The growing popularity of electric cars (EVs) can be attributed to both their environmental advantages and the progress made in battery technology. However, “How much time does an EV need to be charged?” is one of the most frequently asked questions by prospective EV customers. The type of charger, the EV’s battery capacity, and the charging technique of the car are some of the variables that might greatly affect the response to this query. This in-depth manual seeks to explore these aspects and offer a complete comprehension of EV charging durations.
Charger Types
First Level Batteries
The most basic kind of EV chargers, called Level 1 chargers, plug into a regular 120-volt AC household outlet. Usually, these chargers can charge a range of four to five miles per hour. A 60 kWh battery in an electric vehicle may be fully charged from empty in 20 to 40 hours. Level 1 chargers work well for consumers who drive modest distances every day or for overnight charging.
Chargers with Level 2
The 240-volt AC outlet that level 2 chargers use is the same as the one used for dryers and ovens in homes. With a charging rate of roughly 15–25 miles per hour, these chargers are far quicker than Level 1 chargers. A 60 kWh battery can take eight to twelve hours to fully charge. Level 2 chargers are a popular option for daily usage because they are frequently found in homes, offices, and public charging stations.
DC Quick Chargers
The quickest kind of EV chargers on the market are DC fast chargers, commonly referred to as Level 3 chargers. Instead of using the onboard charger in the car, they charge the battery directly current (DC). These chargers, depending on the vehicle’s charging capacity and the charger’s power output, can deliver 60–100 miles of range in about 20–30 minutes. DC fast chargers are perfect for quick top-ups and long-distance travel. You can usually find them at public charging stations in urban areas and along highways.
Battery Size and Rate of Charging
An EV’s battery capacity, expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), is a significant factor in figuring out how long it will take to charge. Bigger batteries have a longer charging time but a longer driving range. Assuming the same charging rate, a Tesla Model S with a 100 kWh battery will require more time to charge than a Nissan Leaf with a 40 kWh battery.
The vehicle’s onboard charger, which determines how much power the vehicle can absorb from the charger, also has an impact on charging speed. For example, a Level 2 charger may provide up to 11 kW of power to certain vehicles, but only 6.6 kW to others. The impact of this variation on charging times can be substantial.
Charging curves and the state of charge
How long it takes to obtain a full charge depends on the battery’s state of charge (SoC) at the start of the charging session. Because of the way battery chemistry functions, charging from 0% to 80% usually happens faster than charging from 80% to 100%. The charging rate decreases as the battery gets full in order to save it from overheating and increase battery life. The charging curve is the name given to this phenomena.
Environmental Elements
Temperature and other environmental elements can affect how long something takes to charge. In order to preserve the health of the battery, batteries charge more slowly in severely cold or hot temperatures. Although the majority of EVs have battery heat management devices installed to help lessen these effects, charging periods can still vary.
Real-World Illustrations
Let’s examine some actual cases to paint a clearer picture:
Extended Range Model 3 of Tesla
75 kWh of battery capacity
Level 1 Charging: A full charge takes 25–30 hours.
Level 2 Charging: A full charge takes 8 to 10 hours.
DC Quick Charging: 80% charge in 30 to 45 minutes
Tesla Model S (40 kWh)
40 kWh of battery capacity
Level 1 Charging: A full charge takes 16–20 hours.
Level 2 Charging: A full charge takes 6 to 8 hours.
DC Quick Charging: 80% charge in 40–60 minutes
Bolt EV by Chevrolet
66 kWh of battery capacity
Level 1 Charging: A full charge takes 20 to 25 hours.
Level 2 Charging: A full charge takes nine to ten hours.
DC Quick Charging: 80% charge in 30 to 60 minutes
Infrastructure Charged
The viability of owning an EV can be strongly impacted by the accessibility and availability of charging infrastructure. Public charging stations, such as Level 2 and DC fast chargers, are more common in urban areas and can minimize the need for lengthy home charging sessions. However, there can be fewer charging choices in rural locations, which makes home charging even more important.
Upcoming Events
To shorten charging periods, technological advancements in batteries and charging infrastructure are ongoing. Solid-state batteries are being developed and have the potential to completely change the EV market in the upcoming years because to their faster charging periods and increased energy density. Furthermore, ultra-fast DC chargers that can provide up to 350 kW of power are being used; these chargers have the potential to cut down on charging periods to a matter of minutes.
In summary
The kind of charger, battery capacity, charge level, and ambient conditions are some of the variables that affect how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle. Level 2 chargers provide a more workable option for everyday usage, whilst Level 1 chargers are slow and best used overnight. Long-distance travelers need DC fast chargers since they offer the quickest charging times. Potential EV owners can maximize their charging experience and make well-informed selections by being aware of these factors.
The global consumer base will find electric vehicles even more appealing as the EV market expands and technology progresses, resulting in shorter charging periods.