The BMW 745e is a luxury plug-in hybrid version of the facelifted G11/G12 BMW 7 Series, launched in the UK in 2019 and generally associated with the 2019 to 2022 model period. It is important to understand that the 745e is not a fully electric car. It combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a relatively small high-voltage battery, giving useful electric-only mileage for short journeys while retaining the long-distance flexibility of a petrol saloon.
For charging, the BMW 745e is a straightforward car. It uses Type 2 AC charging and is limited by an onboard charger rated at around 3.7 kW. That means the right cable and a regular charging routine matter more than searching for the fastest public charger. A 7 kW home wallbox or public AC post is suitable, but the car will only draw up to its own onboard limit rather than the full output of the charger.
BMW 745e Battery and Charging Specifications
The UK BMW 745e plug-in hybrid line-up included the rear-wheel-drive 745e saloon and longer-wheelbase 745Le models, with xDrive available on the 745Le xDrive. BMW technical information for this generation lists a 12.0 kWh gross high-voltage battery. A precise UK usable battery capacity is not consistently published in the BMW sources checked, so it is better to avoid treating third-party usable capacity estimates as an official figure.
The charging connector is Type 2 for AC charging. Charging-data sources commonly report the charge inlet position as the front-left side of the vehicle, so used buyers should inspect that area carefully and check that the flap, connector and cable lock operate correctly.
| Vehicle type | Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 12.0 kWh gross, according to BMW technical data |
| Charging connector | Type 2 AC |
| Maximum AC charging rate | About 3.7 kW |
| Typical full charge time | BMW quotes around 4.4 hours at 3.7 kW, 16 A / 230 V |
| DC rapid charging | Not supported in the charging data checked |
| Electric range | Commonly quoted at around 30 to 32 miles WLTP, with real-world use often lower |
Battery Options
For the 745e, 745Le and 745Le xDrive generation covered here, BMW official technical data refers to a 12.0 kWh gross battery. Unlike many fully electric cars, there were not large and small battery options to choose from in the same way you might see on a battery-electric vehicle. The 745e was designed to provide a useful electric driving range for commuting, local journeys and urban sections, rather than to replace the petrol engine for long motorway trips.
The battery is installed beneath the rear seats. BMW’s technical material lists a 420-litre boot figure, which is useful context for owners comparing the plug-in hybrid with other large saloons. As with any used plug-in hybrid, the actual electric range you see will depend on battery condition, journey type, weather, tyre choice, speed, heating or air-conditioning use, and how often the car is charged.
AC Charging Speed
AC charging is the main charging method for the BMW 745e. BMW technical data states a 100% charge time of around 4.4 hours at 3.7 kW, 16 A / 230 V. In practical terms, this makes overnight home charging very easy, and it also makes workplace charging useful if the car can be plugged in for several hours during the day.
A key point for owners is that a more powerful AC post will not make the 745e charge dramatically faster. If you plug into a 7 kW home wallbox, an 11 kW three-phase post or a 22 kW public AC charger, the vehicle’s onboard charger remains the limiting factor. The car will take only what it can accept, which is around 3.7 kW.
For cable selection, a single-phase 16 A Type 2 charging cable is technically sufficient for the 745e’s onboard charging capability. However, some owners choose a 32 A Type 2 cable because it can be useful with other vehicles and may offer better future compatibility if they later move to a faster-charging plug-in hybrid or a full EV.
DC Rapid Charging Speed
The BMW 745e should not be treated like a rapid-charging electric car. The charging information checked for this model indicates Type 2 AC charging only, with no CCS rapid charging inlet and no supported DC rapid charging capability. That means there is no meaningful 10-80% DC rapid-charge time to quote for the 745e.
At public charging locations, the 745e owner should look for AC charging points rather than motorway-style DC rapid chargers. Rapid chargers are designed primarily for battery-electric vehicles and some newer plug-in hybrids with DC capability. For the 745e, the practical approach is to top up on AC wherever the car will be parked for a reasonable period, such as at home, work, a hotel, a car park or a destination charger.
Range and Efficiency
Range figures for the BMW 745e need a little context because official and third-party sources do not always present the same cycle or model-variant assumptions. BMW launch information gave electric range figures in the mid-30-mile area under the test context used at the time, while later WLTP-oriented sources commonly quote around 30 to 32 miles. In everyday UK driving, a real-world electric range of roughly 25 miles is a sensible expectation for many drivers, although careful low-speed use in mild weather may do better and winter motorway use may do worse.
This kind of range can still be very useful. Many local errands, school runs, office commutes and city-centre trips can be covered partly or fully on electric power if the car is charged regularly. The mistake is to use the 745e like a conventional petrol car and only plug in occasionally. Because the battery is small compared with a full EV battery, frequent top-ups are the best way to get value from the plug-in hybrid system.
Charging at Home
Home charging is usually the most convenient way to run a BMW 745e efficiently. If you have off-street parking, a dedicated home wallbox gives a safer, neater and more convenient setup than relying on a domestic socket. Even though the car is limited to around 3.7 kW, a typical 7 kW home wallbox is still a good match because the vehicle will simply draw what it can accept.
With a dedicated wallbox, the 745e can usually be charged from low to full in an evening or overnight. Owners on an off-peak electricity tariff may be able to schedule charging during cheaper hours, although the financial benefit depends on the tariff, the amount of electric driving and how often the battery is topped up.
A 3-pin charger is generally best suited as a backup or occasional charging solution, but can be used regularly if a qualified electrician has confirmed the socket and electrical installation are suitable for sustained EV charging. Avoid using damaged sockets, extension leads or improvised outdoor arrangements. Plug-in hybrids draw power for several hours, so the quality and suitability of the electrical installation matters.
Public Charging
Public charging for the BMW 745e is most useful at destinations where the car will be parked for a few hours. Examples include workplace car parks, shopping centres, town-centre parking, hotels, leisure venues and long-stay parking areas. In those settings, a Type 2 AC cable is normally the cable you will need.
Because the 745e does not support DC rapid charging in the sources checked, it is usually not worth occupying or queuing for rapid chargers. Even where a charging hub includes AC and DC units, choose the AC option. The car’s 3.7 kW limit means that a short stop will only add a modest amount of electric range, so public charging makes most sense when it fits naturally with where you are already parking.
If you are buying a used BMW 745e, check whether the car comes with its original charging cable or a suitable replacement. Also confirm that the cable has the right connector type and current rating for the charging you expect to do. A missing or unsuitable cable is easy to overlook during a used-car purchase, but it can affect how convenient the car is from day one.
Vehicle-Specific Features
The 745e’s plug-in hybrid system combines a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. BMW quoted a combined system output of 290 kW / 394 hp, making this a performance-focused luxury saloon as well as an efficient short-distance electric commuter when charged regularly.
BMW’s Battery Control mode is particularly relevant for 745e owners. It can hold or increase the battery’s state of charge so electric driving can be saved for later, such as an urban area, low-emission zone or quiet residential section. Used thoughtfully, this helps match the electric range to the parts of a journey where it is most beneficial.
BMW official material also notes that the high-voltage battery can run auxiliary air conditioning. This can improve comfort before setting off, especially when the car is plugged in, but it should not be confused with rapid-charging-related battery preparation because the 745e is not a DC rapid-charging vehicle.
Charging Tips
- Use a Type 2 cable: The BMW 745e uses Type 2 AC charging for home wallboxes and most UK public AC posts.
- Do not overestimate charger speed: A 7 kW, 11 kW or 22 kW AC charger will not make the 745e charge beyond its onboard limit of around 3.7 kW.
- Top up often: Plug in at home, work or regular destinations rather than waiting for the battery to be empty.
- Choose the right cable rating: A 16 A single-phase Type 2 cable is technically enough for this car, while a 32 A cable may be preferred for broader compatibility.
- Check used-car equipment: Make sure the charging cable is present, undamaged and suitable for UK Type 2 charging.
- Inspect the charge port: The inlet is commonly reported as being on the front-left side, so check the flap and connector condition when buying used.
- Plan public charging around parking time: The 745e is best suited to destination AC charging rather than short rapid-charging stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW 745e fully electric?
No. The BMW 745e is a plug-in hybrid. It has a petrol engine, an electric motor and a rechargeable high-voltage battery. It can drive on electric power for shorter journeys, but it is not a battery-electric vehicle.
What charging cable does the BMW 745e use?
The BMW 745e uses a Type 2 AC charging cable for home wallboxes and public AC charging posts in the UK.
How fast can the BMW 745e charge?
BMW technical data indicates AC charging at around 3.7 kW, with a full charge taking around 4.4 hours at 3.7 kW, 16 A / 230 V. The exact time in everyday use can vary depending on the starting charge level and charging equipment.
Can the BMW 745e use a rapid charger?
The charging data checked for this model does not support DC rapid charging. The 745e is an AC Type 2 charging plug-in hybrid, so owners should use home wallboxes and public AC posts rather than CCS rapid chargers.
Will a 7 kW wallbox charge the BMW 745e faster?
A 7 kW wallbox is suitable, but the car will still be limited by its onboard charger at around 3.7 kW. The wallbox does not force the car to charge faster than it is designed to accept.
What electric range should I expect?
Later WLTP-oriented sources commonly quote around 30 to 32 miles, while real-world range is often closer to about 25 miles depending on conditions and driving style. Cold weather, higher speeds and heavy use of cabin heating can reduce electric range.
What This Means for Drivers
The BMW 745e is a good example of a plug-in hybrid where simple, regular charging is more important than maximum charger power. Its luxury-car performance and refinement are paired with a modest battery that works best when it is topped up frequently. If most of your daily journeys are short, charging at home overnight and at work or destinations when convenient can significantly increase the share of miles driven on electricity.
The main thing to avoid is over-specification. You do not need to plan around DC rapid chargers, and a high-output public AC post will not bypass the car’s 3.7 kW onboard limit. For most UK owners, the practical setup is a suitable Type 2 cable, a safe home charging arrangement, and realistic expectations about electric range.
Looking for a Charging Cable for BMW 745e?
If you need a suitable Type 2 cable for home or public AC charging, We offer BMW 745e charging cables to help you match the car’s plug-in hybrid charging requirements.
Please note that this information is intended as a guide. Charging specifications may change due to model and year of manufacture. For precise information, always refer to your vehicle user manual.
