Free Next Working Day Delivery
Use our car reg compatibility checker to make sure your getting the right charger for you vehicle.
The BMW i8 charges at 3.7 kW, and nothing you plug into it will change that number. The 16A Type 2 to Type 2 cable is the right purchase, and on this car it is genuinely all you need. A 32A lead fits the same socket and is perfectly safe, but the i8 will still draw 3.7 kW from it, so the extra outlay only makes sense if a faster car is due to share the driveway.
Every i8 sold in the UK and Europe uses a Type 2 socket. You will occasionally see the i8 listed with a Type 1 connector: that description belongs to the North American car and has never applied to a British one, in any model year. Trim level makes no difference to charging either, so there is no specification to look up before ordering.
Battery size is the only meaningful split in the range. The 2014 to 2017 coupe carries 7.1 kWh gross, of which 5.2 kWh is usable, so a full charge is quick by any standard. From 2018 the coupe and the newly launched Roadster both moved to an 11.6 kWh pack with 9.4 kWh usable, which roughly doubles both the electric range and the time spent on the plug. BMW quotes that later car at under 3 hours from a wallbox and under 4 hours 30 minutes from a domestic three pin socket.
Cable length is the one decision left, and on a car this low it catches people out more often than you would think. 5m is enough when the wallbox sits beside the parking bay and you always park the same way round. Choose 10m if the charge point is on the far wall of a garage, or if you leave the car at the kerb where it never faces the same direction twice. The longer lead costs a little more and saves a great deal of shuffling.
The Type 2 to Type 2 cables here are IP55 rated. The Type 2 to 3 Pin lead is IP67 and delivers 2.3 kW, which suits an overnight top up away from home. Both come with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty and free next working day UK delivery.
i8 Coupe, 2014 to 2017, 5.2 kWh usable
| Cable Type | Max Charge Rate | Empty to Full | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 to 3 Pin (5m / 10m) | 2.3 kW | 2h 30m | Fine as a backup on this battery |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 16A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW | 1h 30m | Best fit, matches the car exactly |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW car limit | 1h 30m | Fits, but no faster |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A three phase (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW car limit | 1h 30m | No benefit on an i8 |
i8 Coupe and i8 Roadster, 2018 to 2020, 9.4 kWh usable
| Cable Type | Max Charge Rate | Empty to Full | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 to 3 Pin (5m / 10m) | 2.3 kW | Under 4h 30m | Workable overnight |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 16A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW | Under 3h | Best fit, BMW quoted figure |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW car limit | Under 3h | Same time, more cable |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A three phase (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW car limit | Under 3h | Nothing to gain here |
We pride ourselves on the quality of our cables. Every cable comes with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty, and the jacket will survive being driven over, though we would rather you did not make a habit of it.
Protection against pressure
Our cables are safe to use whatever the weather. Type 2 to Type 2 cables are IP55 rated, CE marked, and work from -30°C to +50°C. Type 2 to 3 pin cables are IP67 rated, CE marked and work from -30°C to +60°C.
Protection against temperature
Our cables fit any electric car or plug-in hybrid with a Type 2 inlet, including Audi, BMW, Volvo, Mini, Mercedes, Kia, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Smart and Toyota. Use our car reg checker to confirm your car.
Compatible with all Type 2 cars
A Type 2 to Type 2 cable, in the 16A rating. The i8 has a 3.7 kW onboard charger, which a 16A lead matches precisely. On the 2014 to 2017 coupe that fills the 5.2 kWh usable battery in about 1 hour 30 minutes, and on the later 11.6 kWh cars BMW quotes under 3 hours.
Type 2, on every UK and European car, from the 2014 launch through to the last Roadster in 2020. Listings showing a Type 1 socket are describing the North American version. If your i8 was supplied here, a Type 2 to Type 2 lead is the correct fit and no adapter is needed.
Not for the car itself. The i8 draws 3.7 kW regardless, so a 32A lead charges it in exactly the same time as a 16A one. The only reason to spend more is future proofing, if you expect a car with a 7.4 kW charger to use the same wallbox and the same cable later on.
The 2014 to 2017 coupe holds 5.2 kWh usable and refills in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on a 16A cable, or about 2 hours 30 minutes from a three pin socket. The 2018 cars hold 9.4 kWh usable, quoted by BMW at under 3 hours from a wallbox and under 4 hours 30 minutes on three pin.
Identically. The 2018 Roadster shares the 11.6 kWh pack, 9.4 kWh of it usable, the same Type 2 socket and the same 3.7 kW charger as the 2018 coupe. Order the 16A Type 2 to Type 2 cable for either body style, and pick your length by where the car parks rather than by model.
Reach depends on how you park rather than on anything about the car. 5m is plenty for a wallbox beside a driveway bay when the i8 always sits the same way round. Take 10m for garage walls, kerbside charging, or any shared post you end up approaching from the far side of the bay.
Showing both cable types. Choose a cable type above and this section will show just that specification.
Showing the specification for the cable type you have selected. Compare both cable types.
| Type 2 to Type 2 | Type 2 to 3 pin | |
|---|---|---|
| Charges from | A home wallbox or a public charge point | Any standard UK 3 pin socket, no wallbox needed |
| Max power | 3.7 kW at 16A, 7.4 kW at 32A, 22 kW on three phase | 2.4 kW |
| Speed at home | 7.4 kW on a 32A cable. UK homes are single phase, so an 11 kW or 22 kW car still draws 7.4 kW | 2.4 kW |
| Range per hour | About 12 miles at 3.7 kW, 25 miles at 7.4 kW | About 8 miles |
| Weatherproof rating | IP55 | IP67 |
| Temperature | -30°C to +50°C | -30°C to +60°C |
| Built to | IEC 62196-2:2016 2-IIb | IEC 62752:2016 / COR1:2019 |
| Certified | CE | CE |
| Best for | Your everyday charging cable | Backup, and away from home where there is no wallbox |
| Choose this | Select Type 2 to Type 2 for the BMW i8 | Select Type 2 to 3 pin for the BMW i8 |
| Full range | All Type 2 to Type 2 cables | All Type 2 to 3 pin cables |
| Connector type | Type 2 to Type 2 (IEC 62196-2:2016 2-IIb, Mennekes) |
| Rated current | 16A or 32A single phase, or 32A three phase |
| Max power | 3.7 kW at 16A, 7.4 kW at 32A, 22 kW on three phase |
| Speed at home | 7.4 kW. UK homes are single phase, so an 11 kW or 22 kW car still draws 7.4 kW |
| Range per hour | About 12 miles at 3.7 kW, 25 miles at 7.4 kW |
| Slower supplies | Fine. Charging runs at the lowest limit of the car, the charge point and the cable, so a 32A cable works normally on a 16A supply |
| Voltage | AC 250V single phase, AC 400V three phase, 50Hz |
| Signal current | 2A at 30V |
| Full range | All Type 2 to Type 2 cables |
| Lengths | 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m |
| Conductors | 16A: 3 x 2.5mm² plus 2 x 0.5mm² 32A single phase: 3 x 6mm² plus 2 x 0.5mm² 32A three phase: 5 x 6mm² plus 1 x 0.5mm² |
| Insulation | XLPO |
| Sheath | TPU |
| Shell | Flame retardant thermoplastic, UL94-V0 |
| Pins | Copper alloy, silver plated |
| Colour | Black cable, green and black connectors |
| Weatherproof rating | IP55 in use |
| Temperature | -30°C to +50°C |
| Mechanical life | Over 1,000 connections |
| Impact | Survives a 1m drop and a 2 tonne vehicle driving over it |
| Plug force | Under 100N |
| Insulation resistance | Over 1,000 MΩ at DC 500V |
| Withstand voltage | 2,500V |
| Contact impedance | 0.5 mΩ maximum |
| Pin temp rise | Under 50K |
| Built to | IEC 62196-2:2016 2-IIb |
| Certified | CE |
| Connector type | Type 2 to 3 pin, BS1363 13A plug |
| Socket needed | Any standard UK 3 pin socket. No wallbox needed |
| Max power | 2.4 kW |
| Current | 6A to 13A, set on the control box |
| Voltage | 230V AC, 50Hz |
| Range per hour | About 8 miles |
| Overnight | About 100 miles in 12 hours |
| Full range | All Type 2 to 3 pin cables |
| Weatherproof rating | IP67 |
| RCD | Built in, Type B |
| Protection | Over and under voltage, overload, short circuit, earth leakage, over temperature and lightning surge |
| Built to | IEC 62752:2016 / COR1:2019 |
| Certified | CE |
| Display | OLED screen: charging time, energy used, live voltage, current and power, and lifetime total |
| Controls | Touch key, LED status light, adjustable current, delay timer |
| Box size | 200 x 90 x 52 mm |
| Weight | Up to 2.1 kg |
| Cooling | Natural air |
| Standby power | Under 0.5 W |
| Connectivity | None. No WiFi, Bluetooth, 4G or Ethernet |
| Lengths | 5m, 10m, 15m |
| Temperature | -30°C to +60°C |
| Humidity | Up to 95% |
| Max altitude | 2,000m |
| Materials | Tempered glass and PC control box |
| Colour | Black |
| In the box | Charging cable only. The premium storage carry bag is sold separately |
| Warranty | 2 year warranty |
| Delivery | Free next working day UK delivery |
Every UK and European i8 uses Type 2. You may see the i8 listed with a Type 1 socket elsewhere online: that applies to North American cars only and never to a UK car, in any model year.
The i8 charges at 3.7 kW, which is a 16 amp supply. A 32A cable will fit and work perfectly but will not charge it any faster, so the 16A cable is genuinely all this car needs. Trim level makes no difference to charging.
| Badge | Years | Battery | Connector | Max AC charge speed | Cable we recommend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i8 Coupe | 2014 to 2017 | 7.1 kWh (5.2 usable) | Type 2 | 3.7 kW | Type 2 to Type 2, 16A |
| i8 Coupe | 2018 to 2020 | 11.6 kWh (9.4 usable) | Type 2 | 3.7 kW | Type 2 to Type 2, 16A |
| i8 Roadster | 2018 to 2020 | 11.6 kWh (9.4 usable) | Type 2 | 3.7 kW | Type 2 to Type 2, 16A |
BMW quotes a full charge in under 3 hours from a wallbox and under 4 hours 30 minutes from a three-pin domestic socket on the 2018 car.
Free Next Working Day Delivery
Use our car reg compatibility checker to make sure your getting the right charger for you vehicle.
Cable Type:
How do I Choose?The cable connection depends on what connection type your car accepts. If you don't know, use our handy car reg checker.
Cable Length:
Sizing guideWe offer different length cables to suit your needs, whether you park next to your charger at home or at the office.
Rated Power (Charge Speed):
How do I Choose?Rated power is the fastest the cable can charge. Match it to your car and your charge point. A higher rated cable still works at every lower speed.
Accessory Add-Ons
We offer a range of products to help store and transport your charging cable. Choose from the accessories below:
A charging cable that connects electric vehicles (EVs) with a Type 2 connector to charging points is also equipped with a Type 2 socket. It supports faster charging speeds and is commonly used across Europe for EVs with this standard connection.
This cable allows electric vehicles with a Type 2 socket to charge from a standard UK 3-pin domestic outlet. It provides a slower charge but is useful for home or emergency charging when dedicated charging stations aren't available.
A cable used to extend the reach of a Type 2 charging cable. It's helpful when the existing cable is too short to connect an electric vehicle to the charging point, providing more flexibility in parking.
A fixed charging cable attached to a charging point, designed for electric vehicles with a Type 2 socket. The tethered design eliminates the need to carry a separate cable, offering convenience for regular charging at home or work.
A charging cable that connects electric vehicles with a Type 1 socket to charging points equipped with a Type 2 outlet. This allows EVs with the older Type 1 standard to use more modern charging infrastructure.
This cable enables electric vehicles with a Type 1 connector to charge from a standard UK 3-pin household outlet. It's suitable for slower charging at home when dedicated EV charging points aren't accessible.
A 5M charging cable is the shortest length that we offer. It is a great option if you can park close to the charge point and do not need much length to reach your car.
A 10M charging cable is the most popular length. It allows you to have enough flexibility whilst still being easy enough to move. This is a great option if you cannot park close to the electricity supply.
A 15M charging cable is a great choice if you need some extra flexibility, i.e. get past another car or reach the other end of a driveway. The length of the cable does not affect the charging speed.
A 20M charging cable is the longest cable that we currently offer. 20M reaches the vast majority of locations where you would want to charge your car. Always use one continuous cable. Never join two charging cables together and never charge through an extension lead, because the join is where heat builds up.
The choice if you will charge from a standard UK 3 pin socket. It runs at the most the socket can safely supply, and the control box lets you turn the current down for a slower, gentler charge overnight or on an older circuit.
A 16amp cable will be able to charge at 3.7kW. This is the cheapest product if your car's max charge speed is 3.7kW. If you have two electric cars or are looking to purchase another it might be worth considering a faster charging cable as this could limit charge speeds moving forward.
A 32amp charging cable will be able to charge at 7.4kW, which is the most a single phase UK home supply can deliver. A 32amp cable also charges at every lower speed (for example 16amp, 3.7kW), so it is the right choice if your home charge point is 7.4kW or you mostly charge at home.
A 32amp 3-phase charging cable will be able to charge at all speeds up to 22kW, so the cable never limits your charge speed at home or in public. It is also capable of charging at all lower charge speeds.
Your cart is empty.
Continue shopping
