This guide uses approximate data. Charging speeds, prices, and compatibility depend on your specific vehicle variant, station hardware, and conditions. EVcourse is not affiliated with BMW or Fastned. Always check your vehicle manual and the charger screen.
Quick Overview
Step by Step
Find a Fastned station
Open the Fastned app or use a charging map like PlugShare to find a nearby station. Before you drive there, check that the station has an available CCS2 connector and is currently working.
Start your session
Good news: your BMW i5 supports Plug & Charge on Fastned. Just plug in the cable and charging starts automatically. No app needed.
Plug in the CCS2 connector
Take the CCS2 cable from the charger and connect it to your BMW i5's charging port. You should hear a click when the connector locks in. Your car's display will confirm the connection.
Charging starts
Once connected, your BMW i5 can pull up to 205 kW. On Fastned chargers (up to 400 kW), your effective maximum is 205 kW. You will see the current power and estimated time on either the charger screen or your car's display.
Charging speed is fastest when your battery is between 10% and 50%. It gradually slows as the battery fills up. This is normal and protects battery health.
When to unplug
For the fastest experience, unplug at 80%. Charging from 80% to 100% takes almost as long as 10% to 80% on most EVs, including the BMW i5. On a road trip, stopping at 80% and driving to the next charger is usually faster than waiting for 100%.
Charging Speed on Fastned
Your BMW i5 peaks at 205 kW DC. It uses a 400V architecture. Fastned chargers go up to 400 kW, but your car's onboard limit caps you at 205 kW.
Charging from 10% to 80% takes about 33 minutes under good conditions.
Actual speed depends on several factors: battery temperature (cold batteries charge slower), your current state of charge (charging slows above 50-60%), and how many other cars are sharing the same station. If other cars are plugged in at the same location, the charger may split power between them.
Payment Options at Fastned
- Fastned app. Download the app, create an account, and link a payment method. Start and stop sessions from your phone.
- Contactless payment. Tap your bank card or phone on the charger's payment terminal. No account needed.
- Plug & Charge. On supported vehicles (including the BMW i5), just plug in and billing happens automatically.
Approximate ad-hoc price: 0.59 EUR/kWh. Actual prices vary by location and time. Subscriptions or roaming cards may offer lower rates.
Tips for Charging BMW i5 on Fastned
- Use battery preconditioning before arriving at the charger. On the BMW i5, set your navigation to the Fastned station and the car will warm the battery automatically for faster charging speeds.
- Plug & Charge is supported. Just plug in the cable and charging starts automatically. No app, no card, no tapping.
- Charge to 80% for the fastest experience. Charging slows significantly above 80%, so stopping at 80% saves you the most time on road trips.
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