Public Charging Tips for Your BMW i3

[@richardbaineswarrick4762]

Dude, the RC car ripping around was soooo excellent icing on the i3 charging info. cake!

[@Funcentric]

Haha. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@archielabb]

OMG, that last tip about charger getting stuck was great! It happened at my first public charge! Scared me enough to find your video. Thanks!!!

[@Funcentric]

Haha, yeah. It happened to me again the other day. Wooden chopstick is probably the easiest way. Glad you got it figured out.

[@limacom]

Thakks for this video… I’m a new i3 owner and these are great tips

[@Funcentric]

You’ll want to avoid public charging most of the time.

[@TheRickr61]

Great video!!! Just got my car and need to go on a trip. I feel confident now!!! Thank you

[@Funcentric]

I actually would never recommend an ev to be used for a “trip”. Long distance or road trip, just rent a gas car.

[@perrywales]

When attaching the CCS cable, make sure you hold the heavy cable plug up so the charger can engage the safety pin. It may take a few seconds, listen for the pin to engage. It was clear in your video you didn't accomplish this. The charge station must recieve a "all clear and connected" signal from the plug before it activates 400 volts to the cable. Failing to do so results in exactly the failure to connect message you received. It's a quirk of the chargers and the i3. Once you've mastered the correct connection procedure, you'll connect everytime, the first time.

[@Funcentric]

Interesting. Thanks for the tip. Can you elaborate? Meaning hold the connector there for longer before letting go?

[@perrywales]

@@Funcentric Yes. Don't just plug it in and let go. Plug it in, making sure you're holding it up. If it sags even a bit from the weight, the i3 won't recognize it. You can verify the i3 has connected to it, by listening. You'll hear the safety catch whirr into place. Takes about 3-4 seconds.

[@Funcentric]

@@perrywales It worked! I gave it a try and no issues! Thanks! Never knew about this. I appreciate you sharing this.

[@GhostRyderFPV]

Great video! 2 thoughts: I had an issue last week at an Electrify America station, my 2020 i3 plugged in and authorized, a message showed up "Reconnecting to Vehicle", and then it would fail. After 2-3 bouts of this, I called the 800 number. The rep told me to lift the charger plug up, favoring the top pins of the CCS. Voila! Weird fix, but apparently they have that as a troubleshooting measure for i3's. Also, do the LiPo's on your ARRMA take CCS, NACS, or CHAdeMO? lol

[@Funcentric]

@@GhostRyderFPV hahah! There is surprisingly a public plug hidden there on site so I was charging batteries there for the Arrma at the time of this video. Free!

[@TechyGamerVibeZ]

There’s a button on the back suicide door sill that unlocks the charger plug in case it’s stuck

[@Funcentric]

If I'm understanding the pull cord that you're referring to, that only releases the panel that covers the charge port. It doesn't actually release the connector.

[@gonville1964]

The little hook. Thats for the slot in the cap to hang on then it doesnt flop off when you pull out the DC plug.

[@ferocity1054]

Ty sir I'm getting a 2014 used i3 this Friday tyvm for all the tips!

[@Funcentric]

Cool, just make sure the battery capacity is in good shape before you put down your money. Google, "secret menu i3". Full capacity is 22kwh. So you want to make sure it's not too far off from that.

[@ferocity1054]

@@Funcentric ty for replying, how long you think this car will last? I plan on driving 60mi everyday, I just hope it will be worth every penny

[@ferocity1054]

@@Funcentric BTW how much range would I lose if I drive at 75mph?

[@ferocity1054]

@@Funcentric its at 13.3kwh :( i really dont want to go thru the hassle of returning it but...

[@TechyGamerVibeZ]

@@ferocity1054there’s a 100k miles warranty on the battery. BMW may honor it so cross your fingers

[@barbaracasanova9228]

Thank you soooo much for this info!!

[@Funcentric]

@@barbaracasanova9228 Glad it helped!

[@jilkenma]

@funcentric - great video - thanks I just purchased an i3 and boy is it an interesting task. Just out of curiosity is Volta compatible? I’ve tried to charge using Volta 3 times to no avail.

[@Funcentric]

Yes, the Volta's work with the i3. Some Volta stations are just new and may not be operable. Possible that the kiosk is installed, but just not working yet.

[@jilkenma]

@@Funcentric thank you.

[@pmireur04]

Awesome guidance! Thank you!!!

[@Funcentric]

Sure thing! Glad this helped. One of those who commented, recommended inserting the connector at a slight upwards angle to get a better fit. Not sure if that will really work, but perhaps worth a try if you have issues with the EVGo EVSE's like I did in this video.

[@keepyoukompani]

Very informative and helpful!

[@Funcentric]

Great! Glad you got something out of it.

[@alam6957]

Thank you! Great tips

[@Funcentric]

Sure thing. Glad it helped.

[@AnotherOpinion695]

Going to be getting the 2014 i3 very soon here for my next car most likely but I'm not sure if you would recommend a full electric or a hybrid? I am in SoCal so I do bit of distance driving a few times a month, what do you think? I can be fine doing either or yes?

[@Funcentric]

Don’t get a 2014. Beat value is 2019 or 2020. 2018 at the oldest. 2014 is way too old. Not all those even have level 3 charging. You’ll need a REX for sure. Also there are rumors that public charging at some of the companies no longer support i3’s. Look into it in the Facebook groups. It may save you $8k.

[@AnotherOpinion695]

@@Funcentric I can only afford something that is a 2014 - 2016 really but if it's not option able then I will look into a 2018, if i3 is no longer being supported then I will look into other compact electric cars. Thank you for the heads up!

[@Funcentric]

@@AnotherOpinion695 I would recvommend another car entirely. A 2016 was great in 2018 and a 2018 even better in 2020, but now, it's getting obsolete. Too many risks with high mileage ones and your warrenty is all over.

[@tyron2426]

Just bought a 2014 i3 low mileage, i did my research, and there are mixed reviews on the 2014 i3. But so far no issues. I have been driving it 40 miles aday and that is 40 miles total too and from work. Fun car to drive and easy to park.

[@AnotherOpinion695]

@@tyron2426 I ended up getting a 2018, kinda wish I got a 2014 just because of the price difference but happy either way.

[@РекламноеАгентство-щ8х]

How charge the car if on a public charger the charging clipper (pin) is broken?

[@Funcentric]

It should still work. The pin is only to lock it. No pin just means it won’t lock. But it should still hold in place and charge.

[@markstoybox2058]

How long does it take to charge the I3 at one of these stations? Thanks

[@Funcentric]

I would never recommend anyone charge from zero state of charge. Generally L3 chargers will charge ipvto 80% in 30 minutes. That’s a general rule throughout for all vehicles. Larger batteries will just charge faster. Smaller ones will take longer. Don’t expect to be at a public charging station for more than 15-30 minutes.

[@colintwyning9614]

Sticking metal objects into a 50Kw socket, relying on an unknown charger and car to switch off the current is Mad! Also that plug did not look fully in at any point.

[@Funcentric]

It may have been the angle. The connector was definitely fully inserted. I agree with you about metal into a socket. However, what you’re seeing here is metal on a plastic tab to release. I understand it might look sketchy to you, but with the connector stuck, there’s actually no exposed conductive metal element that poses a risk. Thank you for your concern though.

[@Skyking6976]

Just leased a ‘21 i3…coolest car ever. Will NEVER own and ICE again. However, until we move in our new home about a month from now, I have to public charge. Great video showing the reality of public charging. I noticed the need to angle the connector upward slightly on the CCS to hear that snap…at least at Electrify American…which seem to be the best in the Mid-Atlantic area, that I’ve seen.

[@Funcentric]

@@Skyking6976 awesome! Happy that your enjoying the car and found the video useful. Thanks for the tip about angling the connector. I’ll try that next time too.

[@pmac6584]

@@Funcentric why not just use the emergency unlock pull cord in the rear hinge of the i3?

[@Funcentric]

@@pmac6584 that only releases the door - not the latch that secures the connector to the socket.

[@sfkeepay]

The RC car is great idea!

[@Funcentric]

Haha, yeah I got bored.

[@ashttr6634]

Is there a way to limit the charging to 80%?

[@Funcentric]

You're probably reading about all the myths about charging only to 80%. That's not really a real thing for owners. It's just something people who are dabbling about EV's say. There is no way to limit the charging to a particular state of charge on the car side. Your home Level 2 charger may have a way to do it via WiFi. You'll want to charge to 100%.

[@poundermonster]

How long will it take to charge my 14 i3 on one of those public charging stations?

[@Funcentric]

1. You wouldn't want to arrive at one with an empty tank as regular practice. It's only really meant to top off and with all the folks misunderstanding the use of EV's, you'll be competing with other EV's with long range who think they need more range than they really do. 2. From near empty to 80% would take about 45 minutes. It charges faster the more empty it is. The more full, the more slowly it will charge. Most of the time, you'll be charging just to top off, so maybe 5-20 minutes. 3. Most chargers charge by time as opposed to the amount of "juice" or kwh. Electrify America is one of the few that do charge by the amount of juice. 4. Some chargers will top out at 80% and won't let you go any further, FYI. 5. Don't rely on public charging stations for regular use. If you are in the USA, I wouldn't recommend getting an EV at all unless you have charging capabilities at home.

[@poundermonster]

@@Funcentric yes I live in california, always charge it at home. I use a 120v at home to charge it, Is it true they sell i3 with out the capabilities for fast charging (with out those 2 round connectors inside the charging door compartment)?

[@Funcentric]

@@poundermonster Yes, but it was only the 2014 i3 that has the Level 3 charging as an optional upgrade. Everything in 2015 production model onwards had the Level 3 as standard.

[@poundermonster]

@@Funcentric thanks! mine is a 2014 and it looks like yours.

[@Funcentric]

@@poundermonster Cool, then you're all set for Level 3 charging at the public stations....assuming Teslas and other long range vehicles aren't hogging them up.

[@RB-es1vx]

Anyone know if it's okay to leave car plugged in even after fully charged?

[@Funcentric]

Yes, it’s okay. The car will run down slightly and the charger will trickle charge. Manual says that in vacations, you should keep it plugged in.

[@thetrashtalktvshow]

Take a shot everytime he smacks

[@loganr4471]

If that happens I think you should use something plastic and rubber the hard plastic due to current is running through it unless you want to get fried

[@Funcentric]

Yes, a chopstick would be perfect. There’s no metal parts however to worry about though when using something conductive since the connector is plugged in and no metal is exposed.

[@BasicPlanet]

There is a manual cord to pull on "emergency charge release" in the trunk. No nail clipper needed :D

[@Funcentric]

That’s only to release the door flap. We’re talking about the tab that holds the connector on place. That one does not offer a release cord unfortunately.

[@Mr.Chris.P.Bacon1]

@Basic I have an i3, That cord IS ONLY FOR THE CHARGER DOOR! Check your facts before you so confidently post wrong and misleading info. 😩

[@perrywales]

Please read your manual. There is a release cord for both the door flap AND the charge port. Its hidden under a black foam plastic piece at the bottom back of the passenger door. Pop it off and you'll find two blue release cables. DO NOT push the pin back with any other implement. You stand to get seriously injured and damage the pin mechanism.

[@TechyGamerVibeZ]

@@FuncentricREAD YOUR MANUAL

[@mystikmeg]

Yea that was great 👍🏻

[@DiscoR53]

Forward one year later: gas in California is over $5 dollars and and at one point $7 dollars.

[@Funcentric]

Yup, craziness. In the long term as gas prices fluctuate, I don't need to be so aware of prices of gas since the tank only holds 1.5-1.5 ish gallons and I rarely use it.

[@ajuaburrs]

thanks!

[@Funcentric]

Sure! Glad it helped!

[@goldieandblackie]

Public charging still a lot of faffing around, maybe in another 5 years the set up will have improved, only by that time electric prices will be what your paying for gas.

[@Funcentric]

In Norcal, prices for public charging is pretty much the same cost for gas for a car that gets 25mpg. Public charging isn't really for regular use in the States. As long as people keep demanding 300+ mi range cars to drive their 30mi a day, there really is no sense in having public charging. The companies doing it are just taking a silly gamble. We won't see anywhere close to 50% of cars on the roads being EV's in the USA until people open their eyes and educate themselves about EV use. Most people don't drive 300mi a day. But as long as they keep thinking they do, costs for these cars will be high. Even if it were to match, people would still pay for gas cars b/c they see EV's as an inconvenience w/o understanding how it all works. Even most Tesla drivers still don't know.

[@whocares264]

get the rex version, so you dont public charge

[@Funcentric]

I have the REX. But when it's convenient and price isn't outrageous like it is now higher than gas, public charging isn't too bad, especially in the suburbs where there's lots of space and not a lot of 200mi cars doing it (aka Teslas).

[@richarddib]

Plug in first then do the rest

[@Funcentric]

?

[@richarddib]

@@Funcentric The instructions on the EVGo app (at least on my phone) say to plug your vehicle first then do the rest. Perhaps that is the problem why it fails sometimes. It's something to try. I have never had DC charging fail on me (Florida, 2019 i3S, EVGo)

[@Funcentric]

@@richarddib oh i see what you’re saying. That might be a new functionality. The EvGo app and EVSE’s have gone through some changes in the past few years. I’ll give that a try next time.

[@gonville1964]

car will time out then if you are slow doing the rest.

[@bfdavdb]

Thanks for helping me decide not to get an electric car. lol

[@Funcentric]

It’s definitely not for everyone. Don’t even get one if you don’t plan to have a level 2 charger at home in the USA. Public charging isn’t the way to go in the States. Costs as much to charge at a public charger as gas for a car that gets 25mpg.

[@arlyn8211]

Cool video! I'm working with a company who manufactures EV chargers and Adapters. We would love to collaborate with you. Do you have an email address we can send the details?

[@Funcentric]

Sure, You can dm me on instagram or message me on Facebook as “Funcentric on Insta”

[@GordonGrigsby]

Seems like a big pain in the ass to me.

[@Funcentric]

Which is exactly why it should just be done at home.