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Type 2 to Type 2, 32A single phase (5m / 10m / 15m / 20m)
The BMW X5 accepts up to 7.4 kW on AC. The xDrive45e is 3.7 kW and the xDrive50e from 2023 is 7.4 kW. This cable hands over every watt of it. Domestic supply is single phase in any case, so no three-phase lead will make the car charge faster.
The right BMW X5 charging cable is a Type 2 to Type 2 lead, and on a plug-in X5 it is the only route electricity has into the battery, because neither the xDrive45e nor the xDrive50e was given a DC rapid charging socket. The xDrive45e built from 2019 to 2023 accepts 3.7 kW. The xDrive50e sold from 2023 accepts 7.4 kW at home, and cars produced from around March 2025 will take 11 kW where three live phases are present. BMW UK's technical data for the current xDrive50e lists 25.7 kWh, 11 kW AC and a minimum charge of 2 hours 45 minutes; BMW's 2023 launch specification for the same model quoted 7.4 kW, the change reported as March 2025 production. So one of the biggest plug-in batteries BMW sells in Britain sits behind two very different onboard chargers, and with no rapid charging to fall back on, the badge decides which amperage is worth paying for.
xDrive50e, full speed at home: the 32A single phase cable. Our option list calls it 32amp (7.2kW) and it carries 7.4 kW, which is both the ceiling of a property fed by one live phase and precisely what a 50e draws there, filling 25.7 kWh in 4 hours and returning about 18 miles of range for every hour plugged in. Put the 16A lead on the same car and the charge stretches to 7 hours 45 minutes, halving what a seven hour off peak period returns, from roughly 126 miles to 63. xDrive45e, full speed on the cheapest lead: the 16A cable. Listed as 16amp (3.6kW), its 3.7 kW is everything a 45e's onboard charger will accept, so the pack is full in 6 hours 30 minutes and a 32A cable finishes at the same minute. On a 45e the extra money buys a lead that suits your next car, not a quicker charge on this one. Worth the money in one situation only: the 32A three phase cable. Whatever its 32amp - 3 Phase (22kW) label promises, this lead is held to whatever the vehicle will take, meaning 3.7 kW on any 45e and 7.4 kW on any 50e connected at a house. Three live phases reach workplaces and car parks rather than homes, and only an xDrive50e built from March 2025 can use them, at 11 kW, in 2 hours 45 minutes.
Length is dictated by a socket at the front of the car. BMW puts the X5's charging flap on the left hand front wing, ahead of the door, which is the kerb side on a right hand drive car, and the vehicle measures 4.92 metres as the xDrive45e and 4.94 metres as the xDrive50e. Nose it onto the drive with the wallbox on that side and the 5 metre cable is ample. Reverse in, as owners of a car this size often do to keep the boot usable, and the flap now sits a full body length from the wall, which is the job of the 10 metre; so does a charger on the driver's side of the house, or a garage where 2.22 metres across the mirrors leaves no room to walk a lead round the nose. The 15 metre and 20 metre versions come in 32A single phase alone and cover a detached garage, a bay in a shared yard, or a post on the far side of a courtyard. No safe Type 2 extension exists, so the length you order has to cover the whole run.
Our Type 2 to 3-Pin Charging Cable is where the size of the X5's battery starts to tell. The option list names it 6amp - 12amp Adjustable (2.3kW). Out of a household 13 amp socket it pulls 2.3 kW, worth roughly 6 miles of range an hour, so an empty xDrive45e wants 10 hours 30 minutes on it and an empty xDrive50e 12 hours 45 minutes. Neither figure fits inside a seven hour cheap rate period, so it answers a night at a hotel rather than replacing a home EV charger: a small plug-in hybrid can live on a three pin socket alone, and an X5 cannot. BMW's own Flexible Fast Charger, the six metre lead BMW UK sells for domestic sockets, works at the same 2.3 kW and no faster. It is made to IEC 62752, a Type B RCD sits inside its control box, the current drops to 6 amps for an older circuit, and IP67 sealing suits an outdoor socket in the rain.
The earlier F15 car, the 2015 to 2018 xDrive40e with its 9.2 kWh battery, is covered on the BMW X5 xDrive40e charging cable page, and every lead we build for the marque sits in BMW EV charging cables. On standards, IEC 62196-2 is what the Type 2 to Type 2 cable is built to, with CE marking behind it, while the Type 2 to 3-Pin is made to IEC 62752 and CE marked. Both carry a 2 year manufacturer's warranty from EV Cable Shop, arrive on free next working day UK delivery, and can go back at no cost within 30 days. Sealing and operating temperature follow the same division: IP55 and -30C to +50C on the Type 2 to Type 2, IP67 and -30C to +60C on the Type 2 to 3-Pin.
Maximum onboard AC charging speed: 7.4 kW single phase, and 11 kW three phase on cars built from March 2025
| Cable Type | Max Charge Rate | Empty to Full | Range Added Per Hour | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 - 1-Phase, 16A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW | 7 hours 45 mins | approx. 9 miles | Too slow for this battery |
| Type 2 - 1-Phase, 32A (5m / 10m) | 7.4 kW | 4 hours | approx. 18 miles | Best Fit at home |
| Type 2 - 3-Phase, 32A (5m / 10m) | 11 kW (car limited) | 2 hours 45 mins | approx. 27 miles | For 22kW posts and workplaces |
| Type 2 to 3-Pin (5m / 10m) | 2.3 kW | 12 hours 45 mins | approx. 6 miles | Ideal backup |
Maximum onboard AC charging speed: 3.7 kW single phase
| Cable Type | Max Charge Rate | Empty to Full | Range Added Per Hour | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 - 1-Phase, 16A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW | 6 hours 30 mins | approx. 9 miles | Best Fit at home |
| Type 2 - 1-Phase, 32A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW (car limited) | 6 hours 30 mins | approx. 9 miles | No quicker, buy only to future proof |
| Type 2 - 3-Phase, 32A (5m / 10m) | 3.7 kW (car limited) | 6 hours 30 mins | approx. 9 miles | No gain on this car |
| Type 2 to 3-Pin (5m / 10m) | 2.3 kW | 10 hours 30 mins | approx. 6 miles | Ideal backup |
BMW gives 25.7 kWh as the usable energy of the xDrive50e's 29.5 kWh pack, but publishes only a 24 kWh gross battery capacity for the xDrive45e, so the 21.6 kWh in the second table is an independent measurement and those times may run a few minutes either way. An xDrive50e built before March 2025 is held to 7.4 kW even at a three phase post, which puts its third row at 4 hours and about 18 miles an hour. The 64 mile WLTP figure is the top of the 61 to 64 mile band BMW UK quotes, so a heavily specified 50e belongs at the lower end. Charging capacity rather than pack size is what sets the two tables apart, because maximum charging power is the figure BMW altered. Winter running and a loaded X5 at motorway speed will both leave the miles per hour column short.
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
Everything goes through the cable. Neither the BMW X5 xDrive45e nor the xDrive50e was built with a DC rapid charging socket, so the Type 2 inlet on the front wing is the only way into the battery and a Type 2 to Type 2 cable is the only lead that fits it. That one cable serves both jobs: a home wallbox, and public charging stations with untethered Type 2 AC posts. No adapter is needed, because Type 2 is the universal AC standard on UK charge points.
Yes. The BMW X5 xDrive45e has a 3.7 kW onboard charger, the 16A cable delivers exactly 3.7 kW, and its 21.6 kWh battery is full in about 6 hours 30 minutes on it. The 32A cable plugged into the same 45e also charges at 3.7 kW and finishes at the same time, so the extra outlay buys compatibility with a future car rather than speed on this one. Either amperage is compatible with every untethered home charger sold in the UK, so UK drivers changing home EV charger later keep the same cable.
Close to four hours. A BMW X5 xDrive50e draws 7.4 kW through the 32A single phase cable and gives its 25.7 kWh battery a full charge in about 4 hours, against 7 hours 45 minutes on the 16A lead, which pins it at 3.7 kW. Across a seven hour off peak period that is roughly 126 miles of electric range rather than 63, so on the 50e the dearer cable repays itself in cheap rate electricity on an overnight tariff.
Only for an xDrive50e whose build date is March 2025 or later and which regularly charges somewhere with three live phases; check the build sheet if you are unsure. At such a post the BMW X5 xDrive50e reaches its 11 kW ceiling and is full in 2 hours 45 minutes. A house is fed by a single phase, so at home the three phase cable passes the car 7.4 kW, which is what the cheaper 32A single phase lead already gives at a lower price, and on an xDrive45e it is capped at 3.7 kW wherever it is plugged in.
Every X5 not badged 45e or 50e. The xDrive30d, xDrive40d, xDrive40i, M60i xDrive and X5 M are diesel or petrol models rather than electric vehicles, with no inlet of any kind, so no charging cable will fit them. The plug-in versions sold in the UK are the xDrive40e of 2015 to 2018, the xDrive45e of 2019 to 2023 and the xDrive50e from 2023 onwards.
5 metres, where the BMW X5 is parked nose first and the wallbox is on the nearside, because the charging flap is on the left hand front wing of a car 4.94 metres long. Reversed onto a drive, or with the charge point on the driver's side, the socket ends up at the far end of the vehicle and 10 metres is the length to order. A detached garage, a shared yard or a kerbside post is what the 15 and 20 metre cables are made for.
Showing both cable types. Choose a cable type above and this section will show just that specification.
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| 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 X5 | Select Type 2 to 3 pin for the BMW X5 |
| 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 |
Three plug-in X5s have been sold here, and the charging speed matters. The xDrive45e has a big 24 kWh battery but only a 3.7 kW charger, so it takes around seven hours to fill. The xDrive50e doubled the charger to 7.4 kW. Trim level makes no difference to charging.
| Badge | Years | Battery | Connector | Max AC charge speed | Cable we recommend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 xDrive40e (F15) | 2015 to 2018 | 9.2 kWh | Type 2 | 3.7 kW | Type 2 to Type 2, 16A |
| X5 xDrive45e (G05) | 2019 to 2023 | 24 kWh | Type 2 | 3.7 kW | Type 2 to Type 2, 16A |
| X5 xDrive50e (G05 facelift) | 2023 onwards | 25.7 kWh usable | Type 2 | 7.4 kW | Type 2 to Type 2, 32A |
| xDrive30d, xDrive40d, xDrive40i, M60i xDrive, X5 M | Any year | None | No charging port | Does not plug in | No cable needed |
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.
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