An electric BMW provides a quiet, relaxing drive, while still delivering characteristic BMW performance. When you step on the pedal, it accelerates quickly, powerfully, and with precise control. When braking, you'll feel an immediate response. BMW electric vehicles have a low center of gravity due to the battery's location in the chassis, which also contributes to the excellent roadholding.
How an electric car accelerates so quickly.
The use of a 1-speed transmission means your electric BMW accelerates seamlessly without shifting. Torque is immediately applied when you press the accelerator pedal. When you take your foot off the pedal, your BMW slows down just as readily, depending on your preference and your selected energy recovery setting.
How a BMW brakes with intelligent recuperation.
The brake system of an electric BMW analyzes braking situations for maximum efficiency and makes use of the full recuperation potential of the electric motor. If need be, the conventional brake system is also activated. This intelligent interplay recovers maximum energy, is gentle on the brakes, and reduces brake particle emissions.
How an EV compares to other vehicles.
Powerful acceleration.
The power of an electric drive engine is unleashed more quickly and dynamically than a combustion engine. When the driver presses the acceleration, it's felt immediately.
Battery in, fuel tank out.
An EV uses a battery instead of gasoline, so you rely on electricity instead of burning fuel. The battery itself includes a charging system and is well protected to withstand an accident.
Braking helps you recharge.
Cars with electric motors utilize a regenerative brake system. Unlike conventional brake systems, this one recovers kinetic energy as it slows down the vehicle and sends it back to the battery. This is known as brake energy recuperation.
A battery's value is in its long service life.
Like a combustion engine, the electric car battery is the most valuable component of a BMW. Among other things, the price of an electric car battery depends on its capacity. In short, the more energy an electric car battery can store, the more it costs. However, drivers can have a positive impact on the service life of an electric car battery by adjusting their own driving behavior. Built-in functions also help to protect it.
A battery's state of health.
BMW electric car batteries are developed with great care and craftsmanship. However, range and charging performance naturally decline somewhat over time, in line with a normal aging process. This is known as the state of health (SoH). This term expresses the maximum energy capacity of a used electric car battery compared to a new one. A lower SoH equates to a shorter range. However, you can maximize the service life of the battery with careful treatment and cautious driving style.
How to optimize your battery's service life.
Gentle, slow charging.
Whenever possible, charge electric car batteries more slowly at wallboxes and AC or DC charging stations with a maximum of 100 kW. It is best to keep High-Power-Charging (HPC) at fast charging stations for longer journeys.
Plug-in only if required.
Only charge when you need to—and not after every journey. When parking your car, low to medium states of charge are better for the service life of the electric car battery.
Avoid charging to 100%.
A state of charge of between 10% and 80% for everyday driving is recommended for your electric car battery. Only charge to 100% for longer journeys, preferably just before you set off.
Set a charging target.
Set your charger to stop at a certain state of charge. BMW recommends a charging target of at most 80%.
Avoid draining the battery.
Charge your battery before its state of charge falls below 10%. Try to maintain the state of charge within the recommended range of 10% to 80%.
Aim for a moderate driving style.
Accelerate moderately and drive in an anticipatory manner at a steady speed to look after your electric car battery. That also means fewer visits to charging stations.
Keep consumption low.
Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or roof boxes. This will reduce your energy consumption and ease pressure on the electric car battery.
Moderate temperatures are ideal.
Whenever available, park your electric car in the shade or in a garage in hot weather. Especially if you plan to park it for a long period of time.
Disconnect during long inactivity.
It's not recommended to connect your car to a charger before longer stationary periods, for example when you’re going on vacation. The ideal state of charge for the battery is 30-50%
How the battery retains its high energy level.
An electric car battery is designed for all kinds of everyday driving situations but is subject to physically induced aging. One aspect of its aging is time-related, by its age in years. The more you consistently avoid high state of charge and high battery temperature, the more you reduce its time-related aging. The second aspect of aging is significantly influenced by the number of charging and discharging cycles. This is what is known as cyclic aging. It is reduced, among other things, by an anticipatory driving style and moderate charging power.
Better conditions for newer BMW generations.
Compared to current models, the early BMW i3 models had very small electric car batteries. Thanks to technical advances and bigger batteries, newer BMW electric car generations are once again better equipped to deal with aging. However, as this is affected in individual cases by many factors, it is impossible to make a blanket statement about the aging process of individual vehicles.
Compare range and charging.


Frequently asked questions about batteries and electric motors.
More about electromobility.
Electric range.
Our electric cars have ranges that allow you to travel longer distances. The in-car navigation will show you where you can charge your car while on the road.
Charging at home.
Charge your electric car or plug-in hybrid overnight or between trips. Start your day ready to go and conveniently adapt the charging of your electric BMW to your everyday life.