Cost to Charge a BMW i3 (2019–2021)
Updated September 2026 · U.S. average rates
The short answer: at the national average rate, a full home charge of the BMW i3 (2019–2021) (42.2 kWh usable, ~153 miles of range) costs about $7.92 — 4.8¢ per mile, or $48.15 per 1,000 miles. The same charge at a public DC fast charger runs roughly $18.15. Versus a 32-mpg gas car, home charging saves about $50.29 per 1,000 miles.
Living with a BMW i3 (2019–2021): the cost story
The i3 was a decade ahead on materials — carbon-fiber tub, upcycled cabin — and behind on batteries even when new. Its small pack and modest DC speed define it as a city specialist.
The used ones are charming, cheap, and cheap to run on home charging; range-extender versions add a gas safety net. Model it as an urban runabout, not a highway car.
Cheapest & most expensive states for the BMW i3 (2019–2021)
Cheapest
- North Dakota$5.25 full · 3.2¢/mi
- Idaho$5.44 full · 3.3¢/mi
- Utah$5.49 full · 3.3¢/mi
- Wyoming$5.53 full · 3.4¢/mi
- Louisiana$5.67 full · 3.4¢/mi
Most expensive
- Hawaii$19.74 full · 12.0¢/mi
- Connecticut$15.15 full · 9.2¢/mi
- California$14.91 full · 9.1¢/mi
- Massachusetts$14.63 full · 8.9¢/mi
- Rhode Island$14.25 full · 8.7¢/mi
BMW i3 (2019–2021) charging speed & home charger
Cost does not depend on speed — a kWh is a kWh — but time does. These estimates use the BMW i3 (2019–2021)'s onboard AC limit (7.4 kW) and its typical DC fast-charging peak (~50 kW); real sessions taper as the battery fills.
Home charger sizing: the BMW i3 (2019–2021) tops out at 7.4 kW on AC, so a 32-amp charger on a 40-amp circuit reaches its limit — a bigger unit adds nothing. Overnight (8 hours) on Level 2 restores about 153 miles, more than most daily driving. See Level 1 vs Level 2 and how many kWh it takes to charge an EV.
Run it for your state
Using Texas's average residential rate (15.6¢/kWh) · national average 16.9¢ · includes ~10% AC charging losses. Rates vary by utility and plan — your bill is the source of truth.