Which UK Charge Cable?

[NickM]

Hello all,
I have just bought an i3 33kwh and i do not have an EV charging point so I need to purchase a UK 13A charging cable. Any recommendations on which one is best? I have read that I can use the idrive system to control charge timings etc so I probably don't need anything fancy?
I'll install a proper charging point eventually.

Thanks in advance.

Nick.

 

[mojo]

"Best" is always an impossible one to address, unless you say what things you value most (price, appearance, performance, etc.).

Lots of people in the UK seem to have bought the 10A charge points that Screwfix sell (reasonable make - Masterplug) - price is OK and they seem reliable.

I should add that this is secondhand info - I still use the charge point that came with the car.

 

[NickM]

"Best" is always an impossible one to address, unless you say what things you value most (price, appearance, performance, etc.).

Lots of people in the UK seem to have bought the 10A charge points that Screwfix sell (reasonable make - Masterplug) - price is OK and they seem reliable.

I should add that this is secondhand info - I still use the charge point that came with the car.

Thanks mojo, appreciate that.

What charge point comes with the car?

 

[mojo]

I think it may depend on the exact year of manufacture. IIRC some of the early models in the UK came bundled with a (huge!) BMW branded EVSE. But more typically it would have been supplied with a BMW-branded "granny charger", of which there are 3 different variants. One of those was the subject of a recall in the UK.

 

[NickM]

Okay, so I now understand that there are variables.
I have bought a 2018 33kwh model. It comes with a 7kw charging cable but I don’t have anywhere to plug it in. Until I invest in a dedicated 7kw charging socket, I’m looking for the best solution to charge the car. I have seen the 13a 3 pin granny charging cables but there are many options with built in timers and switchable current options. I don’t know if I need these options. There are also single phase 16 and 32a cables. I can install dedicated 3 pin uk socket or a 16 or 32a blue socket but don’t really know what is best. Having never owned an ev, it’s all a bit of a minefield. Any advice appreciated.

 

[squozen]

I would just get the dedicated 7kw charger installed now. Why spend money twice?

 

[mojo]

I would just get the dedicated 7kw charger installed now. Why spend money twice?

The one case that I can think of to spend out now on a (standard UK plug) charger is that you can carry it with you in the car, which may give you more options for slow AC charging (e.g. at friends, relatives, holiday lets, etc.). Having said that, I've had my car for more than 18 months now and I've never needed to use mine away from home!