Forum for the entire range of BMW electric vehicles
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW i4 Forum - i430, i440 (G26) EV Forum BMW i4 Forum - M50, eDrive40, eDrive35 (G26) EV Forum

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-01-2021, 12:58 PM   #1
Young04
Captain
666
Rep
843
Posts

Drives: iX, i4 and 392 Wrangler
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Massachusetts

iTrader: (0)

Newb questions

Please bear with me as I am totally new with electric cars. We are having some electrical work done on our house and figured we would have a 220V plug (I am in the US) put in. What sort of connector or adapter do I need to tell the installer to put in? Also, how long of wire can you run to the car?

Thank you.
__________________
2023 iX M60
2023 i4 M50
2024 Wrangler 392
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2021, 01:56 PM   #2
Encanto
Colonel
Encanto's Avatar
United_States
1161
Rep
2,180
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Young04 View Post
Please bear with me as I am totally new with electric cars. We are having some electrical work done on our house and figured we would have a 220V plug (I am in the US) put in. What sort of connector or adapter do I need to tell the installer to put in? Also, how long of wire can you run to the car?

Thank you.
The charger that you select will determine the type of socket to be used, and the length of charging cable available.

For example, the ChargePoint Home Flex Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger is available with a 23ft cable, and either a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 outlet for plug-in (40A to 50A), or for hardwired installations (48A-50A).

There is a $1000 tax credit for EV chargers and installation up to Dec 31, 2121.
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2021, 08:00 PM   #3
Young04
Captain
666
Rep
843
Posts

Drives: iX, i4 and 392 Wrangler
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Massachusetts

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Encanto View Post
The charger that you select will determine the type of socket to be used, and the length of charging cable available.

For example, the ChargePoint Home Flex Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger is available with a 23ft cable, and either a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 outlet for plug-in (40A to 50A), or for hardwired installations (48A-50A).

There is a $1000 tax credit for EV chargers and installation up to Dec 31, 2121.
So I should have my electrician install a 220V outlet and run the wiring to the panel for now and then figure out the charger later?
__________________
2023 iX M60
2023 i4 M50
2024 Wrangler 392
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2021, 08:20 PM   #4
Encanto
Colonel
Encanto's Avatar
United_States
1161
Rep
2,180
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Young04 View Post
So I should have my electrician install a 220V outlet and run the wiring to the panel for now and then figure out the charger later?
Wiring depends on plug in (socket) or hardwired (charger will be wired directly to the 220V cables).

IMO, get a plug in charger install with a NEMA 6-50 socket. You can always change the socket if needed, and move the charger to another location by just unplugging it.

Last edited by Encanto; 11-01-2021 at 08:26 PM..
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2021, 02:12 AM   #5
techwhiz1
Lieutenant Colonel
techwhiz1's Avatar
1856
Rep
1,964
Posts

Drives: E90 335, E70 X5
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Ca, Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Young04 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Encanto View Post
The charger that you select will determine the type of socket to be used, and the length of charging cable available.

For example, the ChargePoint Home Flex Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger is available with a 23ft cable, and either a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 outlet for plug-in (40A to 50A), or for hardwired installations (48A-50A).

There is a $1000 tax credit for EV chargers and installation up to Dec 31, 2121.
So I should have my electrician install a 220V outlet and run the wiring to the panel for now and then figure out the charger later?
You definitely can do that or you could get a.chargernwith the features you like now and just have it wired in.

Get something that supports 50A.
Some have wifi and other features like lockout, etc.

I have a very basic one because the smarts are really in the car for charging.

Or you can do like others have said and install a plug. You can always remove the plug later and hardwire.
__________________
Arctic Metallic\CF Splitters,Spoiler, Mirror Covers\LED Tails\LSD\Tinted\Coded\Apex SM10-19"\LED Angel Eyes\Gloss Black Grill\Integrated V1\M-Performance Brakes\Cobb Tuned\xHP Flash ->
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2021, 04:45 PM   #6
W0ut
First Lieutenant
Belgium
243
Rep
326
Posts

Drives: BMW G05 X5 xdrive45e
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Young04 View Post
Please bear with me as I am totally new with electric cars. We are having some electrical work done on our house and figured we would have a 220V plug (I am in the US) put in. What sort of connector or adapter do I need to tell the installer to put in? Also, how long of wire can you run to the car?

Thank you.
Not sure in US but in Europe we don't install a socket/plug. We directly connect the charging station to the main electrical board. Together with extra electrical fuse, leak and surge protection.
Appreciate 0
      11-02-2021, 07:38 PM   #7
techwhiz1
Lieutenant Colonel
techwhiz1's Avatar
1856
Rep
1,964
Posts

Drives: E90 335, E70 X5
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Ca, Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by W0ut View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Young04 View Post
Please bear with me as I am totally new with electric cars. We are having some electrical work done on our house and figured we would have a 220V plug (I am in the US) put in. What sort of connector or adapter do I need to tell the installer to put in? Also, how long of wire can you run to the car?

Thank you.
Not sure in US but in Europe we don't install a socket/plug. We directly connect the charging station to the main electrical board. Together with extra electrical fuse, leak and surge protection.
Here in the US there are two options.

if you have an "existing" electric dryer plug you can use that since it is 240v. Usually 40A.

Dedicated circuit as you describe.

Mine is installed with a dedicated 50A circuit. I installed L2 when I got my first EV.
__________________
Arctic Metallic\CF Splitters,Spoiler, Mirror Covers\LED Tails\LSD\Tinted\Coded\Apex SM10-19"\LED Angel Eyes\Gloss Black Grill\Integrated V1\M-Performance Brakes\Cobb Tuned\xHP Flash ->
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2021, 08:52 AM   #8
Needsdecaf
Major General
Needsdecaf's Avatar
6363
Rep
6,571
Posts

Drives: 2024 G80 Comp xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: The Woodlands, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by W0ut View Post
Not sure in US but in Europe we don't install a socket/plug. We directly connect the charging station to the main electrical board. Together with extra electrical fuse, leak and surge protection.
You could do it both ways, pretty much no matter where you are. Just depends on what you want your setup to be.

Here in the US, I had my electrician install a NEMA 14-50 socket on a 50 Amp breaker. I did not want to get a Tesla wall charger hard wired, and instead opted to use the Mobile Connector that came with the car and plugs into the 14-50 socket on a more or less permanent basis. Why? I don't really need the mobile charger all that often, as I don't road trip and when I do, there are enough superchargers on my route that there is usually a backup. I really should bring the Mobile Connector with me, just in case I really need a backup, like a 110v or plugging in at an RV park.

The other alternative is a hard wired EVSE. This means if your car comes with a mobile charger, you can keep it with the car as a backup / more options plan. It's also a little neater, and usually has a higher amperage rating. The Tesla Mobile Connector is rated for 32A while the wall box can go higher (48?). But 32A is plenty for charging my car overnight so I don't bother.

Either way works, it's your preference.

Since I have a 14-50 already installed, I plan on getting this Clipper Creek unit so that I can have an EV and we can add a PHEV for my wife. I'll get this unit as soon as she orders her PHEV.

https://store.clippercreek.com/level...ema-14-50-plug

But you can see that clippercreek has the same exact unit, but in a hardwired version.

https://store.clippercreek.com/level...arging-station
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2021, 09:18 AM   #9
kbsilver
Captain
142
Rep
634
Posts

Drives: 340GT & '22 eDrive40
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

I'm in the US and already have a Tesla wall charger installed for my son to use who has a M3. It has worked flawlessly and I plan on using a Tesla to J1772 adapter for when the i4 is delivered. Interesting that Tesla now sells a version of their wall charger with a J1772 plug. This may be Tesla's go forward standard as they already have an inexpensive J1772 to tesla adapter and superchargers are being opened up to any EV. I think the Tesla J1772 wall charger is less expensive than the other brands, although it's their more simple V2 (no remote/WiFi capability).

I like having a separate home wall mounted charger so the portable charger can always stay in the car. And yes, technically these all are just cable and relay systems, the actual L1/L2 charger is in the car.
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2021, 01:10 PM   #10
SteveinArizona
Brigadier General
United_States
3086
Rep
4,210
Posts

Drives: BMW 530e
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Greater Phoenix

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Encanto View Post
Wiring depends on plug in (socket) or hardwired (charger will be wired directly to the 220V cables).

IMO, get a plug in charger install with a NEMA 6-50 socket. You can always change the socket if needed, and move the charger to another location by just unplugging it.
I agree. Make sure you have enough capacity in your electrical control box. I have 225 service and my electrician had to move things around to even get me a 20 AMP service. The 20 AMPs are adequate for a hybrid but not really for a BEV unless there are some fast chargers around for those times when one needs to fully load the battery.
Appreciate 0
      11-05-2021, 03:44 PM   #11
Accident
Enlisted Member
30
Rep
32
Posts

Drives: 330e, i3
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (0)

The i4 will have a 240V 9.6KwH included. It looks like it will come with adapters for NEMA 6-50 and NEMA 14-50 sockets.

Quote:
Flexible Fast Charger
Introducing a new way to charge – at home or on the go. The Flexible Fast Charger – arriving first with the BMW iX and BMW i4 in 2022 – can be used on a 120V or 240V outlet. With up to 9.6 kW of AC power, it can charge as quickly as most Wallboxes.

* Maximum power of 9.6 kW only attainable when equipped with the correct adapter (NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50) on a 240V outlet.
Appreciate 0
      11-05-2021, 05:11 PM   #12
XtBimmer
Enlisted Member
XtBimmer's Avatar
8
Rep
44
Posts

Drives: Kona EV, 335i, k1600b mc
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Accident View Post
The i4 will have a 240V 9.6KwH included. It looks like it will come with adapters for NEMA 6-50 and NEMA 14-50 sockets.
Well, if it comes with the 240v charger. I guess I'll be selling my L2 charger box that I already have.
Appreciate 0
      11-05-2021, 06:09 PM   #13
kbsilver
Captain
142
Rep
634
Posts

Drives: 340GT & '22 eDrive40
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

It comes with the portable cable that has different adapters to plug into outlets ranging from 120v 15 amp to 240 volt 50 amp. I would keep the L2 wall box so the cable is always in the car. Just like The credit card, never leave home without it.
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2021, 12:27 AM   #14
XtBimmer
Enlisted Member
XtBimmer's Avatar
8
Rep
44
Posts

Drives: Kona EV, 335i, k1600b mc
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

^^^^^ good point, cuz a few times I've been near turtle mode in my current EV after arriving at a fast charger station that was down.
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2021, 08:34 AM   #15
jeff2.0t
Second Lieutenant
38
Rep
229
Posts

Drives: 2018 X3M40i, 2019 M4
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveinArizona View Post
I agree. Make sure you have enough capacity in your electrical control box. I have 225 service and my electrician had to move things around to even get me a 20 AMP service. The 20 AMPs are adequate for a hybrid but not really for a BEV unless there are some fast chargers around for those times when one needs to fully load the battery.
There's always something to do. My panel is full and I only have a 125A panel. With a charge controller that take the main power wire into control I was able to get a 50A charger. https://dccelectric.com/

Basically it detects if I reach a consumption of 80% of the limit of my panel, if so it cuts the charging station for 15 minutes and restarts the station only when the threshold below 80% is reached.

I also needed 40 'of cable for the terminal and the maximum I saw is 25'. There are plug and play extension cords, I bought a 25 'extension.

Professional advice should be sought, not just an electrician but an electrician who has experience with these products.
Appreciate 0
      11-09-2021, 10:52 AM   #16
SteveinArizona
Brigadier General
United_States
3086
Rep
4,210
Posts

Drives: BMW 530e
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Greater Phoenix

iTrader: (0)

If you have the capacity, I would go 14-50 plug. When you get a charger, it will be the most future proof you can get.
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2021, 06:09 PM   #17
itikia
New Member
3
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i X-Drive MSport2
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

I would recommend asking your electrician to lay a 6-3 wire from your panel and to a spot near where you would install your charger. The wire can be terminated in an appropriate electrical box so that once you do buy an EV and charger, it will be very easy to make the final connections. A 6 gauge -3 wire cable will support 50 amps at 220-240V. The electrician can also install the 50amp 220-240V breaker now or later. Tye key is running the cable now while your doing general electrical work
Appreciate 0
      11-15-2021, 08:26 AM   #18
daswartz
Private
daswartz's Avatar
United_States
29
Rep
52
Posts

Drives: BMW 535i xdrive, GT350
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Washington

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by itikia View Post
I would recommend asking your electrician to lay a 6-3 wire from your panel and to a spot near where you would install your charger. The wire can be terminated in an appropriate electrical box so that once you do buy an EV and charger, it will be very easy to make the final connections. A 6 gauge -3 wire cable will support 50 amps at 220-240V. The electrician can also install the 50amp 220-240V breaker now or later. Tye key is running the cable now while your doing general electrical work
Absolutely 100% run the wires when you are doing other electrical. And if possible get it installed by the end of the year as that is a credit you can claim. I think it’s like 30% of the cost, up to 1000. It isn’t huge but it’s something to get back. Here is something on it https://www.chargepoint.com/incentives/federal-charging-incentives/

I ran a 6-3 (don’t need the neutral on 220 but it’s there) and hard wired a enel-x 40. It’s in between the back of where the iX and i4 will sit. I’ll keep the ones that come in the cars as backups for travel if ever needed.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:14 AM.




bmw
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST