How Long Does it Take to Charge an EV Car​ at Station​

One of the biggest differences between electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional gas-powered cars is the time it takes to refuel. While filling up a gas tank only takes a few minutes, charging an EV can take much longer, depending on several factors. In fact, the time needed to fully charge an EV can vary from as little as 15 minutes to as long as 40 hours or more. Understanding these variables can help EV owners manage their charging schedules more effectively.

Summary

The main factors affecting electric vehicle (EV) charging time are:

(1) Battery Size: Larger batteries take longer to charge. For example, a typical 60kWh battery takes around 8 hours to fully charge using a 7kW charger.

(2) Charging Point Power: Higher-powered charging points charge faster. A 50kW rapid charger, for instance, can add around 100 miles of range in approximately 35 minutes.

(3) Charging Method: Most drivers top up charge rather than waiting for their battery to recharge from empty-to-full.

Tip: Charging an electric car is similar to charging a mobile phone; you top it up during the day if you need to and give it a full charge at home overnight. You can take a look at our home charging stations

How long does it take to charge an EV car​ ？

Empty-to-full time to charge with different chargepoint speeds:

The Bigger the Battery, the Longer the Charging Time

In electric vehicles (EVs), the battery serves as the powerhouse, providing the energy required to run the motor. The larger the battery, the more energy it can store, which directly translates to a greater driving range. For example, fully electric vehicles (EVs) from brands like Lucid and Tesla offer ranges that can exceed 400 miles, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) typically offer around 40 miles on electric power alone due to their smaller battery size.

This difference in battery capacity has a significant impact on charging time. Smaller batteries in PHEVs take less time to recharge; a PHEV can often be fully recharged in just two hours with a Level 2 charger. In contrast, fully electric vehicles, with their larger and more robust batteries, generally require at least seven hours to reach a full charge on the same Level 2 charger.

Here's some more information about driving range and Level 2 charging time regarding popular plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles:

If you don’t see the model you’re looking for, you can browse other EV options.

For more details on EV home charging, click [Podpoint].

Charging Method Impacts Charging Time

Electric vehicles (EVs) can be charged in a variety of ways, each with its own impact on charging time. Understanding these options can help EV owners choose the method that best suits their needs. Here’s a look at the main types of EV charging and how they affect charging duration:

Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging

For EV owners, DC fast charging is the fastest way to recharge, making it ideal for quickly topping up range. Unlike Level 1 or Level 2 chargers, DC fast chargers require a 480-volt connection and are therefore not suitable for home installation. Instead, you’ll find DC fast chargers at public locations like shopping centers, supermarkets, theaters, and coffee shops.

Key Points About DC Fast Charging

Compatibility: While newer EV models generally support DC fast charging, some older EVs do not have this capability. Additionally, most plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are not equipped to use DC fast chargers.

Charging Time: Using a DC fast charger, an all-electric vehicle can be recharged to 80% in just 20 minutes to one hour, depending on the battery size and the charger’s power.

Battery Care and Charging Limitations:

80% Limit: Most manufacturers recommend stopping at 80% capacity when using DC fast chargers regularly. Charging to 100% using DC fast charging can put strain on the battery, potentially impacting its longevity. The exception is for long road trips, where a full charge might be needed.

Reduced Charging Speed After 80%: Once an EV reaches 80% capacity, the charging speed decreases significantly to protect battery health. This means that while the first 80% charges quickly, the last 20% may take much longer.

Understanding the Variables in DC Fast Charging Speeds

1. Charger Power Output

DC fast chargers come with different power outputs, ranging from 15 kW to over 350 kW. Generally, the higher the output, the faster your EV will charge. However, the vehicle’s charging rate also plays a crucial role.

2. Vehicle’s Maximum Charging Rate

Each EV model has a maximum charging rate it can handle. For example, if your EV can accept a maximum of 130 kW, using a 350-kW charger won’t speed up the process beyond that 130 kW rate. Charging is therefore limited to the lower rate between the vehicle’s capacity and the charger’s power output.

3. Battery State of Charge (SOC)

The current charge level of the battery can impact charging speed. Charging from a very low state (like 5%) may take longer than from a partially charged level (such as 25%). Additionally, as the battery approaches 80% capacity, the charging speed reduces to help protect the battery’s long-term health. This means that the final 20% of charging can be significantly slower.

4. Environmental Conditions

Cold weather can slow down charging speeds, as lower temperatures affect battery chemistry and reduce charging efficiency. EVs may take longer to charge in colder conditions than they would in moderate temperatures.

Here are some DC fast charging times for popular EVs:

Level 2 Charging: Faster Home and Public Charging

Level 2 charging is a faster alternative to Level 1, using a 240-volt outlet for residential setups or a 208-volt outlet in commercial locations. At home, Level 2 charging may simply use a 240V outlet or be enhanced with a dedicated wall box, which speeds up charging even further.

This type of charging is also available at some workplaces and public stations. For fully electric vehicles, Level 2 charging can recharge the battery from empty to 80% in about 4 to 10 hours. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) charge even faster, usually taking just 1 to 2 hours.

Level 1 Charging: The Slowest Method for Home Charging

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet, making it convenient but slow, adding only 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. Charging a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can take around 5 hours, while a fully electric vehicle (EV) may require 30 to 50 hours or more to fully charge.

This method is suitable for those with short daily commutes or who can charge overnight. For faster charging, a Level 2 charger may be a better option.

The table shows that Level 1 charging can take two days or more for some all-electric vehicles. For that reason, some EV manufacturers recommend against using this charging method.

What is top up charging?

Most electric car drivers plug-in to charge whenever they park, be it at home overnight or during the day at the supermarket, gym or their workplace. This is called top up charging.

(1) Public and workplace charging points typically range from 7kW to 22kW, making them ideal for top up charging.

(2) Instead of letting the battery run empty and waiting while it fully recharges, drivers make use of the time their car is parked (which is about 95% of the time) to keep the battery topped up.

(3) Combining daytime top-up charging with overnight charging at home is an effective way to keep your electric car charged and ready to go.

Conclusion

Understanding the different charging options and their respective times can help you better plan your charging needs when on the road. Whether using Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charging, knowing how long it takes to charge your EV at a station can enhance your overall driving experien