How Much Does It Cost to Charge a BMW i4 in Illinois?

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 BMW i4 at home in Illinois costs approximately $49/month — that's $0.049/mile and saves $1,089/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Illinois's gas price of $3.90/gallon.

Sedans offer excellent aerodynamics and some of the highest efficiency ratings in the EV market, making them among the most cost-effective EVs to run daily. Cold weather reduces EV range by 20–40% as the battery heats itself and the cabin. Use scheduled departure to pre-heat on shore power before driving.

Cost per Mile

$0.049

home charging

Monthly Cost

$49

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$1,089

vs. 28 MPG gas car

About the 2026 BMW i4

The BMW i4 is the electric version of the beloved 4 Series Gran Coupe — a four-door fastback sedan that doesn't compromise driving dynamics for electrification. Available in eDrive40 (RWD, 301 miles) or M50 (AWD, 270 miles), it's the EV for driving purists.

Advantages

✓BMW's signature rear-wheel-drive dynamics translated brilliantly to electric

✓Stunning fastback design — one of the best-looking EVs available

✓M50 trim produces 544 hp with world-class handling

✓iDrive 8.5 is among the most refined automotive UIs available

Considerations

✗200 kW DCFC, while good, is below 800V competitors like Ioniq 5 or EV6 GT

✗M50's AWD adds weight that limits range to 270 miles

✗Gran Coupe roofline reduces rear headroom

✗No front trunk — limits total storage

Ideal Buyer

Driving enthusiasts who refuse to buy an EV that doesn't feel like a driver's car. BMW 3 or 4 Series owners ready to go electric. Buyers for whom style and dynamics matter as much as range.

vs. Gas Equivalent

Direct EV equivalent of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Gas equivalent fuel economy would be approximately 27 MPG for a comparable gas 4 Series.

BMW i4 Charging Cost Breakdown in Illinois

Illinois's electricity rate of $0.17/kWh is at the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the BMW i4's 81 kWh battery costs $13.77 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.17

$49

$583

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.31

$87

$1,049

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$140

$1,680

⛽ Gasoline (28 MPG)

$3.90/gal

$139

$1,671

Based on 1,000 miles/month. Public L2 estimated at 1.8× home rate. DC fast charging at national average of $0.49/kWh.

2026 BMW i4Specs & Charging Data

200 kW DC fast charging. Level 2 at home (11 kW AC onboard) charges the 81 kWh battery in approximately 6.5 hours. 0–80% DC fast charging takes approximately 31 minutes.

Battery

81 kWh

EPA Range

301 miles

Efficiency

3.5 mi/kWh

kWh/100 miles

28.6 kWh

DC Fast Charge

200 kW max

10–80% Time

~24 min

Body Type

Sedan

MSRP

$52,200

Full Charge Cost

$13.77

EV Ownership in Illinois

Illinois, led by Chicago, is a major EV market. The Chicago metro area has strong EV adoption, particularly in the northern suburbs. State EV policy has been increasingly supportive with new incentive programs.

Incentives & Programs

Illinois offers the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate (up to $4,000 for eligible buyers through the Illinois EPA). ComEd offers a Level 2 charger rebate and off-peak EV rates. The state also exempts EVs from a portion of annual registration fees.

Charging Infrastructure

Chicago and suburbs have strong DCFC coverage. I-90 and I-88 corridors are well-served. Downstate Illinois (Springfield, Peoria, Champaign) is growing. Some rural stretches still have limited coverage.

Grid & Energy Source

Illinois' grid is ~54% nuclear (the highest of any state), with natural gas and growing wind. Nuclear dominance means Illinois EV charging is among the cleanest in the Midwest, despite the high reliance on an older grid mix.

IllinoisElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Illinois is $0.17/kWh, which is at the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.90/gallon, Illinois ranks as a favorable state for EV ownership.

Cold weather reduces EV range by 20–40% as the battery heats itself and the cabin. Use scheduled departure to pre-heat on shore power before driving. Your BMW i4's 81 kWh battery provides up to 301 miles of EPA-rated range. Real-world range may vary by 10–30% depending on temperature, speed, and terrain.

Annual EV Cost (home)

$583

BMW i4 @ $0.17/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,671

@ $3.90/gallon in Illinois

You save every year by driving electric in Illinois

$1,089/year

That's $91/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Illinois

Monthly cost comparison for 1,000 miles in a BMW i4:

🏠 Home L2

$49

$49/mo

🔌 Public L2

$87

$87/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$140

$140/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$139

$139/mo

Tips for Charging Your BMW i4 in Illinois

Illinois's cold climate and charging infrastructure have specific implications for BMW i4 owners. Here are practical tips to maximize range and minimize charging costs in this state:

ComEd's Hourly Pricing program can drop rates below $0.05/kWh late at night when demand is low — advanced users can save significantly.

Chicago winters are harsh: expect 25–35% range reduction in January/February. Keep the car plugged in when not driving.

Illinois has the cleanest Midwestern grid due to nuclear dominance — charging here is genuinely low-carbon.

The Tollway (I-88, I-90) has EV charging at oases — convenient for longer-distance Illinois travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge a BMW i4 at home in Illinois?

At Illinois's average residential rate of $0.17/kWh, charging a 2026 BMW i4 at home costs approximately $49/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $13.77.

How much does it cost to fully charge a BMW i4?

A full charge of the BMW i4's 81 kWh battery costs $13.77 at Illinois's rate of $0.17/kWh. At a public DC fast charger ($0.49/kWh), that's about $39.69.

Is it cheaper to charge a BMW i4 or drive a gas car in Illinois?

Home charging the BMW i4 in Illinois costs $0.049/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.14/mile at Illinois's gas price of $3.90/gallon. EVs save approximately $1,089/year.

How long does it take to charge a BMW i4 with DC fast charging?

The BMW i4 supports up to 200 kW DC fast charging. A 10–80% charge takes approximately 24 minutes at peak speed. Actual time varies by charger capacity, battery temperature, and current state of charge.

How much does a BMW i4 add to your electric bill in Illinois?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a BMW i4 adds about $49 to your monthly electric bill in Illinois. That's 28.6 kWh per 100 miles × $0.17/kWh.

How does cold weather in Illinois affect BMW i4 range?

Cold winters in Illinois can reduce BMW i4 range by 20–40%. With a 81 kWh battery and 301-mile EPA range, plan for 211–241 miles in cold conditions. Use the scheduled departure feature to pre-heat the cabin while still plugged in to preserve driving range.