Thanks to advancements in technology, we now have cars that use electricity instead of gas to power them. The BMW i3 is the perfect example of these types of vehicles. A BMW i3 is an all-electric compact sedan that the creators designed to change minds. The car is a luxury vehicle that starts at around $44,000 MSRP.
Once you purchase a BMW i3, you have to know how to make it go. In a normal car, you would fill the tank at a gas station, but with this car, you have to charge it. So how do you charge it? With a charger, of course!
When charging this car, the best charger to use is a Level 3 charger. Level 3 chargers use 480V and only take 20 to 30 minutes to get 80% fully charged. This type of charger uses direct current (DC fast charging). While not practical for home usage because it can rack up your electricity bill over $100,000, you need to use this charger at participating stations.
What happens when you cannot find a participating station? Well, then you need to go with the next best charger that can charge at home — Level 2. Here are the best Level 2 chargers from the BMW i3.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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Megear EV Charger Level 2
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Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger
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EVoCharge, Level 2 EV Charger
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MUSTART Level 2 Portable EV Charger
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PRIMECOM Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV)
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Specification
| Amperage: | 30 AMPS |
| Voltage: | 240V |
| Wattage: | 3300 watts |
| Max Power Output: | 3.84 kW |
| Max AC Charging Current: | 16 AMPS |
| Socket: | NEMA 6-20 and NEMA 5-15 |
| Type of Plug: | SAE J1772 2010 standard |
| Type of Cable: | Thermoplastic (flame retardant grade UL94-0) |
| Length of Cable: | 25 feet |
| Warranty: | 12-month replacement warranty and lifetime technical support |
WHAT WE LIKE
If you are looking for an affordable option, then the Megear EV Charger Level 2 is the most affordable on the list. You can buy one for $209.99. The product also has many different protection technologies to make sure you are safe every time you charge your tank.
Safety continues with its waterproof connectors, so you can use them even when it rains. Each charger also undergoes a crash test to make sure it is durable.
PROS
- Over-voltage protection
- Lightning protection
- Upgrade ground protection
- Under-voltage protection
- Passed crash testing
- Level 2 intelligent chip
- Waterproof connector
- Most affordable
CONS
- Not enough reviews
- Bad customer support
Specification
| Amperage: | 40 AMPS |
| Voltage: | 240V |
| Wattage: | 2400 watts |
| Max Power Output: | N/A |
| Max AC Charging Current: | 16 AMPS |
| Socket: | NEMA-4 |
| Type of Plug: | J1772 |
| Type of Cable: | Thermoplastic |
| Length of Cable: | 24 feet |
| Warranty: | 3-year warranty and full customer support |
WHAT WE LIKE
Even though the Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charge is Canadian-made, it is compatible with all EVs and PHEVs sold in North America. You also do not have to constantly check the status of the charge or worry about issues happening, because the charger itself is self-monitoring and self-recovering.
PROS
- Made in Canada
- UL certified
- Compatible with all EVs and PHEVs sold in North America
- Eligible for the Federal Rebate Program
- Water-resistant, fire-resistant
- Self-Monitoring and recovering
- Power outage recovery, overvoltage protection, Overcurrent protection, under voltage protection
- Heavy duty, Compact
CONS
- Short cable
- Over $400
- The cord comes out of the charger
- Hard to remove after installation
Specification
| Amperage: | 32 AMPS |
| Voltage: | 240V |
| Wattage: | 2400 watts |
| Max Power Output: | N/A |
| Max AC Charging Current: | 7.68kW |
| Socket: | NEMA 6-50, Hardwired or Indoor/Outdoor NEMA 4 |
| Type of Plug: | J1772 |
| Type of Cable: | Thermoplastic |
| Length of Cable: | 18 feet |
| Warranty: | 3-year limited warranty |
WHAT WE LIKE
It is true when they say if you put in a little more money, then the product will be of better quality than its more affordable counterparts. Even though this ECoCharge, Level 2 EV Charger is almost $400, it comes with great features to ensure it lasts longer and that you stay safe. The organization plays a huge role in this charger because the bracket, holster and mount are all included. Plus, these items are easy to install.
PROS
- Status light indicator
- Mounting bracket and holster
- Universal mounting plate for easy installation
- Modern and compact design
- Charges eight times faster
- Met UL (USA) & ETL (Canada) standards for safety
- Great customer service
- Easy to install
CONS
- Short cable
- Over $400
- Circuit cuts off (shows red light)
- No internet connection to stay connected to continue or check in on the charging process
Specification
| Amperage: | 40 AMPS |
| Voltage: | 240V |
| Wattage: | 2400 watts |
| Max Power Output: | 15 AMPS |
| Max AC Charging Current: | 1.65kW~7.68kW |
| Socket: | J1772 connector |
| Type of Plug: | NEMA 5-15/ NEAM 14-50 |
| Type of Cable: | Thermoplastic |
| Length of Cable: | 25 feet |
| Warranty: | 2-year warranty |
WHAT WE LIKE
Travel around easily with this portable MUSTART Level 2 Portable EV Charger. The device has features to protect it from damage easily, like a waterproof casing as well as a rubber ring. Whenever you order this product, it comes with a box that includes the charger, a hook, carrying bag, holster dock, user manual, holder bracket and a 240V receptacle that mounts to your house’s walls.
PROS
- Abrasion-resistant, Higher waterproof level
- LCD and LED lights and screen
- Lightning proof,Leakage protection
- Overheat protection, Overvoltage protection, Overcurrent protection
- Rubber ring
- Faster protection speed, more sensitive chips
- Portable
CONS
- Over $300
- Plug melts
- Violates electrical codes
- Not long-lasting
Specification
| Amperage: | 40 AMPS |
| Voltage: | 220V |
| Wattage: | 2200 watts |
| Max Power Output: | 16 AMPS |
| Max AC Charging Current: | 3.84 kW |
| Socket: | NEMA 10-30, 10-50, 14-30, 14-50, 6-20, 6-30, 6-50, L14-30, L6-30 or European |
| Type of Plug: | SAE J1772 |
| Type of Cable: | Thermoplastic |
| Length of Cable: | 30 feet |
| Warranty: | 1-year warranty, 100% Guarantee Satisfaction, 30-day money-back guarantee |
WHAT WE LIKE
The PRIMECOM Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charger is all about safety. In fact, it has 12 different safety features, including overheating protection, flame-resistant and waterproof capabilities to ensure proper and safe use every time you need to charge your vehicle. It is also affordable, with it being under $270. This charger has also passed multiple safety tests to ensure your safety and your car’s protection.
PROS
- TÜV German Equipment and Product Safety Certification, CE️ certifications
- UL️ Listed Cable Certifications
- Lightning-proof, Leakage protection
- Overvoltage protection, Overheat protection, Overcurrent protection
- UL94V-0 rating flame resistance
- IP55 rating waterproof
- Affordable
CONS
- Tight tolerance fit on the plug
- Cable is brittle
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you understand a little more about BMW I3 chargers and which ones work for you, we wanted to provide you with additional information.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
There are two other levels besides Level 3 when it comes to BMW i3 chargers. As mentioned in the beginning, Level 3 is the best charger to have, but you do not necessarily need the best to make your vehicle function properly.
A Level 1 charger has trickle charging because it takes a long time for it to charge fully. It uses 120V, and it can take 13 to 16 hours to go from an empty tank to a full. Most of the time, the car will come with a Level 1 charger after purchase. Plus, you can use this charger almost anywhere. However, due to its long charging time, you can never fully recharge the car overnight. You will also miss out on energy-saving discounts from your energy provider since you have to use the charger all night long.
Level 2 chargers are one step closer to achieving the best. These chargers use a 240V and take four to five hours to go from an empty take to a full one. When you use a Level 2 charger, you can drive 30 to 40 miles more than on a Level 1 charge. You can also utilize the energy discounts your utility provider may have during idle hours of the night. A Level 2 charger is typically the best charger to use at home.
Is a Level 2 charger worth it?
If you need to use your car for more than just commuting from home to work, then a Level 2 charger is definitely worth the investment. These chargers also work better for homes and charge significantly faster than their Level 1 counterparts. Using this charger can also help you save on electricity. We recommend testing out a Level 2 charger or asking a car expert for advice.
By following the guide above, you can choose the best charger for your car and lifestyle from the five options we listed. If you want to learn more about car facts or any other lifestyle tips or tricks, subscribe to our blog for weekly updates.
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