Charging Costs
Cost to Charge BMW i4
Updated March 2026
The BMW i4 packs an 80.7 kWh battery and consumes about 157 Wh/km, giving it an impressive 515 km range. That combination of a large battery and low consumption makes it one of the most cost-efficient premium EVs per kilometer. Drivers using our app report that the i4's long range often means they only need to charge a few times a week at home. A full charge gives you a WLTP rated range of approximately 613 km. Here is what it costs to charge at home, at public AC chargers, and at DC fast chargers across Europe. Always check your vehicle's manual for exact specifications.
Charging costs vary significantly depending on your electricity tariff, time of day, charging network, subscription, and location. The numbers below are estimates based on average European electricity prices and may not reflect what you actually pay. Always check your network's app for current pricing before charging.
Key Numbers (approximate)
- Useable battery
- ~81.3 kWh
- Real-world consumption
- ~155 Wh/km
- WLTP range
- ~613 km
Charging Costs by Country
These are approximate costs based on average electricity prices. Actual costs depend on your tariff, time of day, and charging network.
| Country | Home (per 100 km) | DC fast (per 100 km) | Full charge (DC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €5.12 | €9.14 | €47.97 |
| France | €3.88 | €8.06 | €42.28 |
| Norway | €1.86 | €6.20 | €32.52 |
| Finland | €2.17 | €5.89 | €30.89 |
| United Kingdom | €4.50 | €13.79 | €72.36 |
Prices are approximate gross averages including VAT. Actual costs vary by provider, tariff, and time of use.
How to Calculate BMW i4 Charging Costs
Calculating your charging cost comes down to two numbers: how much energy your car uses, and how much you pay for that energy. Here is the formula.
Cost per 100 km = (consumption in Wh/km × 100 ÷ 1000) × price per kWh
Cost per full charge = battery capacity in kWh × price per kWh
Example: BMW i4 at home
If your home electricity costs €0.25 per kWh (a rough European average), and the BMW i4 consumes approximately 155 Wh per kilometer:
- Energy per 100 km: 155 × 100 ÷ 1000 = 15.5 kWh
- Cost per 100 km: 15.5 × €0.25 = €3.88
- Full charge (0-100%): ~81.3 kWh × €0.25 = €20.32
Example: BMW i4 at a DC fast charger
DC fast chargers typically cost more, often around €0.45 per kWh or higher. Using the same formula:
- Cost per 100 km: 15.5 × €0.45 = €6.98
- Full charge (0-100%): ~81.3 kWh × €0.45 = €36.59
Keep in mind: These are simplified examples. Your actual cost depends on your specific electricity tariff (which varies by time of day and provider), any charging network subscription you have, session fees, idle fees, and how efficiently you drive. Cold weather, high speeds, and heavy loads all increase consumption. Use these numbers as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Home Charging vs Public Charging
Where you charge makes the biggest difference in what you pay. Here is how the options compare for the BMW i4.
Home charging (AC, typically 3.7 to 22 kW)
The cheapest option. You pay your home electricity rate, which in most European countries is between €0.15 and €0.40 per kWh. The BMW i4 can charge at up to 11 kW on AC, so a full charge from empty takes several hours. Most drivers plug in overnight and wake up to a full battery. If your energy provider offers off-peak rates, charging between midnight and 6 AM can reduce costs further.
Public AC charging (typically 7 to 22 kW)
Public AC chargers at shopping centres, workplaces, or on-street locations usually cost more than home electricity but less than DC fast chargers. Prices range from €0.25 to €0.50 per kWh depending on the network and country. Some are free (employer-provided or included in parking).
DC fast charging (up to 205 kW)
The fastest but most expensive option. The BMW i4 supports DC fast charging at up to approximately 205 kW, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 28 minutes under good conditions. DC prices typically range from €0.35 to €0.70+ per kWh. Some networks also charge per-minute fees or session fees on top.
Should You Charge to 80% or 100%?
You may have heard the advice to "only charge to 80%." Whether this applies to you depends on how you charge and what battery your BMW i4 has.
At DC fast chargers
Charging speed slows down significantly above 80% on most electric cars, including the BMW i4. The last 20% can take as long as the first 60%. If you are on a road trip and paying per kWh (or per minute), stopping at 80% saves both time and money. This is a practical recommendation for fast charging, not a strict rule.
At home (AC charging)
At home, charging to 100% occasionally is generally fine. The speed taper above 80% does not matter when you are charging overnight on cheap electricity. Some manufacturers recommend keeping the daily limit around 80-90% to help with long-term battery health. Check your BMW i4's manual for the manufacturer's specific recommendation.
Battery care advice varies by manufacturer, battery chemistry, and model year. The above is general guidance. Always follow the recommendations in your BMW i4's owner manual.
All Countries
Tips to Reduce Charging Costs
- Charge at home overnight using a wallbox. The i4's 80.7 kWh battery takes about 8 hours on an 11 kW charger, and the per-kilometer cost at home rates is remarkably low given its 157 Wh/km efficiency.
- Use the BMW app to schedule charging during off-peak hours. With a battery this size, the price difference between peak and off-peak electricity is substantial over a month.
- The i4 supports DC fast charging at up to 207 kW. On road trips, stop between 10% and 80% to stay in the efficient part of the charging curve. Above 80%, the speed drops significantly.
- Take advantage of the i4's 515 km range to reduce how often you need to charge. If your daily round trip is under 100 km, charging twice a week at home to 80% is enough.
- Use the i4's B mode (one-pedal driving) in city traffic. The strong regenerative braking recovers energy that would otherwise be lost, reducing your real-world consumption below the rated 157 Wh/km.
Set your daily charge limit to 80% in the BMW app, which gives you over 410 km of range. Home charging is by far the cheapest option for the i4, and its efficient drivetrain means each kWh takes you further than in most competitors. Reserve DC fast charging for road trips and longer journeys.
These tips are general suggestions. Your situation may differ depending on your electricity contract, driving patterns, and local charging infrastructure. Always follow safe charging practices and your vehicle manufacturer's guidelines.
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