Deutsch
EnglishCharging the vehicle -> Charge current for your BMW i8 2014-2020
Charging the vehicle
MOBILITY
Charging the vehicle
Level 1 charging is possible via a household
socket with a voltage of 120 volts.
Vehicle features and options
For optimal use of the energy from the power
grid, charging at a Level 2 charging station, such
as BMW i Wallbox, is recommended.
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐
cific and optional features offered with the series.
It also describes features that are not necessarily
available in your vehicle, for instance, due to the
selected options or country versions. This also
applies to safety-related functions and systems.
When using these functions and systems, the
applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐
served.
Charge current
General information
The charge current strength is indicated in am‐
peres.
The vehicle cannot automatically detect the max‐
imum permissible charge current strength of the
power grid during charging via a household
socket or charging station.
Concept
The vehicle can be charged using various charg‐
ing cables at charging stations or household
sockets. Control and monitoring of the charging
process are handled completely automatically.
The charge current strength can be set via
iDrive.
Level 1 charging
Prior to the first Level 1 charging at your own
household socket, or at other household sock‐
ets, the permitted charge current strength must
be determined by a qualified electrician, for ex‐
ample.
General information
The charge current strength for Level 1 charg‐
ing, refer to page 198, can be adjusted in the ve‐
hicle in three levels.
High-voltage battery
At delivery, the charge current for Level 1 charg‐
ing is set to the lowest level.
The high-voltage battery is used as an energy
accumulator. The high-voltage battery can be
charged by energy recovery during the trip or via
the power grid.
Depending on the country-specific version, one
of several ampere ratings is printed on the
Level 1 charging cable. This ampere rating is the
limit which must be adhered to for the vehicle if
the charge current is set to the highest level. De‐
pending on the charging cable, the charge cur‐
rent strength may vary when lower levels are set.
In order to operate the high-voltage battery opti‐
mally, charge the vehicle regularly and fully using
a compatible charger.
When charging via the power grid, you can chose
between the following variants.
▷ Level 1 charging via a household socket.
▷ Level 2 charging via a Level 2 charging sta‐
tion.
192
Online Edition for Part no. 01402914089 - X/19
Charging the vehicle
MOBILITY
Overview
Imprint on the charging cable
Charge current setting
"Max."
6 A
"Reduced"
6 A
"Low"
6 A
6 A
8 A
8 A
6 A
6 A
10 A
12 A
15 A
10 A
12 A
15 A
7.5 A
9 A
6 A
6 A
11.25 A
7.5 A
Depending on the charge current, the charging
duration changes.
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
that, prior to your first use of a charging loca‐
tion, you have the compatibility of the following
components confirmed:
Maintaining charge state
▷ Charging cable.
The current charge state of the high-voltage bat‐
tery can be maintained or increased with the
Maintain charge state, refer to page 96, function.
The charge state is maintained and the electric
range is conserved for a later point in the trip.
▷ Charging station.
▷ Household socket and connected circuits.
Warning
Damaged or worn charging devices, for in‐
stance worn contacts, can heat up. There is a
risk of fire. Only use charging devices that are
in good condition.
Safety information
Warning
Improper working with electrical current can
lead to an electric shock due to high voltages or
high currents. There is a risk of fire or danger to
life. Observe the general safety regulations
when working with electrical current.
Warning
Simultaneous charging and refueling poses a
risk of fire if a sufficient safety distance from
easily flammable materials is not maintained.
There is a risk of injury or risk of damage to
property. Do not fill the vehicle with fuel and
charge it simultaneously.
Warning
A faulty and incorrectly designed charging de‐
vice at the charging location can cause damage
to the vehicle and overload the power mains at
the charging location. There is a risk of fire and
a risk of injury.
Warning
Contact with live components can lead to an
electric shock. High voltage is present at the
charging connection. There is a risk of injury or
danger to life.
193
Online Edition for Part no. 01402914089 - X/19
Charging the vehicle
MOBILITY
Have work on the charging connection, for in‐
stance cleaning, performed by an authorized
BMW i dealer's service center or another quali‐
fied service center or repair shop.
Level 1 charging cable
Depending on the country version, the vehicle is
supplied with a Level 1 charging cable.
Level 1 charging cables can be used to charge
the vehicle from grounded household sockets.
Charging at household socket connections is
performed with alternating current.
Charging cable
When a Level 1 charging cable is used, the effi‐
ciency values may differ from those stated on the
energy label.
General information
Use a Level 1 charging cable, Level 2 charging
cable or the permanently installed charging cable
of a charging station to charge the vehicle.
Level 2 charging cable
The Level 2 charging cable makes it possible to
quickly recharge at sockets of designated
Level 2 charging stations using a special plug.
Charging is performed with alternating current at
designated Level 2 charging stations. The charg‐
ing process can be completed faster than at
household sockets.
Different charging cables can be required de‐
pending on the country.
Safety information
Warning
The charging cable may be permanently installed
at the charging station.
Non-compatible charging cables or unsuitable
charging stations can heat up and cause dam‐
age to the vehicle. There is a risk of fire. Use
charging cables or charging stations for charg‐
ing that are suitable for the respective vehicle
type.
Storage
The Level 1 charging cable is located in the sep‐
arate area on the right-hand side of the cargo
area.
A dealer's service center will be glad to provide
information about suitable charging cables.
The Level 2 charging cable can be stored in the
same place.
If required, store the charging cable with the in‐
stalled plug cover to prevent moisture in the
charging cable plug.
Warning
Improper use of the charging cable can prevent
charging and lead to damage, for instance ca‐
ble fire. There is a risk of fire. Use the charging
cable only for charging the vehicle, and do not
extend it using cables or adapters.
Connecting
Charging socket flap
The charging socket flap is located on the left
side of the vehicle.
Warning
Always keep charging socket clean and unob‐
structed.
Damaged charging cables can heat up or lead
to an electric shock. There is a risk of fire or a
risk of injury. Use undamaged charging cables
only.
Keep the charging socket flap closed when the
charging socket is not used.
194
Online Edition for Part no. 01402914089 - X/19
