How Much Does It Cost to Charge a BMW i5 in Montana?

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 BMW i5 at home in Montana costs approximately $41/month — that's $0.041/mile and saves $1,098/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Montana's gas price of $3.70/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

$0.041

home charging

Monthly Cost

$41

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$1,098

vs. 28 MPG gas car

About the 2026 BMW i5

The BMW i5 is the electric 5 Series — one of the most eagerly awaited EV transitions in automotive history. At $66,800, it offers 295 miles of range in the eDrive40 configuration, with M60 xDrive delivering 601 hp for those who want executive sedan performance at supercar levels.

Advantages

✓295 miles in eDrive40 — solid range for a full-size luxury sedan

✓Executive-class interior quality is benchmark-setting

✓M60 produces 601 hp and 0–60 in 3.8 seconds

✓Bi-directional charging (V2H) available on select markets

Considerations

✗$66,800+ price positions it against Tesla Model S at a lower price

✗3.2 mi/kWh efficiency is below the Model S in the same class

✗205 kW charging is strong but not 800V level

✗Limited model variety vs. gas 5 Series lineup

Ideal Buyer

5 Series loyalists who want to transition to electric without sacrificing interior quality or driving refinement. Executive lease buyers who need a premium EV statement car.

vs. Gas Equivalent

Direct EV replacement for the BMW 5 Series 530i or 540i. Gas equivalent fuel economy is approximately 26–28 MPG.

BMW i5 Charging Cost Breakdown in Montana

Montana's electricity rate of $0.13/kWh is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the BMW i5's 84 kWh battery costs $10.92 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.13

$41

$488

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.23

$73

$878

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$153

$1,838

⛽ Gasoline (28 MPG)

$3.70/gal

$132

$1,586

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 i5Specs & Charging Data

205 kW DC fast charging. The 84 kWh battery charges 10–80% in approximately 31 minutes. Level 2 at home (11 kW) fully charges in approximately 7 hours.

Battery

84 kWh

EPA Range

295 miles

Efficiency

3.2 mi/kWh

kWh/100 miles

31.3 kWh

DC Fast Charge

205 kW max

10–80% Time

~25 min

Body Type

Sedan

MSRP

$66,800

Full Charge Cost

$10.92

EV Ownership in Montana

Montana has low EV adoption due to its vast rural geography and limited charging infrastructure. Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman are the primary markets. The state's scenic driving routes and outdoor culture are increasingly attracting EV road-trippers.

Incentives & Programs

Montana has no state EV tax credit. Federal incentives apply. NorthWestern Energy offers no dedicated EV rate plans currently, though this may change as the market grows.

Charging Infrastructure

I-90 and I-15 corridors have sparse DCFC coverage. Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman have limited urban charging. Gaps of 100+ miles exist on many Montana routes — this is one of the most challenging EV states for long-distance driving.

Grid & Energy Source

Montana's grid is roughly 60% hydro and 30% coal — an unusual mix. The hydro-heavy portion makes Montana's EV charging fairly clean, though the coal-heavy Billings area is somewhat less so.

MontanaElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Montana is $0.13/kWh, which is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.70/gallon, Montana 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 i5's 84 kWh battery provides up to 295 miles of EPA-rated range. Real-world range may vary by 10–30% depending on temperature, speed, and terrain.

Annual EV Cost (home)

$488

BMW i5 @ $0.13/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,586

@ $3.70/gallon in Montana

You save every year by driving electric in Montana

$1,098/year

That's $92/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Montana

Monthly cost comparison for 1,000 miles in a BMW i5:

🏠 Home L2

$41

$41/mo

🔌 Public L2

$73

$73/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$153

$153/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$132

$132/mo

Tips for Charging Your BMW i5 in Montana

Montana's cold climate and charging infrastructure have specific implications for BMW i5 owners. Here are practical tips to maximize range and minimize charging costs in this state:

Montana's charging gaps are real — use A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) to map your entire Montana route before departure.

Glacier and Yellowstone access roads have limited charging. Plan to arrive with a near-full charge.

Montana's winters are severe: -20°F is not uncommon. Range can drop 40–50% in extreme cold — treat the battery like a critical resource.

Bozeman is the most EV-friendly city in Montana, with growing Tesla and third-party infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge a BMW i5 at home in Montana?

At Montana's average residential rate of $0.13/kWh, charging a 2026 BMW i5 at home costs approximately $41/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $10.92.

How much does it cost to fully charge a BMW i5?

A full charge of the BMW i5's 84 kWh battery costs $10.92 at Montana's rate of $0.13/kWh. At a public DC fast charger ($0.49/kWh), that's about $41.16.

Is it cheaper to charge a BMW i5 or drive a gas car in Montana?

Home charging the BMW i5 in Montana costs $0.041/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.13/mile at Montana's gas price of $3.70/gallon. EVs save approximately $1,098/year.

How long does it take to charge a BMW i5 with DC fast charging?

The BMW i5 supports up to 205 kW DC fast charging. A 10–80% charge takes approximately 25 minutes at peak speed. Actual time varies by charger capacity, battery temperature, and current state of charge.

How much does a BMW i5 add to your electric bill in Montana?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a BMW i5 adds about $41 to your monthly electric bill in Montana. That's 31.3 kWh per 100 miles × $0.13/kWh.

How does cold weather in Montana affect BMW i5 range?

Cold winters in Montana can reduce BMW i5 range by 20–40%. With a 84 kWh battery and 295-mile EPA range, plan for 207–236 miles in cold conditions. Use the scheduled departure feature to pre-heat the cabin while still plugged in to preserve driving range.