Register for BMW Charging
1. Have you already activated the My BMW app and connected it to your BMW? Then register easily by selecting a “BMW Charging Account” in your My BMW app. A BMW ID is required for registration with BMW Charging. If you do not yet have a BMW ID, you can easily create one during the first step of the registration process.
2. In the next step, you will be asked for information about yourself and your vehicle. This information will help us to create your account and tailor our service to your needs as effectively as possible.
3. Choose your preferred payment method.
4. Order your BMW Charging Card. If you already have a card, you can simply use it by entering the card number – you can find this on the back. You can activate your contract immediately or set a specific date for activation. You will receive a full overview of your contract.
Explore your My BMW app’s features.
The My BMW app gives you instant access to our charging network. You can search for charging stations, check plug types and their availability, and also start charging events at selected charging stations. You can also view and update your account and invoice information.
Find your Charge Point
You can find charge points in our charging network – both with the app and on our website. Filter by plug type, charging speed, authentication method and availability. View reviews and leave your own.
You can view a route to your chosen charging station and start navigation directly within the My BMW app.
If the station offers remote charging, you can also start this process.
Start charging
You can start the charging event in various ways depending on the charging station, and thus enjoy maximum flexibility. Filter by your chosen authentication method in the My BMW app.
BMW Charging Card: Identify yourself by presenting your BMW Charging Card at the charging station to start the charging event.
Digital authentication: Start and end the charging event directly in the My BMW app either thanks to "Scan & Charge" (identification through QR code scan) or "Select & Charge" (selection of the specific charging point).
Plug & Charge: The latest generation of our all-electric BMW vehicles completely eliminates the need for authentication at eligible charging points thanks to Plug & Charge. Just plug in and start charging.
Learn more about EV charging
Charging Duration
The duration of a charging event depends on various factors: the vehicle’s battery capacity, charge level and charging capacity, as well as the charging station’s charging capacity.
Electric vehicles can be charged as follows:
- Alternating current (AC) with up to 22 kW charging capacity. This option can be used for both plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, although plug-in hybrids typically charge more slowly.
- Direct current (DC), also known as fast charging, which starts at a charging capacity of 50 kW. This technology is only suitable for fully electric vehicles.
- High Power Charging (HPC) is the latest generation of super-fast DC charging technology and starts at 150 kW charging capacity.
What does this mean in terms of BMW? Find out more on the relevant product page.
Plug Types & Cables
There is a variety of different plug types. Most AC charging stations use the Type 2 connector. European car manufacturers use the CCS standard.
When charging at public AC stations, you should bring your own Mode 3 charging cable, as most stations do not have a permanently attached charging cable. This is not necessary at DC charging stations.
What does this mean in terms of BMW?
It’s all taken care of. Your BMW is already equipped with the standard charging equipment required for charging at home and at public charging stations. In addition, your BMW knows which type of charge points and plugs (Type 2 and/or CCS) are the right ones and automatically applies the appropriate filters in the vehicle and the My BMW app.
Charge points
The public charging infrastructure in Europe is growing steadily. There are hundreds of charge point operators (CPOs) across Europe. To gain access to a wide range of charging options, you would otherwise need to create accounts with multiple charge point operators and keep track of different access methods, tariffs, costs and invoices.
What does this mean in terms of BMW Charging? BMW Charging brings together most charging station operators across Europe and is constantly working to expand its network. One contract therefore gives you complete and convenient access to the AC and DC charging network, including HPC. Our map provides an overview of all charge points in our charging network.
Charging an Electric Vehicle
Once you arrive at the charging station, authenticate yourself with a suitable charging card, via app or Plug & Charge. Depending on the charging point operator (CPO), you either activate the charge point or connect your vehicle first.
As soon as the charging cable is plugged in, it is securely locked in place before the charging event begins. It remains locked until the process is complete. The charging event is ended either by re-authenticating, by simply unlocking the vehicle, or by pressing the charging cable release button. Unplug the cable. That’s it.
What does this mean in terms of BMW Charging?
Your BMW Charging Card and the My BMW app are your key to one of Europe’s largest charging networks. You’ll soon find that procedures vary slightly depending on the charge point operator. End the charging event remotely via the My BMW app or simply unlock the vehicle.
Costs and tariffs
There are various varying pricing models and components out there depending on the respective charge point operator (CPO) and/or e-mobility provider (EMP) offering. Prices could be per minute or per kWh and vary depending on the time. They sometimes vary strongly from CPO to CPO and have additional pricing components (e.g. blocking fee) applying.
If you are using an EMP aggregating charge point access over various CPOs, you might have access to a vast network benefiting from convenience aspects and also standardised and discounted pricing options.
What does that mean in BMW Charging terms?
With BMW Charging and the Flex Tariff you can charge conveniently at a vast range of CPOs all across Europe - the prices vary depending on the operator of the charging station.
Sustainable e-mobility through green energy
Electric vehicles can only be environmentally friendly if they support the use of renewable energies. That is why we are committed to making charging events as sustainable as possible.