Length recommendations
BMW charge ports are typically on the rear left (i3, iX1, iX2, iX3) or rear right (i4, i5, i7, iX). Check yours and pick a cable length that gives you slack regardless of how you park:
- 5m if your wallbox is right next to the parking spot.
- 7.5m if the wallbox is 2-4m away.
- 10m for typical UK driveways with the wallbox on the garage wall and the car parked in front.
- 15m+ for awkward layouts or shared drives.
The new G45 iX3 — V2L
The 2025 G45 iX3 is BMW's first V2L-capable EV, drawing on the new Neue Klasse architecture. It supports vehicle-to-load through the Type 2 charge port at 11kW output (not the typical 3.6kW). Compatible with our V2L adapter range — but only the higher-output models that can handle 11kW continuous draw. Don't buy a Hyundai/Kia-spec V2L adapter (3.6kW max) for the G45 iX3; the higher-output V2L will overload it.
DC fast charging
All current BMW EVs (i4, i5, i7, iX, iX1, iX2, iX3 G45) use CCS Combo 2 for DC rapid charging. Speeds range from 150kW (iX1, iX2) to 400kW (iX3 G45 on suitable chargers). DC cables are tethered to the rapid post — you don't carry a CCS cable. See CCS context for replacement / installer use.
BMW-specific install considerations
BMW Connected (the in-car app) integrates well with most UK smart wallboxes for charge scheduling and start/stop. Ohme, MyEnergi Zappi and Hypervolt all confirmed working with BMW Connected as of 2026.
What we stock for BMW
- Type 2 to Type 2 cables in 5m, 7.5m, 10m, 15m, 20m and 25m, 7.4kW and 11kW.
- Type 1 cables in 5-25m for pre-refresh i3 owners.
- V2L adapters compatible with G45 iX3.
- UK 3-pin to Type 2 portable (granny) chargers for backup / holiday-let scenarios.
Free UK delivery over £50. 3-year minimum manufacturer warranty. We administer warranty claims directly — no chasing the manufacturer.