BMW i3 (42.2 kWh) vs Nissan Leaf (24 kWh)
Comparing battery size, maximum AC/DC charging rates, range, and detailed charging durations for home wallboxes and public DC fast chargers.
Specification Comparison
| Specification | BMW i3 (42.2 kWh) | Nissan Leaf (24 kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BMW | Nissan |
| Battery Capacity | 42.2 kWh (76% larger) | 24 kWh |
| Max AC Charge Power | 11 kW ✓ | 6.6 kW |
| Max DC Charge Power | 50 kW | 50 kW |
| Range (WLTP) | 278 km (more range) | 174 km |
| Efficiency (WLTP) | 4.1 mi/kWh | 4.5 mi/kWh (more efficient) |
| Est. EPA Range | 173 miles | 108 miles |
Charging Time Comparison
Select a charging scenario to see side-by-side charging speeds.
| Charger Type | BMW i3 (42.2 kWh) | Nissan Leaf (24 kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 🔌 Household Socket 2.3 kW • AC Level 1 | 14h 16m Capped at 2.3 kW | 8h 7m Capped at 2.3 kW |
| 🏠 Home Wallbox 7.4 kW • AC Level 2 | 4h 26m Capped at 7.4 kW | 2h 50m Capped at 6.6 kW |
| ⚡ 3-Phase Wallbox 11 kW • AC Level 2 | 2h 59m Capped at 11 kW | 2h 50m Capped at 6.6 kW |
| 🔋 Fast AC 22 kW • AC Level 2 | 2h 59m Capped at 11 kW | 2h 50m Capped at 6.6 kW |
| ⚡ DC Rapid 50 kW • DC Level 3 | 39 min Capped at 50 kW | 22 min Capped at 50 kW |
| 🚀 Ultra-Rapid DC 150 kW • DC Level 3 | 39 min Capped at 50 kW | 22 min Capped at 50 kW |
* Higher vehicle acceptance rates allow faster charging. Estimated times show limits based on onboard AC/DC caps.
How their charging profiles differ
The BMW i3 (42.2 kWh) and Nissan Leaf (24 kWh) present different charging characteristics primarily driven by battery capacity and maximum charge limits.
Battery Capacity: The BMW i3 (42.2 kWh) features a 42.2 kWh battery, which is 76% larger than the Nissan Leaf (24 kWh)'s 24 kWh pack. A larger battery offers more driving range but takes proportionally longer to charge at standard charge rates.
At-Home Charging (AC): The BMW i3 (42.2 kWh) has a higher onboard AC charger rate of 11 kW, compared to the Nissan Leaf (24 kWh) which is limited to 6.6 kW. On 11kW or 22kW three-phase chargers, the vehicle with the higher AC rate will charge substantially faster.
On-The-Road DC Fast Charging: The BMW i3 (42.2 kWh) accepts up to 50 kW DC, while the Nissan Leaf (24 kWh) supports up to 50 kW DC. They will charge at identical speeds when connected to high-power DC rapid chargers.
BMW Recommendation
For the BMW i3 (42.2 kWh), a standard 7.4 kW home wallbox is ideal for overnight charging. If you travel long distances frequently, look for DC fast chargers capable of supplying at least 50 kW to minimize charging stops.
Nissan Recommendation
For the Nissan Leaf (24 kWh), a 7.4 kW home charger is also the perfect fit. Since it supports up to 50 kW DC, you will achieve optimal highway charge times by planning stops at charging stations rated 50 kW or higher.
Go to Calculator
Need to run custom estimates, select custom charge target levels, or calculate the exact electricity cost for these cars?
EV Chargers for BMW & Nissan
Compatible home wallboxes and accessories for charging these electric vehicles.
Best Home Chargers for BMW i3 (42.2 kWh)
We analyzed charger speeds, compatibility, and durability to select the top home charging stations that match the specifications of the BMW i3 (42.2 kWh).
Optimal High-Power AC Charging
Your BMW i3 (42.2 kWh) supports high-speed AC charging up to 11 kW. To charge at maximum speed at home, we recommend a 48-amp charger (like the Tesla Universal or Emporia) hardwired to a 60-amp circuit. A standard 32-amp charger will still charge overnight but won’t take full advantage of your car’s faster onboard charger.
Tesla Universal Wall Connector
The most versatile charger on the market. It natively charges both Tesla (NACS) and standard J1772 vehicles with an integrated, auto-switching adapter.
- • Universal compatibility (Tesla & non-Tesla)
- • Sleek wall dock with auto-sensing latch
- • Tesla App integration (Wi-Fi smart features)
- • Power-sharing with up to 6 Wall Connectors
Emporia Smart EV Charger
An exceptionally smart charger offering class-leading energy monitoring. Perfect for homeowners looking to track costs or charge directly from solar panels.
- • Detailed real-time energy usage tracking
- • Solar-only charging mode (with Emporia Vue)
- • UL and Energy Star certified
- • NEMA 14-50 plug or hardwired option
Grizzl-E Classic Level 2
A rugged, bulletproof charger designed for the toughest environments. It features a heavy-duty metal casing and focuses on simple, reliable plug-and-play charging.
- • Heavy-duty NEMA 4 aluminum enclosure
- • Built to withstand extreme cold and heat
- • Simple plug-and-charge (no Wi-Fi needed)
- • Internal physical switches to set amperage
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