BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid Charging Time
A 2020 BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid takes about 3 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 6 hours. A full charge puts about 8.8 kWh through the plug for 18 miles of electric range.
BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid charging time by charger
Figures for the 2020 I8 Coupe. The battery is small enough that even a 120 V outlet fills it in about 6 hours, overnight.
| Charger | Power | 20% to 80% | 0% to 100% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1, 120 V outlet (12 A) | 1.4 kW | 3 hr 40 min | 6 hr 7 min |
| Level 2, 240 V, 16 A | 3.8 kW | 1 hr 23 min* | 2 hr 18 min* |
| Level 2, 240 V, 24 A | 5.8 kW | 55 min* | 1 hr 32 min* |
| Level 2, 240 V, 32 A | 7.7 kW | 41 min* | 1 hr 9 min* |
| Level 2, 240 V, 40 A | 9.6 kW | 33 min* | 55 min* |
| Level 2, 240 V, 48 A | 11.5 kW | 28 min* | 46 min* |
* Only if the car's onboard charger accepts that much power. On its EPA test it charged at about 2.9 kW; if that is its limit, a faster wall charger won't shorten the 3-hour full charge.
Work out your own BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid charge
The calculator starts with this model's numbers. Change the charge level or the charger to match yours.
Preset: 2020 BMW I8 Coupe, about 7.9 kWh into the battery for a full charge
EV charging time
1 hr 49 min
from 20% to 80%
- Energy into the battery (7.9 kWh x 60%)
- 4.7 kWh
- From the wall at 90% efficiency
- 5.3 kWh
- Charging power (capped by the car)
- 2.9 kW
- Charging time
- 1.82 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 i8 Plug-in Hybrid
A full charge from empty draws about 8.8 kWh from the wall. At 18 cents per kWh it costs about $1.58, and a 20% to 80% top-up about $0.95. The EPA rates the I8 Coupe at 49 kWh per 100 miles, which works out to 8.8 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 i8 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 i8 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 i8 Plug-in Hybrid trim since 2019.
| Year | Trim | Electric range | kWh/100 mi | 240 V full charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | I8 Coupe | 18 mi | 49 | 3 hr |
| 2020 | I8 Roadster | 18 mi | 49 | 3 hr |
| 2019 | I8 Coupe | 18 mi | 49 | 3 hr |
| 2019 | I8 Roadster | 18 mi | 49 | 3 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 i8 Plug-in Hybrid charging FAQ
How long does a BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid take to charge at home?
On a 240 V Level 2 charger, a 2020 BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid charges from empty to full in about 3 hours, the time measured in its EPA test. From 20% to 80% on a 32 A home charger it takes about 1 hr 49 min.
How long does a BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid take to charge on a 120 V outlet?
About 6 hours from empty to full on a standard 120 V outlet at 12 A, which delivers 1.44 kW. That is an overnight charge.
How much does it cost to charge a BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid?
A full charge draws about 8.8 kWh from the wall. At 18 cents per kWh that is about $1.58, or 8.8 cents a mile at its EPA rating of 49 kWh per 100 miles.