EV Charging Speed: How Long Does It Take To Charge An Electric Vehicle?

Switching from gas-powered cars to battery-electric vehicles is a significant transition for long-time drivers, necessitating a thorough discussion. This change involves learning new terms and developing new driving habits, primarily influenced by the distinct features and power sources of electric cars. Unlike traditional cars, electric vehicles come with unique functionalities such as regenerative braking, one-pedal driving, and various charging options. Drivers must acclimate to these differences to ensure a smooth and efficient driving experience. Understanding the intricacies of battery management, charging infrastructure, and energy consumption is crucial for maximizing the benefits and performance of electric vehicles.

Aside from environmental factors (as mentioned in the Paris Agreement), EV proponents bank on its ability to be charged at home instead of having to drive to a dedicated charging station. However, EV charging is not as simple as pressing the gas pump to full tank, which only takes less than 5 minutes. Charging your electric vehicle from empty to full can take hours. This remains the biggest hurdle for EV skeptics. This is also linked to "range anxiety", which is the fear of not having enough range to make it to your destination.

Once you're driving an EV, your driving habits will revolve around its range, battery capacity, and charging speed. Remember, almost every feature and accessory depends on the EV battery. While there is no industry standard in measuring charging speeds, having a rough idea of how long it would take to fully charge an electric car can help you overcome range anxiety and develop a more efficient driving routine.

Types of EV Chargers and Their Charging Speeds

In most cases, the type of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), more commonly referred to as EV chargers, dictates how fast you can recharge your electric vehicle's battery. There are three levels of EV charging: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging, each with different plug types, power requirements, and charging speeds.

Level 1 (Standard Household Outlet)

Level 1 EV chargers are the ones that come free with your EV--that's if your manufacturer or dealer still provides one. Some carmakers like Tesla have stopped giving complimentary chargers to their customers. Also called trickle chargers because of their slow charging speed, these can only supply between 1.3 kW and 2.4 kW, or roughly around 3 miles of range per hour of charging. The good thing about Level 1 chargers is they can be plugged into a standard 120-volt NEMA 5-15 outlet. However, this also limits their charging capabilities.

If you drive around 40 miles a day, a Level 1 charger may be enough for overnight replenishment. Otherwise, you might need a more powerful EVSE.

Level 2 (240-Volt Home and Public Chargers)

Level 2 EV chargers are the middle ground between the speed of public charging and the convenience of home charging. These come in two types: plug-in or hardwired. Much like Level 1 chargers, portable Level 2 chargers can be plugged into a standard household outlet (NEMA 14-50, the same one you use for large appliances). They can supply between 3 kW and 9.6 kW of power, which translates to up to 36 miles of range added per hour.

If you want faster charging at home, you may opt for hardwired Level 2 chargers instead. However, you might need to upgrade your existing electrical system to accommodate the additional load. Hardwired chargers have a max charging rate of 19.2 kW in the United States and up to 22 kW in Europe, translating to up to 75 miles of range per hour. These could either be wall-mounted or attached to a pedestal.

DC Fast Charging

DC fast chargers are the fastest and most powerful EV chargers, but they're more of a splurge rather than a necessity to most drivers. Instead of drawing AC power and letting the EV's onboard charger convert it to DC power, DC chargers supply direct current straight to the vehicle's battery, significantly speeding up the charging process. Like your typical gas pumps, DC chargers are installed in dedicated stations where drivers can pull up for a quick top-up. A drive-by is possible since DC chargers can supply up to 350 kW, which translates to 240 miles of range per hour or more. These can take full-battery electric cars from 0-80% in under 30 minutes! For more details on the subject check out our article on AC vs DC Charging.

However, experts suggest using fast chargers only when needed as frequent rapid charging is linked to battery degradation. As the charger uses so much power, it also generates a lot of heat, which could impact battery health in the long run.

Factors Affecting Charging Speed

Aside from the charging level, other factors may affect charging speed, including external environmental conditions battery capacity, and how empty the battery is.

Battery Size and Vehicle Model

A larger battery will take longer to charge, even when using the fastest charger available. For instance, a typical electric car 60kWh battery would take 8 hours to charge from empty to full using a 7.4kW Level 2 charger. Meanwhile, charging an 80kWh battery using the same charger would take 10-12 hours.

The battery size for electric vehicles varies depending on the model. For example, the Tesla Model S 2019 offers three trim levels: Standard Range, Long Range, and Performance. The Standard Range comes with a 75kWh battery, which requires around 10 hours to fully charge using a 7.4kW charger. In contrast, the Long Range and Performance trims both feature a 100kWh battery. Charging these larger batteries with the same 7.4kW charger will take over 13 hours to reach full capacity. This variation in battery size and charging time is essential for potential buyers to consider when choosing their ideal vehicle model.

Battery State of Charge

State of Charge (SOC) tells you how empty or full your EV battery is. This is critical in knowing how fast or slow the battery can be fully charged. A near-empty battery will be faster to recharge in the early stages. As it nears 100% or at around the 80% mark, charging will be slowed down to protect the battery from overheating. This is why you might notice the remaining 20% takes longer than the first 80%, just like with a mobile phone.

Both EVs and smartphones use lithium-ion batteries that naturally slow down the charging process to avoid heat buildup and ensure you and your EV are safe. So, if you're trying to charge an electric car from 80% to full, expect it to take some time.

Temperature Conditions

Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Extreme heat or cold may affect battery efficiency and charger performance. During the colder months, the chemical reactions inside li-ion batteries slow down. To combat this, some EVs have built-in battery heaters to keep the lithium ions "excited". Meanwhile, the additional heat during warmer months can further degrade them. This is why EV chargers throttle power to avoid overheating, which, in turn, slows down the charging process. Read more in our article about the effectiveness of electric cars in cold weather.

Charging Equipment and Infrastructure

As discussed in the previous section, the charging equipment is one of the biggest factors that affect charging speeds of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Level 1 chargers typically have a maximum rate of 1.3 kW to 2.4 kW. If you have a typical 60kwh electric car, it would take anywhere between 25 to 45 hours to fully charge.

Level 2 chargers are rated between 3 and 19.2 kW, which would take 3-20 hours to charge a 60kwh electric car battery. Meanwhile, DC fast chargers have a maximum rating of 60kW to 360kW. A 150kW rapid charging station can fully charge the same battery in 30 minutes. However, these speeds will still depend on the vehicle's battery management system. The car's battery management system is widely considered as the EV's brain as it determines the optimal charging speed relative to the state of charge.

Differences in EV charging connectors significantly impact the range per hour of charging. Most EVs in North America use the J1772 connector for AC charging and the Combined Charging System (CCS) for rapid charging. However, some models, like the Nissan LEAF, use the Japanese-made CHAdeMO connector for DC charging. Tesla utilizes a single connector— the Supercharger— across all charging levels. Recently, major carmakers like Ford and GM have announced plans to switch to Tesla's Supercharger-based system, indicating a shift towards a more unified and potentially more efficient charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Real-World Charging Times for Popular EV Models

Below is a table detailing how many miles of range per hour some popular EV models can get depending on charging level:

Charging Scenarios: How Long Will It Take?

Charging an electric car at home can yield a different result compared to charging at a public charging station.

Home Charging Overnight (Level 1 & 2)

Level 1 Charging (120-volt outlet): Ideal for light daily drivers, Level 1 charging provides around 2-5 miles of range per hour. This means it could take 30+ hours to fully charge a large battery, so it’s best for drivers who commute under 40 miles per day and can leave their vehicle plugged in overnight​.

Level 2 Charging (240-volt outlet): For those with longer commutes or who want faster charging, Level 2 charging is a convenient solution at home. It typically adds 10-25 miles of range per hour, allowing most EVs to fully charge overnight in 8-10 hours. Installing a Level 2 charger may require a 240-volt outlet, often needing professional installation.

Public Fast Charging for Road Trips (DC Fast)

DC Fast Charging Stations (Level 3): When taking long road trips, DC fast charging can be a game-changer, adding 100-200+ miles in as little as 15-30 minutes depending on the EV model and charger capacity. With high-power stations like Tesla’s Superchargers or 350 kW public chargers, you can take short breaks to recharge and quickly get back on the road.

Planning for Charging Stops: Since DC fast charging stations are typically located along major highways and in popular areas, route planning apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint can help locate nearby stations, show real-time availability, and calculate estimated charging times​.

Workplace and Public Destination Charging

Level 2 Workplace Charging: Many companies offer Level 2 charging stations to employees, adding roughly 20-25 miles of range per hour. For most EVs, this is sufficient to cover a full day’s commute, so plugging electric vehicle in during work hours provides a convenient way to maintain a charged battery without needing to charge at home.

Public Destination Charging: Level 2 chargers are also commonly found at shopping centers, gyms, hotels, and parking garages. These locations provide moderate charging speeds, so even a couple of hours can add enough range for local driving or get you closer to a full charge before heading home.

Tips for Optimizing Charging Time

Charge When the Battery is Low but Not Empty: For faster charging, it’s generally better to charge from a lower battery percentage, around 10-20%, as the battery charges quicker when it’s emptier.

Avoid Charging to 100% Regularly: Charging to full capacity slows down as it reaches the last 20%. If you don’t need a full charge, try stopping at around 80-90% to reduce wait time and protect battery health.

Use Temperature Control Settings: In extreme weather, pre-conditioning your EV’s battery (warming or cooling it) can improve the charging speed. Many EVs allow you to manage temperature settings via an app, especially before connecting to a fast charger.

Plan Charging Stops in Advance: Use apps like ChargePoint, PlugShare, or your EV’s native app to locate stations and avoid peak hours. Planning lets you reduce wait times and find the most efficient route with minimal charging stops.

Invest in a Home Level 2 Charger (if Possible): If you drive long distances daily, a Level 2 charger at home can save time by reducing your reliance on public chargers.