A BMW i3 built for the US or Canadian market has a different charging inlet from the CCS2 stations used in Europe. With the right adapter you can charge it in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Which inlet your car has
US and Canadian BMW i3 cars with fast charging have a CCS1 (Combo 1) inlet. Choose the dedicated BMW i3 adapter version for this model. A European i3 with a Type 2 / CCS2 inlet needs no adapter.
DC fast charging
At a fast charger use a CCS2 → CCS1 adapter. The adapter’s rated power is not the car’s charging power: real speed depends on the car, the station and the battery’s state.
AC charging
At Type 2 AC stations and home chargers, charge through CCS2 → CCS1 adapters described as “AC + DC”. North American cars usually charge on AC with a single phase, so more slowly than European models.
Check before buying
- the car’s market and year (the inlet differs by market);
- whether the car has DC fast charging;
- the requirements in the chosen adapter’s description.
How to charge at a station with an adapter
- Start the session with the operator’s app or card.
- Plug the adapter into the car first and make sure it has locked.
- Then plug the charger’s CCS2 cable into the adapter.
- Wait for the charger and the car to connect – with an adapter it can take a few seconds longer.
- When finished, stop the session first and only then unplug the cable and the adapter.
What charging speed to expect
The speed depends on the BMW i3 itself, the charger’s power, battery temperature and state of charge. A cold battery charges more slowly in winter, and above roughly 80 % most cars reduce power. The adapter’s rating (250 kW or 500 kW) is only an upper limit – an adapter does not make the car charge faster, it simply must not become the bottleneck.
Charging at home
Home chargers in Europe have a Type 2 connector. A US BMW i3 charges at home through a CCS2 → CCS1 adapter whose description lists both AC and DC charging. North American on-board chargers usually use one phase: about 3.7 kW at 16 A and 7.4 kW at 32 A. For overnight charging that is usually plenty.
Travelling in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia
Fast chargers along the main roads in the Baltic states have a CCS2 cable, so always keep the adapter in the car. Before a trip, check the charger’s power and status in the operators’ apps. If a charger does not connect to the car through the adapter, try another unit at the same site.
Safe use
- check the contacts before every charge – they must be clean and dry;
- do not use a cracked or wet adapter, extension leads or chains of adapters;
- never unplug the adapter before the session has stopped;
- store the adapter somewhere dry, ideally in its case.
Questions about the BMW i3
Can a BMW i3 use fast chargers in the Baltics?
Yes, with a CCS2 → CCS1 adapter, if the car has DC fast charging (two thick DC contacts at the bottom of the inlet).
Can the adapter damage the battery?
No. Charging is controlled by the car and the charger: the car itself states what voltage and current it can accept. The adapter only joins the different connectors and passes these signals on.
Will the adapter fit if I change cars?
It fits another car with the same inlet. If your new car has a different inlet you will need an adapter for that direction – you can return an item within 14 days.
Not sure? Send a photo of your car’s inlet and its details to info@ccs2.lt and we will help you choose. More in our guide to EVs imported from the US.