How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Car?

The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on several factors, including the type of charger, the battery size, and the car's maximum charging rate. This guide will help you understand all of these factors.

Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding the charging times for electric vehicles (EVs).

Factors Influencing Charging Time

Type of Charger

Slow Chargers (3-6 kW): These are typically used for home charging or at workplaces. They are the least powerful and take the longest time to charge an EV.

Fast Chargers (7-22 kW): Commonly found in public places like supermarkets and car parks, these chargers provide a quicker charging time than slow chargers.

Rapid Chargers (43-350 kW): These are the most powerful chargers, usually located at motorway service stations. They can charge an EV much faster than both slow and fast chargers.

Battery Size: The capacity of an EV’s battery, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), directly affects how long it takes to charge. Larger batteries will take longer to charge than smaller ones.

State of Charge (SoC): Charging times vary depending on the current SoC of the battery. Charging from 0% to 80% is typically faster than from 80% to 100% due to the way batteries manage power input.

Vehicle’s Maximum Charging Rate: Each EV has a maximum charging rate it can accept. Even if a charger can provide 50 kW, an EV that can only accept 22 kW will charge at the lower rate.

Typical Charging Times

To provide a clearer understanding, here are some average charging times for different scenarios based on a mid-range EV with a 60 kWh battery:

Home Charging (Slow Charger)

3 kW Home Charger: Approximately 20 hours for a full charge.

7 kW Home Charger: Approximately 8-10 hours for a full charge.

Public Charging (Fast Charger)

7 kW Charger: Approximately 8-10 hours for a full charge.

22 kW Charger: Approximately 3-4 hours for a full charge.

Rapid Charging

50 kW Rapid Charger: Approximately 1-1.5 hours to charge from 0% to 80%.

150 kW Rapid Charger: Approximately 30-40 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%.

350 kW Rapid Charger: Approximately 15-20 minutes to charge from 0% to 80% (available for EVs that can accept such high rates).

Real-World Examples

Nissan Leaf (40 kWh Battery)

3 kW Home Charger: Around 13-14 hours for a full charge.

7 kW Home Charger: Around 6-7 hours for a full charge.

50 kW Rapid Charger: Around 40-60 minutes to 80%.

Tesla Model 3 (Long Range - 75 kWh Battery)

3 kW Home Charger: Around 25 hours for a full charge.

7 kW Home Charger: Around 11-12 hours for a full charge.

50 kW Rapid Charger: Around 1.5 hours to 80%.

150 kW Supercharger: Around 40 minutes to 80%.

Hyundai Kona Electric (64 kWh Battery)

3 kW Home Charger: Around 21-22 hours for a full charge.

7 kW Home Charger: Around 9-10 hours for a full charge.

50 kW Rapid Charger: Around 75 minutes to 80%.

100 kW Rapid Charger: Around 45 minutes to 80%.

Tips to Optimize Charging Time

Use Rapid Chargers for Quick Top-Ups: For long journeys or quick top-ups, use rapid chargers strategically located on motorways and highways.

Charge Overnight at Home: Utilize home charging overnight to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates and wake up to a fully charged car.

Plan Charging Stops: For long trips, plan your route with charging stops at optimal locations to minimize downtime.

Monitor Charging Habits: Regularly monitor your EV's charging habits and adjust based on your daily driving needs and available charging infrastructure.

Conclusion

The time it takes to charge an electric car varies widely based on the type of charger, battery size, and the car's charging capabilities. By understanding these factors and planning accordingly, you can efficiently manage your EV's charging needs and enjoy the benefits of electric driving.