Charging Costs
Cost to Charge BMW i5
Updated March 2026
The BMW i5 has an 81.2 kWh battery and consumes about 173 Wh/km, giving it a 470 km range. As a premium electric sedan, it offers a good balance between comfort and efficiency. Based on what our users tell us, the i5's charging costs stay reasonable when you lean on home charging for daily use. A full charge gives you a WLTP rated range of approximately 580 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
- ~81.2 kWh
- Real-world consumption
- ~175 Wh/km
- WLTP range
- ~580 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 | €5.78 | €10.32 | €47.91 |
| France | €4.38 | €9.10 | €42.22 |
| Norway | €2.10 | €7.00 | €32.48 |
| Finland | €2.45 | €6.65 | €30.86 |
| United Kingdom | €5.07 | €15.58 | €72.27 |
Prices are approximate gross averages including VAT. Actual costs vary by provider, tariff, and time of use.
How to Calculate BMW i5 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 i5 at home
If your home electricity costs €0.25 per kWh (a rough European average), and the BMW i5 consumes approximately 175 Wh per kilometer:
- Energy per 100 km: 175 × 100 ÷ 1000 = 17.5 kWh
- Cost per 100 km: 17.5 × €0.25 = €4.38
- Full charge (0-100%): ~81.2 kWh × €0.25 = €20.30
Example: BMW i5 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: 17.5 × €0.45 = €7.88
- Full charge (0-100%): ~81.2 kWh × €0.45 = €36.54
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 i5.
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 i5 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 206 kW)
The fastest but most expensive option. The BMW i5 supports DC fast charging at up to approximately 206 kW, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 29 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 i5 has.
At DC fast chargers
Charging speed slows down significantly above 80% on most electric cars, including the BMW i5. 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 i5'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 i5's owner manual.
All Countries
Tips to Reduce Charging Costs
- Charge at home overnight on a wallbox. The i5's 81.2 kWh battery fills in about 8 hours on an 11 kW charger, and home electricity is consistently cheaper than any public option.
- Use BMW's departure timer to finish charging right before you leave. This also warms the battery and cabin using grid power instead of battery power, saving range and money.
- The i5 supports DC fast charging at up to 205 kW. On road trips, charge between 10% and 80% for the best speed-to-cost ratio. The last 20% charges slowly and costs more per usable kilometer.
- Take advantage of the i5's 470 km range to minimize charging frequency. At 80%, you still have about 375 km, which is enough for most days without needing a public top-up.
- The i5's Sport and Comfort modes use more energy than Efficient mode. For daily commuting, Efficient mode can reduce consumption below 173 Wh/km and lower your charging costs over time.
Set the daily home charge limit to 80% and let the i5 handle your commute on home-charged energy. The per-kilometer cost at home is a fraction of what public fast chargers cost. For road trips, the i5's 205 kW DC charging makes stops quick and affordable if you stay in the 10-80% range.
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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