BMW 740e and 745e EV Charging Cable
| Inlet type | Type 2, AC only, no rapid charging |
|---|---|
| Max onboard AC | 3.7 kW, single phase, both models |
| On a UK home supply | 3.7 kW |
| Charge port position | Front nearside wing between the wheel arch and the A-pillar |
| Cable we recommend | Type 2 to Type 2, 16A |
The limousine that charges like a city car
BMW gave both plug-in 7 Series the same modest 3.7 kW charger it used across its plug-in hybrid range. The 740e holds 7.4 kWh usable from a 9.2 kWh pack and the later 745e has a 12 kWh gross battery, so full charges are quick even at that rate: BMW quoted 2.7 hours for the 740e and 4.4 for the 745e.
A 16A Type 2 cable is therefore the complete answer. There is no rapid socket on these cars and no three phase capability to exploit.
How long a full charge takes
| Cable | Power drawn at home | Empty to full, 7.4 kWh battery | Empty to full, 12 kWh battery | Range added per hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 to Type 2, 16A at 3.7 kW | 3.7 kW | 2 hours 15 mins | 3 hours 45 mins | about 13 miles |
| Three pin from a 13A socket | 2.3 kW | 3 hours 45 mins | 6 hours | about 8 miles |
Figures are calculated rather than quoted: battery divided by power, 13 per cent for losses, quarter hour rounding. The first column is the 740e usable capacity, the second the 745e gross figure, since BMW never published a usable number for that car. Electric range was quoted at 27 to 30 miles for the 740e and 34 to 36 for the 745e, both on the NEDC cycle rather than WLTP.
Which length to buy
The flap sits in the front nearside wing, between the wheel arch and the A-pillar, on both cars. The 7 Series is over five metres long, so where you park decides everything: nose in and 5 metres reaches comfortably, reverse in and the cable has to run the whole car, which is a 10 metre job.
Work it out from where the car genuinely sits, not where it could sit, and leave slack. On a car of this size the extra five metres is worth having even if it usually stays coiled.
How these cables are built
Built to IEC 62196-2 and CE marked, with an IP55 rating that covers rain and dust on an exposed driveway, and a working range of -30C to +50C.
Three pin construction follows IEC 62752, CE marked, IP67 rated, usable from -30C to +60C. Two year warranty from the manufacturer, free next day delivery in the UK, 30 day returns.
Looking at another BMW? Start with the BMW 330e EV Charging Cable, or browse every model in BMW charging cables.
BMW 740e and 745e charging cable questions
Which cable does a BMW 740e use?
A Type 2 to Type 2 cable at 16A. Both the 740e and the later 745e accept 3.7 kW on AC, so a 16A lead delivers everything they can take.
How long does a 745e take to charge?
BMW quoted 4.4 hours for a full charge at 3.7 kW. The smaller 740e battery takes about 2.7 hours. From a three pin socket, allow a couple of hours longer.
Can a 740e rapid charge?
No. Both plug-in 7 Series are AC only, with no CCS socket. The Type 2 cable is the only lead they need.
What electric range do they have?
BMW quoted 27 to 30 miles for the 740e and 34 to 36 for the 745e, both on the older NEDC test. Expect meaningfully less in real driving, particularly in winter.
Cable specifications
| Connector type | Type 2 to Type 2 Charging Cable |
|---|---|
| Standard | IEC 62196-2 |
| Rated power | 16amp (3.6kW) |
| Supply | Single phase |
| Cable length | 10M |
| Weatherproofing | IP55 |
| Temperature range | −30°C to +50°C |
| Approval | CE marked |
| Warranty | 2 year manufacturer's warranty |
Specifications follow the option you have selected above. Charging always runs at the lowest limit of your car, the charge point and the cable.