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The BMW i8 charges at 3.7 kW, and nothing you plug into it will change that number. The 16A Type 2 to Type 2 cable is the right purchase, and on this car it is genuinely all you need. A 32A lead fits the same socket and is perfectly safe, but the i8 will still draw 3.7 kW from it, so the extra outlay only makes sense if a faster car is due to share the driveway.
Every i8 sold in the UK and Europe uses a Type 2 socket. You will occasionally see the i8 listed with a Type 1 connector: that description belongs to the North American car and has never applied to a British one, in any model year. Trim level makes no difference to charging either, so there is no specification to look up before ordering.
Battery size is the only meaningful split in the range. The 2014 to 2017 coupe carries 7.1 kWh gross, of which 5.2 kWh is usable, so a full charge is quick by any standard. From 2018 the coupe and the newly launched Roadster both moved to an 11.6 kWh pack with 9.4 kWh usable, which roughly doubles both the electric range and the time spent on the plug. BMW quotes that later car at under 3 hours from a wallbox and under 4 hours 30 minutes from a domestic three pin socket.
Cable length is the one decision left, and on a car this low it catches people out more often than you would think. 5m is enough when the wallbox sits beside the parking bay and you always park the same way round. Choose 10m if the charge point is on the far wall of a garage, or if you leave the car at the kerb where it never faces the same direction twice. The longer lead costs a little more and saves a great deal of shuffling.
The Type 2 to Type 2 cables here are IP55 rated. The Type 2 to 3 Pin lead is IP67 and delivers 2.3 kW, which suits an overnight top up away from home. Both come with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty and free next working day UK delivery.
i8 Coupe, 2014 to 2017, 5.2 kWh usable
| Cable Type | Max Charge Rate | Empty to Full | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 to 3 Pin (5m / 10m) | 2.3 kW | 2h 30m | Fine as a backup on this battery |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 16A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW | 1h 30m | Best fit, matches the car exactly |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW car limit | 1h 30m | Fits, but no faster |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A three phase (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW car limit | 1h 30m | No benefit on an i8 |
i8 Coupe and i8 Roadster, 2018 to 2020, 9.4 kWh usable
| Cable Type | Max Charge Rate | Empty to Full | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 to 3 Pin (5m / 10m) | 2.3 kW | Under 4h 30m | Workable overnight |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 16A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW | Under 3h | Best fit, BMW quoted figure |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW car limit | Under 3h | Same time, more cable |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A three phase (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW car limit | Under 3h | Nothing to gain here |
A Type 2 to Type 2 cable, in the 16A rating. The i8 has a 3.7 kW onboard charger, which a 16A lead matches precisely. On the 2014 to 2017 coupe that fills the 5.2 kWh usable battery in about 1 hour 30 minutes, and on the later 11.6 kWh cars BMW quotes under 3 hours.
Type 2, on every UK and European car, from the 2014 launch through to the last Roadster in 2020. Listings showing a Type 1 socket are describing the North American version. If your i8 was supplied here, a Type 2 to Type 2 lead is the correct fit and no adapter is needed.
Not for the car itself. The i8 draws 3.7 kW regardless, so a 32A lead charges it in exactly the same time as a 16A one. The only reason to spend more is future proofing, if you expect a car with a 7.4 kW charger to use the same wallbox and the same cable later on.
The 2014 to 2017 coupe holds 5.2 kWh usable and refills in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on a 16A cable, or about 2 hours 30 minutes from a three pin socket. The 2018 cars hold 9.4 kWh usable, quoted by BMW at under 3 hours from a wallbox and under 4 hours 30 minutes on three pin.
Identically. The 2018 Roadster shares the 11.6 kWh pack, 9.4 kWh of it usable, the same Type 2 socket and the same 3.7 kW charger as the 2018 coupe. Order the 16A Type 2 to Type 2 cable for either body style, and pick your length by where the car parks rather than by model.
Reach depends on how you park rather than on anything about the car. 5m is plenty for a wallbox beside a driveway bay when the i8 always sits the same way round. Take 10m for garage walls, kerbside charging, or any shared post you end up approaching from the far side of the bay.
We ship worldwide. Your order will be packaged really carefully and delivered wherever you want. Delivery takes between 4-6 business days. You will receive an e-mail after ordering with more information about the delivery.
Orders can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of receiving the parcel, providing they are in original resalable condition.
We work hard to deliver your items without damage. Orders can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of receiving the parcel, providing they are in original resalable condition.
