| Inlet type | Type 2 for AC, inside the combined CCS inlet |
|---|---|
| Max onboard AC | 11 kW three phase as standard, 22 kW optional |
| On a UK home supply | 7.4 kW |
| Charge port position | Rear offside, on the right hand rear wing |
| Cable we recommend | Type 2 to Type 2, 32A single phase |
eDrive20 and xDrive30 share the pack
Both versions carry 64.7 kWh usable. The front wheel drive eDrive20 is quoted at up to 296 miles WLTP and the four wheel drive xDrive30 at roughly 259 to 273 miles, the difference being the second motor rather than a smaller battery. Charging is identical.
A car quoted at 11 kW or 22 kW is quoting a three phase figure, and a single phase British house will give it 7.4 kW. BMW does list a 22 kW three phase charger as an option, and it is a sensible box to tick if you charge at a workplace with three phases. At home it changes nothing.
How long a full charge takes
| Cable | Power drawn at home | Empty to full, 64.7 kWh battery | Range added per hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2, 32A single phase at home | 7.4 kW | 10 hours | about 26 miles |
| Type 2, 16A | 3.7 kW | 19 hours 45 mins | about 13 miles |
| Type 2, three phase at 11 kW | 11.0 kW | 6 hours 45 mins | about 38 miles |
| Type 2 to 3 Pin from a socket | 2.3 kW | 31 hours 45 mins | about 8 miles |
The calculation is the battery over the delivered kW, uplifted 13 per cent for charging losses, quarter hour rounded. Range added per hour assumes a year round 3.5 miles per kWh rather than a best case figure. Ten hours from flat at 7.4 kW, and a seven hour overnight window worth about 180 miles, which covers a fortnight of average UK mileage.
We use 64.7 kWh because that is the figure every independent source gives for both versions. If you have seen a slightly larger number quoted elsewhere for recent cars, we have not been able to confirm it against BMW or against any database, so we have not used it.
Which length for an iX1
The inlet is on the rear offside, high on the right hand rear wing. It is the same side BMW uses on every one of its electric cars, and it is not mirrored on a right hand drive iX1, so on a UK car it is the driver's side.
At 4.5 metres the iX1 is a compact car with a helpful port position. Reverse onto a drive with the wall box on the right and 5 metres is comfortable. Nose in, or charge point on the left, and 10 metres removes the guesswork. Take a tape measure to the run, inlet to charge point, and add a couple of metres before choosing.
How these cables are built
The lead is an IEC 62196-2 design, CE marked, IP55 sealed against a British winter and rated from -30C to +50C.
On the three pin side the standard is IEC 62752, with CE marking, IP67 sealing and a -30C to +60C range. Warranty is two years from the manufacturer, delivery free next working day, returns accepted for 30 days.
Looking at another BMW? Start with the BMW 330e EV Charging Cable, or browse every model in BMW charging cables. For a wall box or public post the lead is the Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable.
BMW iX1 charging cable questions
What cable does a BMW iX1 need?
Type 2 to Type 2 at 32A single phase. The car accepts 11 kW three phase, but a British single phase supply delivers 7.4 kW, which is what a 32A lead carries.
How long does an iX1 take to charge?
About ten hours from empty at 7.4 kW on the 64.7 kWh pack. Most owners never see that: seven hours on a night tariff is worth roughly 180 miles.
Which side is the charging socket?
The rear offside, on the right hand rear wing, which is the driver's side of a UK car. It stays on that side of the body regardless of which side the steering wheel is on.
Should I order the 22 kW charger?
Only if you regularly charge somewhere with a three phase supply, typically a workplace. It makes no difference at a house, and it does not change which cable you buy.
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.