How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Car
How long does it take to charge an electric car? Several factors influence the charging times for an EV, and we’ll dive into these factors to help you determine how long you must keep your electric car plugged in. This guide also covers everything you must know about charging your electric car.
Key Takeaways
- When you need to refuel gas-powered vehicles. it only takes minutes to get a full fuel tank. However, it takes more time to charge an electric car.
- Battery size is among the biggest factors that determine how long it takes to charge an electric car.
- There are three levels of charging method that determines how fast they can charge an electric car.
- An electric car’s charging capacity is determined by the onboard charging hardware and battery system within the vehicle.
- Another factor that determines the length of time it takes to charge an electric car is the state of charge of the battery at the time it is plugged in.
Charging an Electric Car vs Gas-Powered Cars
The charging process is the main factor that differentiates electric cars from gas-powered ones. When you need to refuel gas-powered vehicles. it only takes minutes to get a full fuel tank. However, it takes more time to charge an electric car.
The exact time that it takes to charge an electric car varies greatly, and we will discuss those factors in-depth here. But to give you an idea, it depends on the battery size and the type of charger. Even similar types of chargers have varying charge point speed, which impacts how much time it takes to get a full charge on an electric car.
Factors that Affect How Long it Takes to Charge an Electric Car
The length of charging is a common question that new EV car owners find themselves asking. Here are the factors that affect how long it takes to charge an electric car.
Battery Size
Battery size is among the biggest factors that determine how long it takes to charge an electric car. With the advancements in technology for electric cars, there are advanced battery size levels available nowadays. Some batteries have grown in size and in charging efficiency. As a result, you can expect longer charging capacity on electric vehicles.
Bigger batteries have more capacity to store energy that powers the electric car’s motor. Therefore, it is directly proportional to the driving range and charging times.
While it might be confusing how battery size affects charging time, here is a general guideline: bigger batteries take longer charging time.
Charging Method
There are various charging methods for electric cars. Analyzing each type is crucial in the overall charging times. Charging stations are distinguished by three levels of the power output that they can provide.
Level 1 Charging
It is the slowest charging method and is common with at-home charging stations. Therefore, many EV owners charge their cars overnight since they can deliver 3-5 miles of driving range per hour of charging with this method. With level 1 charging, the total charging time can be 30 to 50 hours.
Level 2 Charging
This charging method operates at a higher level and is suited for residential applications, but is also growing in commercial settings. It involves installing a wall box and is significantly quicker in terms of charging time versus the level 1 charging method. You can achieve up to 80% charge (from an empty battery) within 4 to 10 hours.
Level 3 Charging
This is the fastest charging method available for electric cars, which is also known as Direct Current (DC) fast charging. it is the quickest way to recharge your electric vehicle that can achieve up to 80% charge in 30 minutes to an hour. Many new plug-in hybrid models are able to handle DC fast charging.
When using the fast charging method, manufacturers recommend not going beyond 80% in battery charge to preserve its battery health and lifespan.
Charging Capacity
Each vehicle has a maximum charging rate that it can accept. It could be less than what charging stations can provide, which means it will take longer to charge or more than one charging station to achieve full charging status. It is determined by the onboard charging hardware and battery system within the vehicle.
State of Battery Charge
Another factor that determines the length of time it takes to charge an electric car is the state of charge of the battery at the time it is plugged in. For example, an empty charge is at 0% and a full charge is at 100%.
Batteries tend to charge faster when at the lower end of the charge state, which is empty or 0%. The charging rate slows down as it nears the full charge state. It is part of the battery design’s own preservation system wherein it slows down the charging rate to maintain battery health and for safety purposes.
FAQs
How far can an electric car go on a full charge?
Most electric cars can reach up to 110-300 miles on a single, full charge. The overall range varies based on the car’s electric charge capacity, which is why the range can be quite extensive.
How long do EV batteries last?
Most EV batteries can last an average of 10-20 years. Several factors can impact the EV battery’s actual lifespan, such as driving habits, environmental factors, and maintenance.
What is the lifespan of an electric car?
The average lifespan of an electric car ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 miles (roughly 8-15 years). The lifespan heavily differs based on how you use your electric car.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
The cost of charging an electric car varies depending on the location or type of charging station. For home charging, it is best to compare different service providers to get the best rate per kWh of charge.
What happens when an EV battery dies?
Since electric cars rely solely on the EV battery to power it on, it won’t be able to operate in case the EV battery dies.
How often should you charge an electric car?
It is recommended that you charge your electric car every few days, or once a week, depending on how often you drive the car. Avoid charging your car daily, especially if it’s not necessary as doing so will cause the battery to degrade faster.
