40 amp vs 48 amp charger for a BMW iX
For the trims below, EPA data shows the car accepts more than a 40 A charger delivers (9.6 kW). A 48 A charger (11.52 kW) saves up to about 2.2 hours on an empty-to-full charge (estimate). It needs a 60 A breaker instead of 50 A.
Per trim
| Trim | Empty→full at 40 A | Empty→full at 48 A | Miles per 8 h at 40 A | Miles per 8 h at 48 A | Why we think it accepts more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 iX xDrive60 (20 inch Wheels) | 13.2 h | 11.0 h | 221 mi | 266 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.5 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
| 2026 iX xDrive45 (20 inch Wheels) | 11.7 h | 9.8–10.0 h | 213 mi | 256 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.2 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
| 2026 iX xDrive60 (21 inch Wheels) | 13.2 h | 11.0 h | 206 mi | 248 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.5 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
| 2026 iX xDrive45 (21 inch Wheels) | 11.7 h | 9.7–10.0 h | 204 mi | 244 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.2 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
| 2026 iX xDrive60 (22 inch Wheels) | 13.1 h | 10.9–11.0 h | 199 mi | 239 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.4 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
| 2026 iX xDrive45 (23 inch Wheels) | 11.7 h | 9.7–10.0 h | 199 mi | 239 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.2 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
| 2026 iX xDrive60 (23 inch Wheels) | 13.1 h | 10.9–11.0 h | 194 mi | 233 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.4 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
| 2026 iX xDrive45 (22 inch Wheels) | 11.7 h | 9.8–10.0 h | 191 mi | 229 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.2 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
| 2026 iX M70 (21 inch Wheels) | 13.3 h | 11.0 h | 183 mi | 219 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.6 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
| 2026 iX M70 (22 inch Wheels) | 13.2 h | 11.0 h | 173 mi | 207 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.5 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
| 2026 iX M70 (23 inch Wheels) | 13.2 h | 11.0 h | 171 mi | 206 mi (max) | EPA 240 V time implies an average of 11.5 kW, so it must accept more than 9.6 kW at times |
Estimates: energy for the full EPA range (kWh/100 mi × range ÷ 100, at the wall) ÷ charging power. Where EPA states the onboard charger we cap at it. Otherwise the 48 A figure is a range: from full 11.52 kW down to the average power implied by EPA's 240 V time, because the true onboard limit isn't in EPA data. Real charging tapers near 100%. Vehicle data: fueleconomy.gov.
For the other 8 trim(s) EPA data doesn't show more than 9.6 kW being accepted, so a 48 A charger may not help them: 2025 iX xDrive40 (22 inch Wheels), 2025 iX xDrive40 (20 inch Wheels), 2025 iX xDrive40 (21 inch Wheels), 2025 iX xDrive50 (20 inch wheels), 2025 iX xDrive50 (21 inch wheels), 2025 iX xDrive50 (22 inch wheels), 2025 iX M60 (22 inch Wheels), 2025 iX M60 (21 inch Wheels).
Does it matter day to day?
Most drivers plug in overnight and rarely charge from empty. Both chargers add 221+ miles in 8 hours for the most efficient qualifying trim. The 48 A option mainly helps with long daily drives, short charging windows on time-of-use plans, or sharing one charger between two cars. The bigger circuit can cost more to install (wire size, panel capacity), and that cost isn't in our data.
Certified chargers at each size
ENERGY STAR lists 20 featured 40 A and 26 featured 48 A chargers: 40 A chargers · 48 A chargers · breaker sizes. Most can be set to a lower current if your panel can't supply 60 A.
All BMW iX charging times · Calculator
Not electrical advice; use a licensed electrician.