Best EV Home Chargers for BMW i3

BMW first introduced the world to its i3 electric vehicle back in 2013. Since its first release it has enjoyed sustained popularity due to its city-friendly design, pleasing range and other attractive qualities. When you invest in an EV like this, you also want to make sure you have the best EV home charger to support your driving. Below you’ll find our picks for the best 6 electric car home charging stations for the BMW i3.

Top Home Charging Stations for BMW i3

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1. Divome J1772 EVs Adapter

Expand your Tesla’s charging capabilities with the DIVOME J1772 Adapter. Designed to maximize compatibility and optimize charging speed, this adapter seamlessly bridges the gap between the world of Tesla chargers and J1772 vehicles, ensuring a faster and safer charge every time.

Pros:

Versatile Use: Compatible with all J1772 EVs and PHEVs and supports up to 60A charging.
Universal Compatibility: Access to Tesla High Powered Wall Connectors, Destination Chargers, & Mobile Connectors, adding 15,000 more charging points for J1772 vehicles. (*Note: Doesn’t support Tesla Super Charger.)
Quick Charging: Offers 60 amps of current and 250V, charging up to 7.5 times faster than standard level 1 chargers.
Compact Design: Weighs just 486g and measures 8.66 x 3.54 x 2.36 inches, perfect for on-the-go charging.
Safety First: IP65 waterproof, CE certified with an anti-drop lock for added security during charges.

Cons:

Some users complained that it doesn’t work with their EV model, such as the Chrysler Pacifica.

For Tesla enthusiasts wanting enhanced versatility in their charging routine, DIVOME offers an efficient and trusted solution.

2. EVCONN Tesla to J1772 Adapter

For EV owners who prioritize durability and compatibility, the EVCONN J1772 Adapter is a top-tier choice. Engineered with the latest material innovations, this adapter offers both charging flexibility and an exceptional resistance to environmental challenges, ensuring a reliable, fast charge every time.

Pros:

Advanced Construction: Made from state-of-the-art PA66 and glass fiber materials, ensuring unparalleled durability and resistance to temperature extremes.
Wide Compatibility: Seamlessly works with Tesla High Powered Wall Connectors, Destination Chargers, and Mobile Connectors. (*Note: Not compatible with Tesla Superchargers.)
Secure Charging: Features an anti-theft lock for a safer, more confident charging session.
Fast Power Up: Supports up to 60Amp and 250V AC for a quick and efficient charge.
Safety First: Thoroughly tested and safety-certified, offering peace of mind with every charge.

Cons:

Over time, disconnecting the Tesla side of the adapter can become difficult.

With EVCONN’s Tesla to J1772 adapter, you’re not just choosing a charging solution, but a trusted partner for your EV’s power needs.

3. E-KITE Tesla to J1772 Adapter

The journey to the future of electric vehicles is marked with the need for reliable and compatible charging solutions. The E-KITE J1772 EVs Adapter embodies this ideal, offering unmatched compatibility, speed, and safety, making each charging experience smooth, fast, and hassle-free.

Pros:

Universal Compatibility: Designed for all J1772 EVs and PHEVs, and works seamlessly with all Tesla Connectors, excluding Tesla supercharger. Also pairs with Tesla mobile connector, wall connector, and destination charger.
Efficient Charging: Supports a robust 60A and 250V AC, ensuring a faster, safer charge every time.
Superior Safety: Tested rigorously and featuring a safety anti-theft lock, the adapter offers 20,000+ plug and unplug cycles for unmatched reliability.
Weather-Proof & Compact: Boasts an IP65 waterproof rating, making it suitable for a wide temperature range (-22°F to 122°F). Its portability ensures hassle-free charging on the go.
Trustworthy Service: Backed by E-KITE’s 10 years of expertise in the EV charging industry and an 18-month warranty, ensuring you’re always supported.

Cons:

According to some users, the instructions are not self-explanatory.
Disconnecting the Tesla side of the adapter can become difficult over time.

E-KITE’s J1772 Adapter isn’t just a tool—it’s a commitment to a smoother, more efficient EV journey.

4. Lectron Tesla to J1772 Charging Adapter

Optimize your EV charging potential with the Lectron J1772 Adapter. Crafted to amplify compatibility and uphold safety standards, this adapter integrates J1772 vehicles with the vast network of Tesla chargers, facilitating a quicker and more dependable charging session.

Pros:

Enhanced Charging Options: Connect to Tesla or North American Charging Standard (NACS) chargers, supporting up to 48A charging.
Universal Compatibility: Seamless integration with Tesla High Powered Wall Connectors, Destination Chargers, & Mobile Connectors.
Travel-Ready Design: Compact, durable structure ideal for on-the-move charging. Keep it in your car for convenient charging anytime.
Safety Assurance: Undergone UL testing, guaranteeing a safe and reliable charging experience.
Worry-Free Warranty: Lectron backs its product with a 1-year warranty, alongside dedicated customer support for complete peace of mind.

For EV enthusiasts, the Lectron adapter emerges as a trusted companion to enhance charging versatility and safety.

Cons:

It is highly priced compared to the other adapters on our list.
With 48 A, it offers the lowest maximum current of all the adapters listed here.

5. ShockFlo J1772 EVs Adapter

The ShockFlo J1772 Adapter is a game-changer for Tesla users, bridging the gap between the Tesla-specific connectors and the broader J1772 standard. Equipped to handle high power loads and crafted with safety paramount, this adapter ensures your EV gets the juice it needs while keeping everything protected.

Pros:

High Capacity: Supports up to 80A 250V, adjusting based on your station or car’s capabilities.
Built-in Safety: Overcurrent and overvoltage protections ensure secure charging.
Broad Compatibility: Fits all J1772 EVs and PHEVs, and works with most Tesla connectors, barring the supercharger.
Robust Design: IP55 waterproof rating for usage in harsh conditions, covering ultra-low to high temperatures.
Travel-friendly: Lightweight, compact design perfect for road trips, camping, and more.
Trusted Quality: Undergone stringent testing, backed by a 1-year warranty and 24-hour premium customer service.

Cons:

A great adapter, but it still has a lower rating than the others on our list.

For Tesla owners wanting more flexibility in their charging options, ShockFlo promises both safety and convenience.

How to Use a Tesla to J1772 Adapter?

Using a Tesla to J1772 adapter is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Inspect the Adapter: Before every use, check the adapter for any visible damage or wear. This ensures safe operation.
Plug into the Tesla Charger: Insert the adapter into the Tesla charging station’s plug.
Connect to Your EV: Once securely attached, take the other end of the adapter and connect it to your EV’s charging port.
Monitor the Charging: Watch for the charging indicator on your EV or on the adapter itself (if it comes with one). This will confirm that the vehicle is charging.
Completion and Removal: Once charging is complete, first unplug the adapter from your EV, then detach it from the Tesla charger. Store safely.

How Do I Choose the Right Tesla to J1772 Adapter?

Choosing the right adapter involves several considerations:

Compatibility: Ensure the adapter is compatible with your EV model and the Tesla charging stations you intend to use.
Charging Speed: Some adapters offer faster charging capabilities. Look for ones that can handle the highest kW input your car supports.
Build Quality: A sturdy, well-constructed adapter will stand the test of time, ensuring you won’t need to replace it frequently.
Safety Features: Prioritize adapters with safety mechanisms, such as overcharge protection, surge protection, and thermal protections.
Price vs. Value: While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, consider the value offered in terms of durability, safety, and charging speed.
User Reviews: Always check reviews from other EV owners. Their experiences can give you insights into an adapter’s real-world performance.
Portability and Design: If you’re often on the move, a compact, lightweight adapter might be ideal.

Is a Tesla to J1772 adapter worth it?

A: Absolutely. Owning a Tesla to J1772 adapter significantly expands your charging options. Many EVs use the J1772 standard, which is different from Tesla’s proprietary connectors. By having this adapter, Tesla charging station owners can conveniently charge their non-Tesla cars at their charging stations.

Should I buy a J1772 adapter?

Investing in a J1772 adapter is a good idea. This becomes particularly important for those who frequently travel or reside in areas with a higher density of Tesla charging stations than J1772 ones. Moreover, having an adapter adds a layer of convenience and flexibility to your EV charging routine, ensuring you’re prepared for various scenarios.

How fast can a EV charge with a J1772 adapter at a Tesla charging station?

The charging speed largely depends on the capability of the Tesla charging station and the specifications of the adapter you’re using. A Tesla Gen 3 wallbox can charge at a rate of up to 11.5 kW. For an EV like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, this translates to a charged range of 100 miles in approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Conclusion

While there are many adapters available in 2023, these five have consistently proven to be reliable, efficient, and user-friendly. By weighing the pros and cons, EV owners can find the adapter that fits their specific needs, ensuring smooth and effective charging at any Tesla charging station. Always prioritize compatibility and safety when choosing an adapter,

1. BMW i Wallbox Essential

Of course, we have to start our list with BMW’s own model-specific unit. This Wallbox was designed specifically for your BMW i3 (or other BMW EV). The first reason to choose this one is that it’s a nice simple unit that connects and syncs with your car perfectly with no need for additional apps or screens. You can set everything from your BMW i3 and related apps.

Plug it into a NEMA 6-50 plug or hardwire it, you can get charging output up to 7.7kW, which will charge your BMW i3 in about 6 hours from depleted to full (estimated with our charging calculator). Unfortunately, the US variant doesn’t feature the 3-phase charging option that the European one does. It does have the same BMW-inspired design, ease of use, overall reliability, and handiness of managing everything through a single brand.

Pros:

The strong power output of up to 7.7kW
Stunning design and quality materials
Eco-friendly – exterior materials include some recycled materials
Easy to use and designed specifically for your BMW i3

Con – No three-phase charging option unlike European counterpart.

2. ClipperCreek HCS-40P 240V 32A EV Charging Station

ClipperCreek is a legendary EV charging station brand and entirely American-made. This unit can output up to 7.7kW, which is about 5.5 times faster than level 1 charging. It comes with a sturdy NEMDA 4 enclosure for safe installation indoors or outdoors, and its quality is backed up by a 3-year warranty. You don’t need to hardwire this unit, just plug it into a NEMA 14-50 socket.

Some very small drawbacks are first that the power cord to the NEMA 14-50 socket is very short and second that for this price point you might expect additional features or Wi-Fi connectivity but this unit is only very simple.

Pros:

Solid and quality construction backed up by ETL safety certification
Very easy to use and offers to charge up to 7.7kW (5.5 x faster than level 1)
A long 25’ foot cable means it can reach any EV in a 2-car garage
Quality supported by a 3-year warranty

Con – Short NEMA 14-50 cable and a very simple system when looking at price point

3. Amazon Basics Electric Vehicle (EV) Level 2 Charging Station

This unit from Amazon Basics can add up to 33 miles of range per charging hour, which makes it very capable of keeping your i3 charged in short bursts, and fully charged overnight. It’s a very simple, but also very durable design constructed of durable PC material with an IK10 rating. The wall unit is compact but with a very handy 25’ cable for maximum reach. Some users have said that they feel the cable is too stiff and difficult to move from coiled.

Pros:

Slim, compact, and simple unit perfect for a home setup where space is limited
Fast charging of up to 25 miles of range per hour, perfect for the BMW i3
Durable IK10-rated materials
Good long cable and easy NEMA 6-50 plug-in setup

Con – Power cable is quite heavy and stiff and can be tricky to uncoil and get to your car

4. POTATO EV Charger Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Some BMW i3 owners might not want to install an entirely separate unit. They might just want something they can keep in the trunk or in the garage that doesn’t require any mounting or other installation. This offering from POTATO EV gives charging speeds 3 times faster than level 1, but you can actually switch between level 2 and level 1 depending on how fast a charge you really need. It is made from durable ABS, and the power box has a built-in chip designed to help auto-fix any glitches that might create problems in charging.

Pros:

Portable, flexible, and easy to use at home or away from home
Charging up to 3 times faster than level 1, but can use as both level 1 or 2 depending on need
Durable ABS materials
The intelligent chip can auto-fix problems as they occur

Con – Charge rate much slower than a typical level 2 wall box unit

5. Splitvolt Level 2 EV Portable Charger 40 AMP

Who says that portable chargers always have to be slow? If you want something powerful but portable, this Splitvolt charger will do the business. With 40-amp charging, this portable charger keeps up with the ratings of most of the leading mounted wall box units. The difference is this one just needs a regular 220V NEMA 14-50 outlet to work. It’s CE- and TUV-certified and has an IP55-rated all-weather enclosure.

The 16.4’ cord is a little disappointing for a unit of this quality, but it still suits most situations.

Pros:

Powerful 40-amp charging that rivals wall boxes
CE-, TUV-certified and IP55-rated
Plug into a NEMA 14-50 outlet and go
Portable, affordable, easy to use

Con – Charge cable is short at 16.4 feet

6. Siemens US2 VersiCharge Universal

When you need a simple unit that still offers more than just “plug-and-play” from a world-beating brand, Siemens is here to help you. Their unit works in a huge range of temperatures from -22 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit and offers a built-in delayed charging function of 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours. It’s manufactured in California and comes with a 3-year warranty to give assurances of quality and reliability. You just need a NEMA 6-50 outlet for it to work.

The one downside is that the wall mount is made of a cheaper plastic, which isn’t in line with the rest of the product’s high-quality brand-name sheen.

Pros:

Simple setup that works with any NEMA 6-50 outlet
Charging at 30 Amps offers up to 4x faster charging than level 1
Huge operating temperature range
Delayed charging function available even with no Wi-Fi
3-year warranty

Con – Wall mount bracket is made of a cheaper plastic

BMW i3 – Best EV Home Charging Stations

Make sure that you choose the most suitable charger not only to deliver fast charging for your BMW i3 but also one that suits your budget and other needs. We hope our guide above helps you get the right kind of EV home charging station for your BMW i3.