Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW i3 (2013-2022) running costs, insurance, warranty & tax

When new, the BMW i3 was pricier to buy than some less premium rivals, but day-to-day running costs are as low as for any EV

Overall rating

3.0 out of 5

Running costs & insurance rating

4.0 out of 5

Fuel Types:
Electric, Petrol
Insurance groupWarrantyService intervalsAnnual company-car cost (20%/40%)
28-293yrs/unlimited miles2yrs/18,000 milesFrom £135/£270

The BMW i3 is expensive to buy, especially if you’re trying to the most range for your money. The Hyundai Kona Electric goes further on a full charge for a similar price, while the Nissan Leaf and Renault ZOE look even better value.

Advertisement - Article continues below

No rival has either the prestige or design cool of the BMW, of course, and the i3’s success suggests drivers are prepared to pay for that privilege. Charging an i3 overnight will cost little more than a couple of pounds, while company-car drivers enjoy 2% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax until at least April 2024.

BMW i3 insurance group

Group 28 out of 50 (for the i3) and 29 (for the i3s) insurance ratings mean premiums won't be cheap compared to conventional city cars. It'll cost a little more to insure the i3 than a Kona Electric, but the difference is unlikely to be drastic.

Warranty

There's a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty for all BMW i models, along with an eight-year/100,000-mile guarantee for the battery. Warranty extensions are available too, as long as servicing is done on time.

Servicing

The BMW i3 service plan costs just £239 annually and includes full diagnostic checks and parts replacement if required for electrical items.

Road tax

There’s no road tax (aka Vehicle Excise Duty, or VED) to pay on a BMW i3, thanks to its zero CO2 emissions. London drivers also benefit from free entry to the Congestion Charge zone until 2025.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Where can I buy hydrogen and where is my nearest hydrogen filling station?
hydrogen filling station
Your questions answered

Where can I buy hydrogen and where is my nearest hydrogen filling station?

A guide to where you can find hydrogen fuel stations in the UK
30 Sep 2024
Kia EV6 review
Kia EV6 - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Kia EV6 review

Kia’s electric family SUV impresses with head-turning looks, a decent driving experience and an efficient powertrain
7 Oct 2024
Top 10 best 4x4 electric cars 2024
Best electric 4X4
Best cars

Top 10 best 4x4 electric cars 2024

Whether you’re looking to venture off road, or just want some extra assurance in the winter months, we list the best four-wheel-drive electric cars on…
8 Oct 2024