[Paul100]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

is the adapter OEM?

Yes the adapter is 100% OEM BMW. Even though I don't have the car yet and therefore don't have the Flexible fast charger I did open the bag and played with the adapter a bit. It's actually a really nice plug adapter the end the plugs into the charger has some sort of spring loaded latch mechanism that will lock it to the charger and comes with what says on it a water proof cover. And the whole thing is heavy duty.

[jad03060]

Out of curiosity, for anyone that has the various adapter power plugs for their fast charger, compare the end that goes into the main unit. My guess is that the pins differ, and that signals the base unit the mode to run in, and is part of what adjusts the output's pilot signal.

[deano17]

It is kind of weird that BMW increases the range, size of battery and touts a charging time you can’t achieve with the components included in the package. Especially considering these can easily price out at $90,000. I have an i4 arriving in 30 days, so I can just use the adapter that comes with it. That’s a great solution too, right? Buy another car that has the adapter….LOL>

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by deano17

It is kind of weird that BMW increases the range, size of battery and touts a charging time you can’t achieve with the components included in the package. Especially considering these can easily price out at $90,000. I have an i4 arriving in 30 days, so I can just use the adapter that comes with it. That’s a great solution too, right? Buy another car that has the adapter….LOL>

to your bolded statement above, what do you mean exactly?

at level 1, it reaches 10A max.
at level 2, it reaches 32A max (yes, the EVSE is capable of going up to 40A, but the on-board charger caps at 7.4kWh, thus 32A max.)

fr_tz posted his 0-100% charging session taking 3h9m which is actually slightly faster than the published 3h15m. while he did use a JuiceBox EVSE, the charging capabilities are the same as the 50e’s included fast charger at level 2, so what exactly isn’t achievable?

[jad03060]

FWIW, many homes in Europe cannot support the full charge rate the new X5 can achieve. Many consumer products don't even come with the charger needed to charge the device at its maximum rate (like many smartphones). I don't see this as misleading.

In the USA, the typical receptacle is a simple 15A/120vac device. It often isn't on a dedicated circuit either, so BMW limits operation to 10A so when you open your garage door, or plug in a vacuum or power tool while charging, you're less likely to trip the breaker. Not everyone has, or can install a 50A/240vac circuit, so they don't include that adapter, that, for many people would never be used.

[deano17]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

to your bolded statement above, what do you mean exactly?

at level 1, it reaches 10A max.
at level 2, it reaches 32A max (yes, the EVSE is capable of going up to 40A, but the on-board charger caps at 7.4kWh, thus 32A max.)

fr_tz posted his 0-100% charging session taking 3h9m which is actually slightly faster than the published 3h15m. while he did use a JuiceBox EVSE, the charging capabilities are the same as the 50e’s included fast charger at level 2, so what exactly isn’t achievable?

You can’t achieve level 2 without buying the adapter, right? They don’t include it from what I am reading here.

[deano17]

Originally Posted by jad03060

FWIW, many homes in Europe cannot support the full charge rate the new X5 can achieve. Many consumer products don't even come with the charger needed to charge the device at its maximum rate (like many smartphones). I don't see this as misleading.

In the USA, the typical receptacle is a simple 15A/120vac device. It often isn't on a dedicated circuit either, so BMW limits operation to 10A so when you open your garage door, or plug in a vacuum or power tool while charging, you're less likely to trip the breaker. Not everyone has, or can install a 50A/240vac circuit, so they don't include that adapter, that, for many people would never be used.

Then why include it when you buy an i4? I wasn’t necessarily saying it was mis-leading either. As much as it being cheap on their end. You buy a $90,000 car they say can be charged with their fast charger in under 4 hours….but only if you spend another $150 on an adapter. I just think it’s a little petty.

[javapro]

Originally Posted by deano17

You can’t achieve level 2 without buying the adapter, right? They don’t include it from what I am reading here.

Yes but the adapter is not enough. You need a NEMA 14-50 outlet installed.

[eelnoraa]

I think 50e charging package isn’t bad. 7.6kW charging. Combo flex evse. Just need to buy adaptor. 45e got the lousy 3.8kW charger and L1 only evse. To me, it is a huge improvement already.

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by deano17

You can’t achieve level 2 without buying the adapter, right? They don’t include it from what I am reading here.

when the 45e was released, BMW also touted 3.7kW level 2 charging (up to 16A) but didn't include a level 2 EVSE, but nobody complained about that. if we wanted to charge at that level, we had to purchase a whole separate level 2 EVSE. the cost of an adapter is nothing compared to that! i wish we had that option...

it wouldn't be cost prudent for BMW (USA) if they included level 2 charging for every 45e or 50e because:
1) not everyone needs that level of charging
2) not everyone has a 240V circuit or can afford to have one installed to support that level of charging
2a) if they did, it could be a different type of outlet (not every install is a NEMA 14-50)

at minimum, they will include the EVSE that everyone can use to charge with which is level 1 @ 120V

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by deano17

Then why include it when you buy an i4? I wasn’t necessarily saying it was mis-leading either. As much as it being cheap on their end. You buy a $90,000 car they say can be charged with their fast charger in under 4 hours….but only if you spend another $150 on an adapter. I just think it’s a little petty.

...because the i4 is a fully-electric vehicle. its only means of proportion is electricity, so to ensure you're able to charge the large battery array in a timely manner, it is assumed the owner will require at minimum level 2 charging. purchasing a BEV and charging at level 1 is a fool's errand.

on the other hand, a PHEV has dual power trains (fuel and electric) and a much smaller battery array. many 45e owners are retired or WFH and can let the vehicle sit for 24h to charge at level 1. if they have to cut the charging short, there's always fuel for power. a PHEV requires level 1, but doesn't always require level 2. again, it's a smart cost-saving measure (for BMW).

[deano17]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

when the 45e was released, BMW also touted 3.7kW level 2 charging (up to 16A) but didn't include a level 2 EVSE. if we wanted to charge at that level, we had to purchase a whole separate level 2 EVSE. the cost of an adapter is nothing compared to that! i wish we had that option...

it wouldn't be cost prudent for BMW (USA) if they included level 2 charging for every 45e or 50e because:
1) not everyone needs that level of charging
2) not everyone has a 240V circuit or can afford to have one installed to support that level of charging
2a) if they did, it could be a different type of outlet (not every install is a NEMA 14-50)

at minimum, they will include the EVSE that everyone can use to charge with which is level 1 @ 120V

I’ll agree to disagree. Not everyone can afford 240v? But can afford a $90,000 vehicle? Why would you install an outlet that didn’t take the BMW adapter (14-50)? And again, it’s sort of disingenuous to imply you’ve increased mileage and can charge under 4 hours with your new $90,000 car, but oh…by the way, you need to buy a $150 adapter to do all this. I’m not sure if I’m worried about BMW being cost prudent. Not my job… I’ll leave it at that.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by deano17

I’ll agree to disagree. Not everyone can afford 240v? But can afford a $90,000 vehicle? Why would you install an outlet that didn’t take the BMW adapter (14-50)? And again, it’s sort of disingenuous to imply you’ve increased mileage and can charge under 4 hours with your new $90,000 car, but oh…by the way, you need to buy a $150 adapter to do all this. I’m not sure if I’m worried about BMW being cost prudent. Not my job… I’ll leave it at that.

I am totally with you on this. Being a 45e owner, and own quite a few bmw car for 20 years, I won’t defense bmw for bad decisions or bad implementation.

[tdlutz24]

Originally Posted by tdlutz24

It shows in the picture it is. I will update when mine arrives...

Received today and is a genuine BMW part. Very well made too. Good deal!

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by deano17

I’ll agree to disagree. Not everyone can afford 240v? But can afford a $90,000 vehicle? Why would you install an outlet that didn’t take the BMW adapter (14-50)? And again, it’s sort of disingenuous to imply you’ve increased mileage and can charge under 4 hours with your new $90,000 car, but oh…by the way, you need to buy a $150 adapter to do all this. I’m not sure if I’m worried about BMW being cost prudent. Not my job… I’ll leave it at that.

you clearly haven't perused the older threads regarding charging options. how much a vehicle costs can't simply be used to justify a 240V circuit install. some folks have encountered "high" 240V estimates (in quotation since "high" is subjective), that relative to their own individual situation, wasn't worth the cost despite owning a $80-90k vehicle. cost isn't the only factor either, but time, labor, etc. further, there are many who aren't even allowed to install a 240V circuit because of their home environment (apartment complex, high-rise condos, etc.). you clearly haven't thought of those situations.

level 1 charging is inclusive of all persons who decide on purchasing a 45e/50e while level 2 isn't. maybe BMW isn't worried about being cost prudent by not including level 2 capabilities with every vehicle, but the cost savings to them is a positive side effect that not every owner will absolutely need level 2.

are you simply looking for a "gimme"? using words like "tout" and "petty" imply ruses of being an inconvenience to you.

to your question about not having a 14-50 outlet, if you read my post more carefully, i implied if they already had a 240V circuit, it may already have a different type of outlet installed. in that case, including the BMW 14-50 adapter would be a lost cost for BMW, then multiply that by the tens of thousands of owners who may be in the same situation.

[eelnoraa]

But why not offer L2 combo evse with adapter and let user have choice. For the case of 50e, it is a $150 piece of cable at retail, oem cost is probably $75. And why assume people don’t Alfredo have 240V access? I know plenty house here with 240V in garage and use gas dryer, so 240V isn’t even used. In newer build houses I often see 2x 240V outlets in separate circuits. So I don’t see the justification for that assumption.

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

But why not offer L2 combo evse with adapter and let user have choice. For the case of 50e, it is a $150 piece of cable at retail, oem cost is probably $75.

it's already a big plus BMW includes a combo level 1/level 2 EVSE with the 50e. 45e owners weren't given a choice...

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

it's already a big plus BMW includes a combo level 1/level 2 EVSE with the 50e. 45e owners weren't given a choice...

This I totally agree as well. But why nickel an dime 50e buyers. For 45e, I think the biggest catch is that 3.7kW charger. But it is also a much less expansive package.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

This I totally agree as well. But why nickel an dime 50e buyers.

I'm not following the argument as to nickel and diming the 50e buyers. BMW is giving them more than what they did with the 45e buyers aren't they? I thought they only gave them a 120v cord and if owners wanted to charge at 240v they bought they own Level 2 charger. For the 50e they provide a charger that can be used for 120v but if the owners wanted to 240v, they have an option of buying the adapter or buying a level 2 charger. Am I misunderstanding the situation?

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I'm not following the argument as to nickel and diming the 50e buyers. BMW is giving them more than what they did with the 45e buyers aren't they? I thought they only gave them a 120v cord and if owners wanted to charge at 240v they bought they own Level 2 charger. For the 50e they provide a charger that can be used for 120v but if the owners wanted to 240v, they have an option of buying the adapter or buying a level 2 charger. Am I misunderstanding the situation?

I don’t understand why not include that adapter with the flex evse. It is a flex charger that supports both, why keep one piece of accessory from buyer.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

I don’t understand why not include that adapter with the flex evse. It is a flex charger that supports both, why keep one piece of accessory from buyer.

I would imagine a big part of it is that many folks can not or will not use the adapter. Why have the extra cost.

I think it is a waste of time to try and figure out the marketing decisions. For example, that is like asking why don't they make adaptive cruise standard since many entry level vehicles have it. The answer is they don't need to from a marketing/sales perspective. Once and awhile it makes for an interesting discussion but the majority of times it just comes off as whining/complaining.

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I would imagine a big part of it is that many folks can not or will not use the adapter. Why have the extra cost.

I think it is a waste of time to try and figure out the marketing decisions. For example, that is like asking why don't they make adaptive cruise standard since many entry level vehicles have it. The answer is they don't need to from a marketing/sales perspective. Once and awhile it makes for an interesting discussion but the majority of times it just comes off as whining/complaining.

exactly my point! (thank you!)

from a marketing standpoint, that's a lot of money wasted for BMW to include the adapter when not everyone will or can use it. they will and can use a level 1 immediately, so it makes sense that's the level of charging BMW will include for everyone