BMW iX1 - Charging: Which Charger to Choose?

BMW iX1 is BMW's first electric SUV in the compact segment. It debuted in 2022 as an electric version of the popular X1. Available in two versions: cheaper eDrive20 (FWD) and faster xDrive30 (4x4). This guide will help you understand how to efficiently charge the iX1 at home and on the road, and which charger to choose.

BMW iX1 Versions

Model	Battery (net)	Power	Drive	WLTP Range	Price from
iX1 eDrive20	64.7 kWh	204 HP	FWD	431-473 km	~€27,000
iX1 xDrive30	64.7 kWh	313 HP	4x4	417-439 km	~€31,500

Key differences:

• eDrive20: front-wheel drive (FWD), slower (8.6 s to 100 km/h), better range, cheaper
• xDrive30: 4x4 drive, faster (5.6 s to 100 km/h), shorter range, more expensive

Charging: Both versions have identical parameters – AC 11 kW (22 kW option), DC 130 kW

Charging Specifications

AC Charging (alternating current)

Standard power: 11 kW
Optional power: 22 kW (extra charge ~€600)
Connector: Type 2
Where: home, work, public parking lots

Charging times 0-100% (11 kW):

• BMW iX1 (64.7 kWh): ~6 hours

Charging times 0-100% (22 kW optional):

• BMW iX1 (64.7 kWh): ~3 hours

Is it worth paying extra for 22 kW?
Only if you frequently charge at public 22 kW AC stations (hotels, shopping centers, office parking) or have a 3-phase 32A installation at home - the so-called large industrial socket.

DC Charging (direct current)

Model	Max DC Power	Time 10-80%	Where
iX1 xDrive30	130 kW	~29 min	public stations 50-150 kW

Connector: CCS2 (combo)

Charging curve:

1. 10-40% battery: 115-120 kW
2. 40-60% battery: 90-100 kW
3. 60-80% battery: 60-80 kW

Key feature: iX1 has battery preheating – if you enter a DC station in navigation, the car automatically preheats the battery 30 km before the stop.

Before You Buy a Charger - Check Your Socket!

Before buying a charger, you must decide which socket you'll use for charging. This is the most important decision because it determines charging power and compatibility.

Most Popular Types of Industrial Sockets:

Look for the 16A or 32A marking embossed on the plastic cover or placed on a sticker — it indicates the socket type.

Where Is the Charging Port?

Location: At the rear in the right fender (where the fuel filler would be in combustion cars)

Connector: Type 2 (AC) and CCS2 (DC) in one inlet

BMW iX1 has an 11 kW AC onboard charger (standard) or 22 kW AC (optional for ~€600).

Q11 or P11 – 11 kW mobile chargers ⭐

For standard version (11 kW onboard):

Charging times:

• BMW iX1 (64.7 kWh): ~6 hours 0-100%

Q11 vs P11 difference:

• Q11 – version with adapters, mobile app
• P11 – lower price, charging from industrial socket

Requirements: 3-phase 16A installation (red CEE socket)

If you can't decide: Choose Q11 with adapters – maximum flexibility.

👉 Q11 – Portable Charger 11 kW

👉 P11 – Portable Charger 11 kW

Q22 – 22 kW mobile charger 🚀

For version with optional 22 kW onboard charger:

Charging times:

• BMW iX1 (64.7 kWh): ~3 hours 0-100%

When to choose?

• ✅ You paid extra for 22 kW onboard charger in iX1
• ✅ You have or can install 3-phase 32A at home
• ✅ 2× faster charging than 11 kW
• ✅ Full utilization of optional onboard charger

Requirements: 3-phase 32A installation (red CEE 32A socket)

Our recommendation: If you paid extra for 22 kW charger in iX1 and have the proper installation – Q22 is an excellent choice. You cut charging time in half.

👉 Q22 – Portable Charger 22 kW

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge from a 230V outlet?
Yes, but it's the slowest option (~2.3 kW - 3.7 kW, over 28 hours for full charge). Use only in emergency situations.

Do I need a 3-phase installation?
YES – Q11 and P11 (11 kW) require 3-phase 16A installation. Q22 requires 3-phase 32A installation. Without it - from a regular outlet maximum 3.7 kW (Q37).

Does the battery degrade with fast DC charging?
Yes, but minimally. After 50,000 km degradation ~4%. BMW gives 8 years warranty on the battery.

Can I charge at Tesla Supercharger stations?
Yes! Since 2024, selected Tesla Supercharger stations in Europe support cars of other brands (including iX1). Power up to 130 kW.

Is it worth paying extra for 22 kW AC charger?
Only if you have access to such charging source - at home or work.

Summary

BMW iX1 is a compact premium electric SUV with a good quality-to-price ratio. It doesn't have the largest battery or fastest charging, but the flat charging curve and low battery degradation make it a sensible choice.

Key information:

✅ AC charging: 11 kW standard (22 kW optional)

✅ DC charging: 130 kW (10-80% in 29 min)

✅ Range: 417-439 km WLTP (~260-380 km in practice)

✅ Battery preheating before DC charging

Need a charger for iX1?

👉 P11 – Portable Charger 11 kW

👉 Q11 – Portable Charger 11 kW

👉 Q22 – Portable Charger 22 kW

Contact us:
📧 Email: hello@amperepoint.pl

Sources

1. Elektrowoz.pl - "Nowe BMW iX1 xDrive30: 4,5 metra długości, 490 litrów bagażnika, w Polsce od września" (2022)
2. Autokult - "Test: BMW iX1 xDrive 30" (2023)
3. NaPradzie.pl - "Elektryczne BMW iX1 - zasięg, bateria i cena" (2022)
4. Wyborkierowcow.pl - "BMW iX1 (2025) – cennik, wersje, ceny" (2024)
5. BMWBlog.pl - "Biuletyn: BMW X1 2025" (2025)
6. BMW.pl - Official BMW iX1 technical data