- The first BMW EV with a native NACS charge port is now on sale in the U.S.
- It’s an existing model in BMW’s lineup that got the update.
- Weirdly, though, just one of the three available trims gets the NACS port.
The all-new BMW iX3 and i3 are quite the impressive electric cars, and they’ll come with a native NACS charge port when they land stateside later this year. However, they’re not the first BMW EVs with a Tesla-style charging inlet.
That’s because the German automaker quietly updated the i5 four-door sedan with the charging port that’s slowly taking over in North America. However, the car manufacturer’s rollout is a little peculiar–let me explain.
The 2026 BMW i5 M60, which is the top-spec i5 sold in America, gets a NACS charge port from the factory. Meanwhile, the 2026 i5 eDrive40 and 2026 i5 xDrive40 still come with a CCS1 charge port, which is somewhat unusual, considering that all U.S.-bound i5s are assembled at the same factory in Dingolfing, Germany.
BMW gained access to Tesla’s Supercharger network of DC fast chargers late last year, so nearly all modern BMW EVs can use Tesla’s stalls, but now the 2026 i5 M60 doesn’t need an adapter anymore. For CCS-equipped EVs, a certified Lectron-made adapter is needed.
According to the German marque, the 2026 i5 M60 also has Plug & Charge functionality at Superchargers, with owners required to first set up a Shell Recharge account within the My BMW App. Here’s the thing, tough: besides being the only BMW EV with a NACS port in the U.S., the i5 M60 is currently the only 2026 i5 model that can use Tesla Superchargers, full stop. (Older model year i5 EVs can use Tesla’s DC fast chargers, though.)
The carmaker states on its website that the 2026 i5 eDrive40 and 2026 i5 xDrive40 will get a software update this spring, enabling them to use Tesla Superchargers. Until that happens, the only Superchargers open for business are those equipped with the so-called Magic Dock connector, which is effectively a built-in CCS adapter.
Model year 2026 BMW i5 xDrive40 and 2026 BMW i5 eDrive40 vehicles will receive this adapter-enabling RSU in early spring 2026. Before that update, they can still charge at Tesla Superchargers equipped with a Magic Dock.
Please note that the 2026 BMW i5 M60 is already equipped with a native NACS charge port and can charge at NACS stations, including NACS Partner Tesla Supercharger stations, without an adapter.
There’s more, though. The 2026 i5 M60 (that’s the one with the NACS port) comes standard with a Level 2 AC charging adapter, as well as a DC adapter for CCS-equipped stalls. Meanwhile, the two i5 trims with a CCS port don’t get any adapter in the box. That being said, all 2026 BMW i5 EVs get a portable charger and 1,000 kilowatt-hours of complimentary charging at Electrify America (or two years, whichever comes first).
The 2026 BMW i5 M60 starts from $85,550. It’s powered by an 81.2 kWh battery (usable) that enables an EPA-rated driving range of 277 miles. Two electric motors–one at the front and one at the rear–provide motivation, with a combined output of 593 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. DC fast charging tops out at 205 kW.
