EV 101: How Long Does It Take To Charge Your EV

As electric vehicles (EVs) get increasingly popular, one of the most common questions potential buyers ask is: “How long does it take to charge an EV?” The answer, as it turns out, is not as straightforward as you might think. With this in mind, let’s plug into the world of EV charging and break down the factors that influence how quickly you can get back on the road.

EV charging is typically categorized into three levels:

• Level 1 Charging: This is the most basic form of charging, using a standard 120-volt household outlet. While it is convenient, it is also the slowest method. Expect to add only about 2 miles to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. For a battery electric vehicle (BEV), it could take 40 to 50+ hours to charge from empty to 80%. This method is best suited for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with smaller batteries, taking about 5 to 6 hours to fully charge.
• Level 2 Charging: Known for Home and Public Use Level 2 chargers, it uses 240-volt power. This is the most common type for home installation and public charging stations. Level 2 charging can add about 10 miles to 20 miles of range per hour, fully charging a BEV in 4 to 10 hours and a PHEV in 1 to 2 hours. It’s the perfect balance between speed and practicality for overnight home charging.
• DC Fast Charging (DCFC): For those times when you need a quick boost, DC fast charging is the way to go. These high-powered stations can charge a BEV to 80% in just 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the EV and charger capabilities. However, most PHEVs are not compatible with fast charging.

It should be noted that despite utilizing different charging levels in different settings, there are several factors that you should know about that can affect or influence the charging time to fill up your EV properly. Here are the different factors that affect your EV’s charging time:

• Battery Size: Bigger batteries take longer to charge. As a result, take note that the bigger your EV’s battery and the slower the charging point, the longer it takes to charge from empty to full.
• Charger Capacity: Your EV’s onboard charger has its own power rating. A car with a 10 kW charger will fill up faster than one with a 6 kW charger, assuming the power source can keep up.
• State of Charge: Charging speeds are not constant. They are typically fastest when the battery is between 20% and 80% full. Charging slows down considerably at the beginning and end of a charging session to protect the battery.
• Weather Conditions: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect charging speeds and overall efficiency.
• Power Source: The charging station’s maximum output also plays a role. Even if your car can accept a higher charge rate, it will be limited by what the station can provide.

Read More: How to Keep Your Electric Car Going Far, No Matter the Weather

In practice, charging times can vary widely. DC fast charging can take anywhere from 25 minutes to even over an hour to go from 10% to 90%, depending on the EV model and as aforementioned, the battery pack size. For Level 2 charging, times range from about 5 hours for the most efficient models to over 13 hours for larger battery packs. Interestingly, the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study, shows Tesla’s Supercharger network scoring 731 out of 1,000 points, which makes it a favourite for EV owners to use.

Importantly, every EV has different battery pack sizes as aligned with its build whether it is a sedan or an SUV. For example, a GMC Hummer EV with its massive 205 kWh battery will take significantly longer to charge than a more efficient Lucid Air with a 112 kWh pack.

Notably, the availability of a charger on scene at the charging station will certainly play a part in influencing your time duration to charge your EV. The availability of high-power chargers (like 150 kW or 350 kW) can vary by region. Despite the amount of EV chargers have not reach beyond the number of gas stations in the U.S., the tracking progress has been making new milestones where the nation now has 1 EV charging station for every 15 gas stations. As of now, the U.S. Department of Energy reported data that shows the country now has 66,148 level 2 and level 3 charging stations.

Read More: The U.S. Now Has 1 EV Charging Station For Every 15 Gas Stations

As EV technology advances, charging times are likely to decrease. New battery technologies, more efficient EVs, and improved charging infrastructure are all in development. The recent introduction of the EV Charging Minimum Standards Rule by the Federal Highway Administration aims to make charging more reliable and user-friendly across the country.

While charging an EV still takes longer than filling up a gas tank, the convenience of home charging and the expanding network of fast chargers are making EV ownership increasingly practical. As you consider making the switch to electric, understanding charging times and planning accordingly can help ensure a smooth transition to the world of EVs.

Remember, the best EV charging strategy is the one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Whether it is overnight charging at home, topping up at work, or using fast chargers on long trips, there is an EV charging solution for every driver.

Want to learn more about EV? Thinking of buying an EV? Head over to EV.com and discover more.