Charging an electric car can take anywhere from a few minutes to over a day, depending on the charging infrastructure used and the vehicle’s battery capacity. Faster chargers, like rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, can replenish a battery to 80% in 30-60 minutes or less, while slower home chargers may take several hours.
If you prefer to charge at home, an EVSE charger installation can significantly impact the time per hour of charging and how long it takes to fully charge an electric vehicle.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about charging speeds and tips for faster charging.
How Long Does It Take to Fully Charge an Electric Car?
The time it takes to fully charge an electric car depends on a few factors, such as the charging method, battery capacity, and current charge level. On average, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours to charge an EV at home using standard AC power. However, if you’re using a fast charger at a public charging station, this time can drop significantly.
What is the Normal Charging Time for an Electric Car?
The normal charging time for electric vehicles varies based on the type of charger you use. Typically:
- Home AC charging (240V): 8–12 hours for a full charge.
- Public charging stations (AC): 4–6 hours.
- Fast charging stations (DC): 30 minutes to 1 hour for an 80% charge.
Factors That Affect Charging Speed
Several factors can impact the speed of charging your electric vehicle. Understanding these elements can help you optimise your charging routine.
- Battery capacity: Larger batteries generally take longer to charge.
- State of charge: If your car battery is near empty, it may take longer to reach full capacity.
- Charging infrastructure: The type of charger, and its power output, influences how fast your vehicle charges.
How Can Calibre Connect Help With EV Charger Installation
At Calibre Connect, we provide professional EV charger installation services to ensure fast, safe, and efficient charging for your electric vehicle. Whether you need a home charging solution or a commercial EV charging installation, our licensed electricians handle everything from setup to compliance, ensuring seamless operation.
We specialize in installing a variety of EV chargers, including:
- BYD EV charger installation
- Hyundai EV charger installation
- KIA EV charger installation
- MG EV charger installation
- Schneider EV Link installation
- Tesla wall charger installation
With our expert installation services, you can reduce charging times and improve energy efficiency. Whether you’re looking to install a single charger at home or multiple stations for a business, Calibre Connect provides high-quality solutions tailored to your needs.
How Fast Can an Electric Car Charge?
Charging speeds have significantly improved with advancements in technology. Let’s look at how quickly you can charge your EV with the right equipment.
The Role of Fast Charging Stations
Fast charging stations, also known as DC fast chargers, provide a rapid way to charge your electric car. They use high-power DC electricity to charge the battery much faster than the standard AC chargers. These stations are typically found at public charging points and can deliver up to 350 kW of charging power, allowing you to charge an EV from 0 to 80% in less than an hour.
Charging Speed at Public Charging Stations
Charging at public stations is a great way to boost your vehicle’s battery while on the go. However, the speed of charging varies depending on the station:
- Level 1 charging: 5–8 hours for a full charge.
- Level 2 charging: 4–6 hours for a full charge.
- Fast charging (DC): 30–60 minutes for 80% charge.
These public charge points offer a convenient and faster option than home charging, especially for longer trips.
Charging Power and Maximum Charge Rate
The rate at which your electric car charges depends on its battery and the charger’s output. The maximum charge rate refers to the highest power the vehicle can accept, which is typically measured in kilowatts (kW). Most EVs can handle a charging rate of up to 22 kW for AC charging, but for faster charging, the output of DC chargers can go up to 350 kW.
How Long Will a Charge Last on an EV?
After charging, it’s important to know how long the charge will last. This will help you manage your driving distance and ensure you don’t run out of power unexpectedly.
Average Range of Electric Cars on a Full Charge
The range of an electric car depends on its battery size and the efficiency of the vehicle. On average, a full charge can provide a range of:
- Small electric cars: 150–250 km.
- Medium electric cars: 250–400 km.
- Larger electric cars: 400+ km.
Factors That Impact Range
Several factors influence how far an electric car can go on a single charge:
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving consumes more power.
- Terrain: Hilly terrain can decrease range.
- Climate: Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency.
- Vehicle weight: Heavier vehicles will require more energy to move.
What Happens When an Electric Car Runs Out of Battery?
Running out of charge while driving is a situation every EV owner hopes to avoid. However, it’s essential to know what to do if your electric car runs out of battery.
Emergency Solutions for EVs
If your electric vehicle runs out of battery, you can:
- Call for roadside assistance: Many EVs offer emergency assistance programs.
- Locate nearby charging stations: Apps like PlugShare help find charging points.
- Towing to a charging station: Some services will tow your car to the nearest charging station.
Planning Ahead for Long Trips
To avoid running out of charge, plan your trips carefully. Know where your nearest charging stations are located, especially on long journeys. Using a route planner that includes EV charging stations can save you time and reduce the risk of being stranded.
Home Charging vs. Public Charging: Which is Better
There are pros and cons to both home charging and public charging. Here, we’ll compare these two methods to help you decide the best option for your needs.
Charging Your Vehicle at Home
Home charging is convenient and cost-effective. If you have a dedicated charging point at home, you can charge your electric car overnight. A standard 7 kW home charger will fully charge most EVs in about 8–12 hours. This is ideal for daily commutes and overnight charging, ensuring you start each day with a full battery.
Benefits of Using Public Charging Stations
Public charging stations offer rapid charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when you’re out and about. These chargers are ideal for long-distance travel, offering fast charging in just 30 minutes to an hour. Public chargers also tend to be more powerful than home chargers, providing higher charging rates.
Tips to Reduce Charging Time for Electric Cars
If you’re looking to reduce the time it takes to charge your electric car, here are a few tips to maximise efficiency:
- Use fast chargers: Opt for DC fast chargers when possible to charge your car faster.
- Charge when your car’s battery is low: Charging from empty to full takes longer than topping up a partially charged battery.
- Install a higher-power home charger: A 7 kW charger can reduce charging time at home.
- Avoid high temperatures: Heat can slow down the charging process, so avoid charging in direct sunlight.
Conclusion
The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on a variety of factors, such as battery size, the type of charger, and the current state of charge. With the right infrastructure, such as fast charging stations and home chargers, you can reduce the time needed for a full charge. By understanding how charging speed works and adopting efficient charging habits, you can enjoy the convenience of EV ownership without any concerns about long waits at charging stations.
If you’re ready to charge your electric vehicle efficiently, make sure to choose the right charging point and consider home charging installation. Planning your charging habits can help you maximise your EV’s potential and ensure that your car is always ready for the road.
Ready to charge your electric car at home with ease? At Calibre Connect, we specialise in installing home charging stations that meet your needs. Don’t worry about your electric vehicle’s charging time – we ensure your system is optimised for fast, efficient charging. Whether you’re concerned your EV won’t charge or need advice on the best solutions, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to get started with your EV Charger Installation.
FAQs
What factors influence the charging speed of an electric car?
Charging speed depends on several factors: battery size and capacity, the car’s maximum charging rate, the charger’s power output, battery state of charge, battery age and health, temperature, and software limitations. Cold weather, degraded batteries, and mismatched charger/car capabilities can significantly slow charging.
How do rapid chargers compare to ultra-rapid chargers?
Rapid chargers (typically 50–150kW) can charge a car from 20% to 80% in about 20–60 minutes. Ultra-rapid chargers (up to 350kW) can achieve the same in as little as 8 minutes, provided the car supports these speeds. Ultra-rapid chargers are much faster but require compatible vehicles.
Which electric cars have the fastest charging times?
Models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Porsche Taycan are among the fastest, charging from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes with ultra-rapid chargers, thanks to their advanced battery technology and high charging acceptance rates.
How long does it take to fully charge an electric car at home?
Using a standard 7kW home charger, a typical EV with a 64kWh battery takes about 6–8 hours to fully charge from empty. Slower chargers (2.3kW) can take up to 19 hours for a full charge.
Are there any electric cars that can charge in under 15 minutes?
Some of the latest EVs, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, can add significant range (from 20% to 80%) in about 8–18 minutes using a 350kW ultra-rapid charger, but a true full charge in under 15 minutes is still rare.
