BMW 545e
Charging cable
Full AC charging speed for your car.
Why this fits your 545e+−
The BMW 545e has a Type 2 inlet and a single-phase 3.7kW onboard charger. A 7.4kW cable already delivers its full AC speed. The 22kW option only helps if your next car charges faster.
Specifications+−
Delivery & returns+−
Free tracked UK delivery on every order. Built to order in the UK and dispatched fast. 30-day no-fuss returns.
Note: Six-cylinder PHEV, AC only ~3.7kW, ~12kWh battery.
How long does it take?
Charging
the BMW 545e.
The BMW 545e xDrive is the six-cylinder plug-in hybrid in the G30 5 Series range, available in the UK from 2020 to 2023. It blends a turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with an electric motor for brisk acceleration, while keeping the option of short electric-only journeys on its 12kWh battery. Charging at home or at a public AC point is done through a Type 2 inlet, so you need a Type 2 to Type 2 cable to connect it.
The 545e's onboard AC charger is rated at 3.7kW on a single phase, which is common across BMW's PHEV saloon range. There is no DC rapid charging port fitted, meaning AC is your only charging method. The relatively small 12kWh battery tops up quickly even at this modest rate, so that limitation rarely causes inconvenience in daily use.
Estimates based on battery size and charge power. Rapid (DC) times are for a 10 to 80% charge, the way manufacturers quote them. Real-world charging varies with temperature, battery state and the charger itself.
7.4 kW or 22 kW?
Which cable does
the 545e need?
With a 3.7kW onboard charger, the 545e cannot draw more than 3.7kW from any AC source, regardless of whether the cable or wallbox is rated higher. A 7.4kW Type 2 cable covers the car's needs completely and costs less than a 22kW three-phase cable. Buying a higher-rated cable will not increase the charge rate on this car.
A 5m cable is the standard starting point and fits most home charging setups. Because the 545e charges slowly by design, it is well suited to an overnight plug-in, and the cable length matters more for convenience than for speed. If your wallbox sits at some distance from your usual parking spot, stepping up to 7m or 10m makes daily use less fiddly.
A 5m cable covers most setups. Step up to 7m or 10m if the wallbox is positioned further from your parking space.
What does it cost to charge?
Charging the 12kWh pack from empty at home costs around 90p on an off-peak EV tariff of roughly 7.5p per kWh, or around £3.25 at a standard rate of around 27p per kWh. Costs are modest enough that most owners plug in daily without thinking twice. Always check current tariff rates, as energy prices move over time.
Also for your 545e
Goes well with.
Plug & Cable Holder · Type 2
Wottz Plug and Cable Holder
Carry Bag
Wottz Carry Bag
Dust Cap · Type 2
Wottz Dust Cap
BMW 545e FAQs
Good
questions.
Still not sure? Our team will confirm the right cable for your vehicle.
Contact usWhat charging cable does the BMW 545e need?+−
The BMW 545e has a Type 2 inlet, so it needs a Type 2 to Type 2 cable for UK home and public charging. It charges on single-phase AC at up to 3.7kW.
Can the BMW 545e charge at 22kW?+−
No, the BMW 545e has a single-phase onboard charger limited to 3.7kW, so a 7.4kW cable already delivers its full AC speed. A 22kW cable would only benefit a future car.
What length charging cable should I get?+−
5m suits most home and public charge points. Choose 7.5m or 10m if the charge point is far from your car's charging port or you park on the far side of a bay.
What cable does the BMW 545e need for home charging?+−
A Type 2 to Type 2 cable. The 545e has a standard Type 2 inlet and charges at up to 3.7kW on a single phase. A 7.4kW rated cable is the practical choice; a 22kW three-phase cable offers no speed advantage on this car.
Does the BMW 545e support DC rapid charging?+−
No. The 545e xDrive is a plug-in hybrid with no DC rapid charging capability. Charging is AC only via the Type 2 inlet. Public rapid chargers require CCS or CHAdeMO, which this car does not have.
How long does the BMW 545e take to charge at home?+−
At 3.7kW on a home wallbox, the 12kWh battery takes around 3 to 3.5 hours from empty to full. Plugging in after the evening commute and leaving it overnight gives you a full charge well before morning.
What length cable suits the BMW 545e?+−
A 5m cable handles most driveway setups comfortably. If your wallbox is further from your parking position, a 7m or 10m lead removes any strain on the connection and makes daily plugging in much easier.