BMW i4 vs Tesla Model 3: charging compared
Charging curves overlaid, time-to-charge at every common UK charger speed, and per-network cost — modelled on each car's actual charging behaviour.
At a 150kW UK rapid (10% → 80%): the Tesla Model 3 finishes in 24m, around 4 minutes ahead of the BMWi4 at 28m.
The BMW i4 eDrive40 and Tesla Model 3 Long Range are both 400V premium saloons, both in the same money, both capable of around 300 miles of real-world range. Their charging stories diverge though: the Model 3 peaks at 250kW on a Supercharger and holds a strong curve; the i4 peaks at 205kW and tapers earlier.
On a Supercharger or 250kW CCS site, the Model 3 finishes 10-80% in around 22 minutes; the i4 takes around 32. On a more common 150kW UK rapid, both cars are charger-limited and the gap narrows to a few minutes. At home both charge at 11kW AC, with full charges costing the same on any tariff.
Real-world efficiency is similar (~270Wh/mile for the Model 3 vs ~290Wh/mile for the i4), so cost per mile favours the Tesla slightly. The BMW's strengths are the cabin quality, the driving feel and the more conservative styling; the Tesla's are the charging infrastructure, the software and the lower running cost.
Choose the Tesla if charging speed and software matter most; choose the BMW if interior craft and driving dynamics tip the balance.
Charging behaviour
- BMW i4
- Tesla Model 3
Time to charge by charger speed
SOC range 15% → 80%. Cells softer where the charger speed exceeds the car's peak DC — higher chargers deliver the same time.
| Car | 7kW | 22kW | 50kW | 100kW | 150kW | 250kW | 350kW | 400kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i4 | 7h 30m avg 7kW | 4h 46m avg 11kW | 1h 3m avg 50kW | 33m avg 95kW | 27m avg 119kW | 25m avg 128kW | 25m avg 128kW | 25m avg 128kW |
| Tesla Model 3 | 6h 58m avg 7kW | 4h 26m avg 11kW | 58m avg 50kW | 30m avg 98kW | 22m avg 132kW | 19m avg 157kW | 19m avg 157kW | 19m avg 157kW |
Public network cost
15% → 80% session at PAYG rates, cheapest 5 rapid networks.
| Network | i4 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Supercharger 58.0p/kWh | £30.42 | £28.27 |
| Pod Point 62.0p/kWh | £32.52 | £30.23 |
| Believ 66.0p/kWh | £34.62 | £32.17 |
| SWARCO eVolt 75.0p/kWh | £39.34 | £36.56 |
| Allego 78.0p/kWh | £40.91 | £38.02 |
Home charging cost
Full 0% → 100% on each common UK tariff, cheapest rate slot.
| Tariff | i4 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| British Gas Electric Driver 9.5p/kWh (Off-peak) | £7.67 | £7.13 |
| EDF GoElectric Overnight 9.0p/kWh (Off-peak) | £7.26 | £6.75 |
| E.ON Next Drive 6.7p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.41 | £5.03 |
| Intelligent Octopus Go 6.9p/kWh (Off-peak) | £5.57 | £5.17 |
| Octopus Go 8.5p/kWh (Off-peak) | £6.86 | £6.38 |
| OVO Charge Anytime 7.0p/kWh (EV charging slot) | £5.65 | £5.25 |
| Standard Variable Price Cap 27.8p/kWh (Standard) | £22.43 | £20.85 |
Cost per mile
Real-world Wh/mile efficiency × representative tariffs.
| Scenario | i4 | Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Home smart off-peak | 2.0p/mile | 1.8p/mile |
| Tesla Supercharger | 17.1p/mile | 15.7p/mile |
| BP Pulse PAYG | 26.3p/mile | 24.0p/mile |
Considering any of these cars?
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Common questions
Is the Tesla Model 3 actually faster to charge than the BMW i4?
Yes, especially at 250kW. The Model 3 takes around 22 minutes for 10-80%; the i4 takes around 32. At slower chargers the gap narrows.
Can the BMW i4 use Tesla Superchargers?
Yes — most UK Supercharger sites are now open to non-Tesla CCS vehicles via the Tesla app. The i4 charges at its own 205kW peak there.
Which has better real-world range?
Tesla Model 3 around 310 miles, BMW i4 eDrive40 around 280 miles. Aerodynamic efficiency favours the Tesla.