How long does it take to charge an electric car?

How long does it take to charge an electric car on average?

It largely depends on the type of device used for charging. Each option provides different charging speeds, influenced by the power rating of the charging point and the vehicle’s battery capacity. Let’s take a closer look at the main charging solutions available and how they affect charging time.

Charging at home using a household socket: up to 24 hours!

A household socket is often the most accessible method to charge an electric car at home, as it uses a standard 2.3kW electrical outlet. However, this solution is not recommended for several reasons. It’s both the slowest method (taking up to 24 hours to charge a battery from around 20% to 80%) and, more importantly, the riskiest. There are real risks of overheating the socket and damaging the electrical circuit. It’s better to opt for more secure and efficient solutions.

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Heavy-duty power sockets: 12-hour average charging time

It’s better to charge your EV using a heavy-duty power socket, but you’ll still need to be patient. Charging can still take quite a long time, as an overnight session typically lasts between 8 and 12 hours to charge the battery from 20% to 80%.

Although useful, heavy-duty power sockets are more suitable for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which have lower battery capacities compared to fully electric cars.

Home charging stations: as fast as 4 hours!

Home charging stations are a far more efficient alternative to household and heavy-duty power sockets. They typically offer a power rating ranging from 7kW to 22kW, significantly reducing charging time.

To charge the battery from 20% to 80%, you can expect the following charging times:

• 4 hours of charging with a 7.4kW station (power rating suitable for single-phase electrical installations),
• 2 hours of charging with a 22kW station (power rating suitable for three-phase electrical installations).

The durations, which are based on average estimates, mainly depend on the battery capacity and the type of onboard charger of the electric vehicle. Therefore, they are likely to vary according to your car model. This charging solution is ideal for drivers who travel on a regular basis and want to optimise their charging time at home.

Public charging stations

Public charging stations are often located in public spaces such as parking lots, shopping centres, and along streets. They typically provide intermediate power ratings, usually ranging from 11kW to 22kW. These stations are convenient for partial charging during trips or for drivers who do not have home charging solutions.

AC charging

AC charging stations supply electricity in alternating current (AC), which the car converts into direct current (DC) to charge its battery using an onboard converter. AC charging stations generally offer power outputs ranging from 3.7kW to 22kW, allowing for relatively “fast” charging depending on the vehicle’s capacity. Type 2 connectors are the most commonly used for this type of station, especially in Europe, and are ideal for daily charging, whether at home or at public charging stations.

DC charging

DC (direct current) charging stations are specifically designed for ultra-rapid charging, generally found at charging stations along motorways or in large urban areas. Unlike AC charging stations, they deliver direct current electricity straight to the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the onboard converter and speeding up the charging process. They are the most efficient in terms of reducing charging time, with power outputs ranging from 50kW to 350kW.

With their high power rating, they can charge an electric vehicle up to 80% in just 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity and type of DC charger. This kind of charging station is ideal for long journeys and drivers who need to get back on the road quickly.

=> Read more about: Rapid EV charging – 6 things you absolutely need to know

Factors that affect EV charging time

Understanding these aspects will help you optimise your charging experience and plan your journeys more efficiently. Let’s take a look at the main factors that influence the charging time of an electric vehicle.

Vehicle battery capacity

Battery capacity is one of the main variables determining charging time. The larger the battery, the more energy it can store, and the longer it will take to charge. For example, a car with a 40kWh battery will require less time for a full charge than a vehicle with a 75kWh battery, even when charged at the same charging station.

💡Tip: To optimise your charging time, it’s often recommended to charge the battery regularly rather than waiting until it’s completely empty before plugging it in.

Charging station power ratings

The power rating of the charging station has a direct impact on how quickly your vehicle charges. Home charging stations typically have a power rating ranging from 3.7kW to 22kW, while rapid charging stations can reach power ratings between 50kW to 350kW.

In theory, one would think the more powerful the charging station, the shorter the charging time. However, this isn’t always the case. It’s also important to consider the capacity of the vehicle’s onboard charger.

For example, an electric car equipped with a 150kW DC charger plugged into a charging station delivering 350kW won’t be able to exceed the 150kW limit set by the car’s charger. Therefore, it’s crucial to check that your electric vehicle’s onboard charger is compatible with the station’s power rating. If it is not, there’s no need to worry; the onboard charger will reduce the charging power accordingly.

State of battery

The remaining battery level before starting the charge also affects the time needed for a full charge. Charging a nearly empty battery will clearly take longer than just topping up a battery that is already partially charged. Additionally, electric cars tend to slow down the charging speed as the battery nears full capacity to preserve battery life and prevent overheating.

Charging cable

The cable used to charge your electric vehicle must be compatible with the charging infrastructure. For example, a 3.7kW cable plugged into a 7kW station will limit the charging speed of your electric car.

Environmental factors

Ambient temperature plays a significant role in charging time. Electric vehicle batteries operate optimally at moderate temperatures. In extreme temperatures (either very cold or very hot), charging time can increase as the battery management system adjusts the energy flow to protect the cells. Battery cooling or heating systems may also consume some of the energy, further slowing down the charging process.

Battery technology and vehicle age

Battery technology and the age of the vehicle can also influence charging time. Newer electric car models often use more advanced batteries that can support higher charging power and charge more quickly. On the other hand, an older battery may experience reduced charging capacity over time, leading to longer charging times.

=> Read more about: Electric car battery replacement – what you need to know

6 tips to save on charging and reduce consumption

To maximise the efficiency of your electric vehicle and avoid excessive energy consumption, here are a few recommendations to follow:

• Adopt eco-driving by reducing speed to conserve your car’s battery.
• Take advantage of regenerative braking to recover energy during vehicle deceleration.
• Charge the battery at the right time by maintaining a charge level between 20% and 80%.
• Regularly check tire pressure to ensure optimal energy consumption.
• Use air conditioning and heating wisely to save battery power and help to protect the planet!
  
  
  

Key takeaways

Understanding the various factors that influence the charging time of an electric car is essential to optimise its use on a daily basis.

The choice of charging station, battery capacity, and even weather conditions play a crucial role in charging duration.

By following our tips to reduce charging time, such as using fast charging stations, partial recharges, or installing a home charging station, not only can you save time but you can also extend your battery’s lifespan. By mastering these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to maximise the efficiency of your electric vehicle while enjoying a smoother, more convenient driving experience tailored to your mobility needs!

FAQ 

How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?

Charging time at home depends on the type of charging equipment you use. With a household socket. It can take up to 24 hours to charge with a standard household socket, while it can take about half the time using a heavy-duty socket. For faster charging, a home charging station can fully charge your vehicle in 4 to 8 hours, depending on its power rating.

How long does it take to charge an electric car at a public charging station?

The time varies based on the type of charging station. A standard public AC station may take between 2 to 6 hours for a partial charge, while fast DC charging stations can charge up to 80% of the battery in just 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the charger’s power rating and the vehicle’s capacity.

Can you charge an electric car in 30 minutes?

Yes, with a fast DC charging station, you can charge most electric cars to 80% in as little as 20 to 40 minutes. However, charging times depend on the vehicle’s battery capacity and the station’s power rating.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

The cost of charging an electric car varies depending on whether you’re charging at home or using a public charging station. Charging at home tends to be cheaper, especially during off-peak hours, while public stations might cost more depending on the network and charging speed.

Is it better to charge an electric car every day?

It’s not necessary to charge your electric car every day unless your daily trips significantly deplete the battery. Most experts recommend keeping the battery charge between 20% and 80% to preserve its health and avoid excessive wear over time.