How long does it take to charge an EV?
By Complete Electrical Service|January 12, 2023
With the increasing availability of electric vehicles (EVs) globally, there's an increased demand for information about how long it takes to charge one. Charging time can vary significantly depending on many factors, including battery size, charging power supply and type of charger used.
Today, we’re going to take a look at a general overview of EV charging times and what affects them, along with everything you need to know to get an EV charger installed in your home. Let’s take a look.
The Types of EV Chargers
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, and as a result, having access to the right kind of chargers is increasingly important. There are three main types of electric vehicle (EV) chargers available to use: Level 1 chargers, Level 2 chargers and DC fast chargers.
Level 1 chargers are the most basic; these plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and usually take between 8-20 hours for a full charge.
Level 2 chargers use higher-level power outlets (usually with 240 volts) and can recharge an EV battery in 4-8 hours.
Lastly, DC fast chargers have the highest power capacity of all chargers; they are able to completely charge an EV in just 20 minutes or less.
All three types have their own unique impact on charging time so it's important to understand which charger option works best for you before purchasing your electric vehicle.
Factors That Affect an EV’s Charging Time
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular, but the time it takes for them to charge still remains a concern for many potential buyers. The time it takes an EV battery to reach full capacity can vary dramatically, with numerous factors impacting the charging time.
First, the power output of the charging device itself affects how quickly or slowly an EV charges. Secondly, the onboard charger speed of the car also plays into this equation; different EVs come with varying levels of chargers and therefore different speeds to achieve a full charge.
Next, the overall storage capacity of the battery itself plays a role in determining how much energy is able to be stored and thus influence how long it takes to charge. Fourthly and finally, how low or high your battery currently is at any given moment can significantly affect its charging time—a completely depleted car will take longer to charge than one with only a partial drain on its power.
Weather conditions can also occasionally interfere, with cold temperatures sometimes delaying charging times or hot weather sometimes speeding up charging times due to increased power efficiency.
Installing an EV Charger in Your Home
When you get an EV charger installed in your home, it can be a great way to make charging your EV easier than ever. Bypassing the time it takes to look for public charging stations, especially during high-traffic hours, the convenience of a home charger is indescribable. The power output and wiring for a home charger needs to be installed by a certified electrician, yet this process can save you from waiting in line and having to constantly move your car once it's charged.
Today, we’re going to take a look at a general overview of EV charging times and what affects them, along with everything you need to know to get an EV charger installed in your home. Let’s take a look.
The Types of EV Chargers
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, and as a result, having access to the right kind of chargers is increasingly important. There are three main types of electric vehicle (EV) chargers available to use: Level 1 chargers, Level 2 chargers and DC fast chargers.
Level 1 chargers are the most basic; these plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and usually take between 8-20 hours for a full charge.
Level 2 chargers use higher-level power outlets (usually with 240 volts) and can recharge an EV battery in 4-8 hours.
Lastly, DC fast chargers have the highest power capacity of all chargers; they are able to completely charge an EV in just 20 minutes or less.
All three types have their own unique impact on charging time so it's important to understand which charger option works best for you before purchasing your electric vehicle.
Factors That Affect an EV’s Charging Time
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular, but the time it takes for them to charge still remains a concern for many potential buyers. The time it takes an EV battery to reach full capacity can vary dramatically, with numerous factors impacting the charging time.
First, the power output of the charging device itself affects how quickly or slowly an EV charges. Secondly, the onboard charger speed of the car also plays into this equation; different EVs come with varying levels of chargers and therefore different speeds to achieve a full charge.
Next, the overall storage capacity of the battery itself plays a role in determining how much energy is able to be stored and thus influence how long it takes to charge. Fourthly and finally, how low or high your battery currently is at any given moment can significantly affect its charging time—a completely depleted car will take longer to charge than one with only a partial drain on its power.
Weather conditions can also occasionally interfere, with cold temperatures sometimes delaying charging times or hot weather sometimes speeding up charging times due to increased power efficiency.
Installing an EV Charger in Your Home
When you get an EV charger installed in your home, it can be a great way to make charging your EV easier than ever. Bypassing the time it takes to look for public charging stations, especially during high-traffic hours, the convenience of a home charger is indescribable. The power output and wiring for a home charger needs to be installed by a certified electrician, yet this process can save you from waiting in line and having to constantly move your car once it's charged.
