The day you finally get to drive your new BMW electric vehicle (EV) home is one to look forward to. While you’ll have many enjoyable hours on the road, you must also prepare for its arrival.
Owning a BMW EV means readying your house to ensure it’s always juiced up and ready to go. With that in mind, consider completing the following adjustments before parking your new ride in the garage.
1. Choose a Suitable EV Home Charger
Part of owning a BMW EV, whether an i4, iX or i7, means equipping your home with an EV charger to suit your car’s requirements. Although there are three available EV charger levels, you’ll likely only consider level 1 or 2 alternatives for home charging needs.
Level 3 chargers require complex infrastructure that converts three-phase AC power directly to DC. Because of the expense of installation and the inability of most residences to cope with the high voltages, you’ll see Level 3 DC fast charging stations positioned for use at public venues, but you seldom find these in private homes. You’ll want to consider a level 1 or 2 alternative to fit in your garage.
How to Choose Between a Level 1 and 2 EV Home Charger
Before choosing your EV charger, consider where you’ll locate it. Some chargers may not fit inside your garage, so an outdoor-rated unit might suit you. Your installation technician can advise you on mobile and more compact options, including charger systems with Wi-Fi capabilities.
All BMW EV purchases include a Flexible Fast Charger, which plugs into a 120-volt home socket (level 1) or a 240-volt outlet using a level 2 adapter included. This charger is portable, and you can use it without a charger wall box. Many owners prefer to keep them for emergencies and install fixed units in convenient positions on their properties instead.
The primary difference between level 1 and 2 chargers is the time needed to charge your BMW EV. Level 1 charging is the slowest and is suitable if you leave your car on charge overnight. You’ll get between two and five miles of travel for every hour’s charge using level 1. With level 2 charging, you could reach 20 miles of charge per hour but will likely need a professionally fitted wall charger, often called electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
2. Buy Your Preferred EV Charger and Arrange for an Electrician
Before buying your chosen EVSE, look at the charger’s public ratings, ensure you recognize the brand and confirm it is UL- or ETL-certified. These certifications mean the charger meets quality and safety standards and won’t damage your vehicle if something goes wrong. Consider its overall size, cable length and whether you can automatically set charging times to benefit from off-peak electricity hours.
If you intend to install the charger outside, clarify its weatherproofing capabilities. A National Electrical Manufacturing (NEMA) rating of 3 means resistance to external elements like rain, snow, sleet and ice buildup, while an NEMA 4 rating means an even greater waterproofing level. Also, be aware that icy weather could make charging cables brittle.
When hiring an electrical professional, consider one with EV experience who knows the ins and outs of charger installation. The electrician could then offer advice if they foresee problems with your chosen installation area or other potential issues.
Government tax rebates are one advantage of buying an EV. If you live in a predefined IRS nonurban or low-income census area, you could also qualify for a 30% federal tax credit on the price of your EV home charger.
3. Prepare Your Chosen Area for Charger Installation
Once you’ve booked an electrician based on your desired EV charger’s arrival date and know how much space it will need, it’s time to prepare the space. Most BMW owners use their garages for convenience and security reasons, where they can lock up their vehicles to charge overnight. If so, clear a suitable area for the wall mounting and charging accessibility to allow for installation on delivery.
4. Ensure Easy Access to Your Power Panel
Most electrical distribution boards are positioned in accessible areas of the home, providing power to the entire residence. Before your EV charger and electrician arrive, it’s helpful to know whether your panel will need upgrading to incorporate the charger and prepare the professional to bring additional circuit breakers if necessary. Monitoring your power consumption beforehand helps avoid overloading the panel.
Adjust Your Life to Being a BMW EV Owner
Changing from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric model can be an adjustment. You must pivot from visiting gas stations to locating fast charging stations on your given routes.
Most importantly, you should create a home charging routine to ensure your BMW is always charged and ready to go when you are. That way, you can hit the road with confidence.