BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid Charging Time
A 2021 BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid takes about 7 hours to charge from empty to full on a 240-volt Level 2 charger, according to its EPA test. On a standard 120-volt outlet it takes about 28 hours. A full charge puts about 40.3 kWh through the plug for 126 miles of electric range.
BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid charging time by charger
Figures for the 2021 i3 with Range Extender. 20% to 80% is a typical daily top-up; 0% to 100% is a full charge from empty.
| Charger | Power | 20% to 80% | 0% to 100% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1, 120 V outlet (12 A) | 1.4 kW | 16 hr 47 min | 27 hr 59 min |
| Level 2, 240 V, 16 A | 3.8 kW | 6 hr 18 min | 10 hr 30 min |
| Level 2, 240 V, 24 A | 5.8 kW | 4 hr 12 min | 7 hr |
| Level 2, 240 V, 32 A | 7.7 kW | 3 hr 9 min* | 5 hr 15 min* |
| Level 2, 240 V, 40 A | 9.6 kW | 2 hr 31 min* | 4 hr 12 min* |
| Level 2, 240 V, 48 A | 11.5 kW | 2 hr 6 min* | 3 hr 30 min* |
* Only if the car's onboard charger accepts that much power. On its EPA test it charged at about 5.8 kW; if that is its limit, a faster wall charger won't shorten the 7-hour full charge.
Work out your own BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid charge
The calculator starts with this model's numbers. Change the charge level or the charger to match yours.
Preset: 2021 BMW i3 with Range Extender, about 36.3 kWh into the battery for a full charge
EV charging time
4 hr 10 min
from 20% to 80%
- Energy into the battery (36.3 kWh x 60%)
- 21.8 kWh
- From the wall at 90% efficiency
- 24.2 kWh
- Charging power (capped by the car)
- 5.8 kW
- Charging time
- 4.17 hours
For home and public AC charging. DC fast chargers are much faster at first and then slow down past about 80%, so this formula does not fit them.
Cost to charge a BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid
A full charge from empty draws about 40.3 kWh from the wall. At 18 cents per kWh it costs about $7.25, and a 20% to 80% top-up about $4.35. The EPA rates the i3 with Range Extender at 32 kWh per 100 miles, which works out to 5.8 cents a mile. The US average home rate was 18.16 cents per kWh in August 2026 (EIA); the EV charging cost calculator takes your own rate.
Can the BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid fast charge?
Many plug-in hybrids have no DC fast charging port and charge only on Level 1 or Level 2. Check the charge port or the owner's manual. With a battery this size, a Level 2 charger fills it in a few hours.
BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid charging time by trim and year
EPA range, electricity use (kWh per 100 miles, measured at the wall) and 240 V full-charge time for each BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid trim since 2018.
| Year | Trim | Electric range | kWh/100 mi | 240 V full charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | i3 with Range Extender | 126 mi | 32 | 7 hr |
| 2021 | i3s with Range Extender | 126 mi | 32 | 7 hr |
| 2020 | i3 with Range Extender | 126 mi | 32 | 7 hr |
| 2020 | i3s with Range Extender | 126 mi | 32 | 7 hr |
| 2019 | i3 with Range Extender | 126 mi | 32 | 7 hr |
| 2019 | i3s with Range Extender | 126 mi | 32 | 7 hr |
| 2018 | i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender | 97 mi | 31 | 5 hr |
| 2018 | i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender | 97 mi | 31 | 5 hr |
Source: EPA test data published on fueleconomy.gov. Level 1 and per-charger times are worked out from each trim's range, electricity use and the charger's power. How we calculate.
BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid charging FAQ
How long does a BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid take to charge at home?
On a 240 V Level 2 charger, a 2021 BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid charges from empty to full in about 7 hours, the time measured in its EPA test. From 20% to 80% on a 32 A home charger it takes about 4 hr 10 min.
How long does a BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid take to charge on a 120 V outlet?
About 28 hours from empty to full on a standard 120 V outlet at 12 A, which delivers 1.44 kW. Overnight, about 10 hours, adds roughly 45 miles of range.
How much does it cost to charge a BMW i3 Plug-in Hybrid?
A full charge draws about 40.3 kWh from the wall. At 18 cents per kWh that is about $7.25, or 5.8 cents a mile at its EPA rating of 32 kWh per 100 miles.