How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Many people worry that electric vehicles (EVs) will require them to wait for hours on end in the middle of the day for their car battery to charge. However, there are several factors that can affect the charging speed of an EV, and it’s important to consider these factors when estimating the charging time.

 

What affects charging time?

Here are some key factors that can affect your battery charge time:

 

Charging rate

The maximum charging rate that your EV can handle is a significant factor that affects charging speed. Fast chargers provide power up to 22kW, which can charge an EV from empty to full in less than 4 hours. If you need to charge your EV urgently, rapid chargers are an option, and you can get a full charge in around 30 minutes from empty. However, it’s important to use them sparingly as they can cause battery degradation.

 

Onboard charger size

When charging at an AC charging point, the size of the onboard charger determines the speed of charge, not the charge point. Most EVs have an 11kW onboard charger, but some models such as the Tesla Model S and Renault Zoe charge at higher rates when using AC power.

 

Temperature

Extreme temperatures can affect charging speed. If it’s a very hot day outside or your battery is getting hotter from charging for a while, your charging speeds will be slower. On the other hand, if it’s freezing cold outside, your charging speeds will also be slower.

 

 

State of Charge (SoC)

This refers to how full your EV battery is when you start charging. Charging an EV from empty takes longer than charging it from half full.

 

Battery health

The general health of your battery can also affect charging speed. If your battery has degraded, it may not be able to charge as quickly as a healthy battery.

 

 

On average, it takes around 7 hours to charge an EV with a 7.4kW charger. It’s important to keep in mind that charging times from an empty battery vary based on the above factors.

 

No matter where you are in your EV transition, Radius Charge is here to make your journey as seamless as possible. From choosing the best charging hardware for your needs to organising installation and support throughout, it’s never been easier to switch to electric. Get in touch with our expert team who can answer any queries you may have, or discuss your EV charging options.