How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

As the world environment is mostly getting polluted daily due to the burning of gasoline and the increase of Carbon dioxide on the planet, pushing global warming rapidly, most intellectual people are seeking green energy to soothe the carbon emissions. Here, Electric vehicles (EVs) are a 21st-century innovation, and it has surged in popularity as more consumers are adopting these eco-friendly, more sustainable transportation modes.

Different potential EV enthusiastic consumers have raised some of the most common questions about the charging time of EV chargers, the best charger for the EV, and many more. The answer is complex, as several factors influence charging times. This guide will explore the different factors and clarify what to expect when charging an EV.

What are the Factors Influencing EV Charging Times and Speed?

1. Charging Station’s Power Output: 

The charging station’s power output significantly influences an EV charger’s speed. Charging stations vary widely, from standard 3.7 kW to 7 kW home chargers to rapid 150 kW or more public chargers. For instance, a typical 60 kWh EV battery can be charged in just under 8 hours using a 7-kW home charger, while a rapid 50 kW charger can add about 100 miles of range in approximately 35 minutes.

2. Battery Capacity: 

The size of the EV’s battery is another crucial factor. Larger batteries will naturally take longer to charge. For example, a small 24 kWh battery might only need a few hours to charge fully at a standard charging station. In contrast, a larger 90 kWh battery could take significantly longer under the same conditions.

3. State of Charge and Battery Health: 

The State of Charge is a critical indicator in electric vehicles. It depends on the chemistry of the cell. It mainly represents the energy stored in the battery, which is the battery capacity. And it is measured by coulombs or Ah. The state of battery (SoH) health represents the overall condition of the battery, which indicates the efficiency and capacity of the battery compared to when it was new. The SoH helps the battery determine its lifespan and performance levels, which are crucial for effectively managing energy in EVs. However, some factors influence the EV battery’s health, age and longevity, such as how often it’s charged and discharged, and it finally impacts the EV car’s speed and others.

4. Environmental Factors: 

Temperature plays a critical role in charging speed. If you are unaware of the EV battery, I can explain it to you through any Android mobile phone, as most people know. And 99% of mobile phones use Li-Ion batteries, where extreme hot or cold temperatures can affect battery performance and charging efficiency. Suppose you live in an icy weather area. In that case, you may notice a significant battery capacity reduction due to the increased resistance within the battery and slow-down charging rates. For those who live in high-temperature areas, the Li-ion battery leads to thermal throttling, where charging speeds are reduced to prevent the battery from overheating. Overheating can lead to various issues, including reduced battery life, decreased performance, and, in extreme cases, safety hazards such as thermal runaway leading to fires or explosions. This phenomenon will also apply to electric vehicles.

5. Electrical Grid Capacity:

The capacity of the local electrical grid connected to the charging station can also influence charging speeds. If the grid is under heavy load or has limitations, it might not be able to supply the maximum power required for fast charging.

Comparison Of Charging Speed with The Top Popular Electric Vehicles