How Long Does it Take To Charge an Electric Car? – Explore Now

The flexibility of charging Electric Vehicles (EVs) virtually anywhere, including at home, is one of its primary advantages over conventional gas-powered vehicles.

What's on this page?

Knowing how long it takes to charge an EV is one of the most crucial factors for drivers. This is because, other than public stations, home charging has become increasingly widespread. According to research, there has been a 32% rise in public charging points since December 2023. Installation of home chargers is also on the rise.

However, the question concerns electric vehicle charging times since it concerns users’ convenience. In the blog below, find out how long it takes to charge an electric car. You will also learn what determines the charging speed of an electric vehicle. Stay tuned and keep reading until the end.

What Factors Affect An EV Charging Time?

EVs are at the forefront of a greener tomorrow. Potential and new EV enthusiasts, therefore, are grappling with charging durations. Even with the advancements in EV technology, grasping why it takes different time lengths could be confusing.

Let us look at untangling the key factors that add to this puzzle. How long does it take an electric car to charge largely depends on these factors:

1. Battery Capacity

The battery size of an EV influences its charging time. Typically, larger batteries take longer to charge completely because they can store more energy. For instance, even with the same charger, a 100 kWh battery will take longer than a 50 kWh one.

High-capacity EV owners in the UK frequently have to wait long, especially at public charging stations during rush hour.

2. Charging Power (Kw) and Charger Type

The charger’s power output directly influences the charging speed. On the other hand, several types of EV chargers are available in the market. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, typically available along the motorways in the UK, deliver power at 50-350 kW. They reduce the charging time significantly.

On the other hand, home chargers often deliver 7-22 kW, which results in slow charging. Therefore, choosing the right charger for your needs is crucial for full efficiency.

3. State Of Charge (SoC)

The battery’s current charge level affects the charging process. EVs charge faster when their battery is nearly empty but slow down as they approach full capacity to protect the battery.

UK drivers frequently report longer wait times when topping from 80% to 100%, suggesting that partial charging is often more practical.

4. Temperature And Weather Conditions

Cold weather, which is common in the UK, can drastically slow down EV charging. Batteries operate less efficiently in low temperatures, and charging systems may reduce power delivery to protect the battery.

Such a phenomenon is especially noticeable during winter. It highlights the importance of pre-heating systems in modern EVs to mitigate delays.

5. Vehicle And Charger Compatibility

Not all EVs are compatible with every charger. Charging times depend on whether the vehicle supports the charger’s maximum power output. UK EV drivers must ensure their vehicles can utilise high-power chargers to avoid slower charging speeds at rapid charging stations.

6. Battery Health And Age

Over time, an EV battery’s capacity degrades, leading to slower charging and reduced range. Older EVs in the UK may experience noticeably longer charging times than newer models. Regular maintenance and battery health monitoring can help mitigate this issue and ensure more predictable charging experiences.

7. Weather Conditions

Weather conditions significantly impact EV charging time. In colder climates, the battery’s chemistry slows down, reducing efficiency and requiring more time to charge. Extreme cold can also cause the car to use extra energy to warm the battery, further extending the charging process.

Conversely, very hot weather can lead to overheating, which causes the charging system to slow down to prevent damage. Consider the weather when planning charging, as it directly influences how quickly you can recharge your EV.

8. Driving Speed

Driving speed influences battery utilisation, which in turn influences charging time. Due to the higher energy consumption, driving at high speeds causes the battery to drain more quickly, leaving the car at a lower level of charge when you plug it in.

It takes longer to charge a battery that is almost empty than one that is halfway full. Higher speeds also cause the battery to heat up more. It may cause the thermal management systems to reduce charging to preserve safe operating temperatures.

How Long Does It Take An Electric Car To Charge?

An electric automobile may be charged in as little as 30 minutes or as long as 12 hours. The battery’s size and the charging station’s speed determine this. Below, we have elaborated on how long it takeThe time it takes to charge an electric car depends on factors like battery size, charger type, etc. Let’s take a deep dive and uncover the charging times.s an electric car to charge at home or a public station:

How Long Does It Take To Charge An Electric Car To Charge At Home?

An average 60kWh electric car battery may be fully charged in less than 8 hours using a conventional 7kW home charger. Because of this, it’s the perfect option for overnight charging. It’s practical to top off your EV’s battery while asleep.

The same procedure would take about 16 hours for slower 3.7kW home charger users. It makes them impractical for regular usage unless your car has a smaller battery or you don’t need to charge it frequently.

However, although they provide far quicker charging speeds, 22kW home chargers are not frequently usable in domestic settings. The reason is their need for a three-phase power source, which is normally not available in most homes. The high expense and complexity of installing such a system prevents these powerful chargers from being widely used in homes.

When choosing an EV charger for your house, consider practicality and compatibility with your property’s electrical infrastructure.

How Long Does It Take An Electric Car To Charge In Public?

Depending on the kind of charging station you use, charging an electric car might vary greatly in price and speed. A 150kW quick charger can charge a standard electric vehicle’s 60kWh battery from empty to full in 30 minutes. Hence, rapid chargers are a great option for people who need to recharge quickly to continue their trip.

Rapid charging is a premium choice that works well in time-sensitive scenarios. It’s because its convenience frequently comes at a more significant cost.

However, the same full charge should take about 8 hours if you choose a slower 7kW public charger. Even though it may seem like a long process, this is the best option when time is not an issue. For instance, you can leave your car charging as you go about your day.

You can do it during work hours, while running errands, or plug it in overnight. Slower chargers are generally less expensive per kWh, making them an affordable option for regular charging requirements.

The 22kW charger is a middle-range choice that balances price and speed. Using these chargers, a 60kWh battery may be fully charged in around three hours. They are frequently available in places of business or employment where owners park their cars for a few hours. For drivers who need a relatively quick recharge but don’t need the lightning-fast speed of a rapid charger, it’s a sensible option.

When selecting a charging option, it’s critical to consider your schedule, budget, and the accessibility of charging stations. Rapid chargers provide the convenience of less downtime if you’re going on a lengthy journey. On the other hand, slower chargers are more affordable for frequent use or daily journeys. They fit more easily with routines that permit longer charging times.

These charging solutions’ versatility demonstrates how modern, tailored EV technology can fit a range of lifestyles. Knowing your charging requirements may help you make the best decision. Whether you want speed, cost, or a combination of the two, you won’t face a problem.

Charging Speed As Per kW [7kW, 22kW, 350kW]

A growing number of establishments, such as supermarkets, gyms, restaurants and lodging facilities, are collaborating with EV charger networks. The sole aim is to provide on-site electric car charging. Like many other things, determining the EV charging time heavily depends on the charging speed.

Let’s take a look at electric car charging times for 7 kW, 22 kW and 350 kW chargers, respectively:

1. Charging at 7kW (Fast Charging)

The most popular fast charger in the UK is the 7kW model. It’s usually available in households and offices. These chargers provide a compromise between affordability and charging speed. A 7kW charger is perfect for overnight charging because it can often restore 30 miles of range each hour. It indicates that an electric car with a 60kWh battery will become fully charged in about 8 to 10 hours.

However, the car’s battery capacity and onboard charger might affect the speed. While this setup suits most daily driving needs, it may fall short for users needing quick top-ups. The UK government has encouraged 7kW home installations through incentives like the EV ChargePoint grant.

However, critics argue that these chargers may not be enough if EV use rises. It necessitates the development of quicker substitutes to accommodate high-demand situations like shared residential parking lots.

2. Charging at 22 kW (Rapid Charging)

The 22kW charging option offers a noticeable speed increase over 7kW chargers. These are frequently available at public charging stations and some businesses. Using these chargers, you can expect a 60kWh EV battery to be complete for three to four hours. They have an hourly range of about 75 miles.

These chargers work best where customers require a modest charging pace, including in malls or office buildings. Here, the owners leave their cars in the parking for several hours. Notwithstanding their advantages, 22kW chargers require three-phase electricity. It’s rare in residential regions of the United Kingdom, which restricts where they may be installed, mostly in public and commercial areas.

Compatibility problems can arise since not all EVs can support 22kW AC charging. As the need for even faster charging infrastructure increases, particularly in metropolitan areas where time efficiency is crucial, their significance may decline even though they bridge the gap between sluggish home charging and ultra-fast public choices.

3. Charging at 350 kW (Ultra-fast charging)

The ultimate in charging technology are ultra-fast chargers, such as the 350kW units, which provide cars with unmatched speed. These chargers are perfect for long-distance drivers and highway service stops. This is because they can increase a battery’s range by up to 200 miles in only 20 minutes. The Porsche Taycan and other high-performance EVs with an 800V design can make the most of these chargers.

Nevertheless, there are obstacles to the UK’s 350kW charger deployment. High installation costs, rising power consumption and the small number of EVs operating at such speeds have recently hindered EV adoption. Furthermore, these charges mainly depend on reliable grid infrastructure, which might not be accessible everywhere.

Although 350kW chargers offer a peek at EV charging’s future, some contend their applicability is still limited. To guarantee broad adoption, stakeholders must resolve compatibility difficulties and provide ultra-fast charging networks throughout the UK.

What Is Top-Up Charging?

There are huge requirements for EV charger installation in the UK now. Most electric car drivers and owners plug in to charge their vehicles whenever they park. It can be at home overnight or at the grocery store, gym, or place of employment during the day.

We refer to this as top-up pricing. Take a look at the points below:

Drivers utilise the time their car is parked, around 95% of the time. It keeps the battery charged rather than allowing it to run low and wait for it to fully recharge.
Public and workplace charging stations are perfect for top-up charging. They usually have capacities ranging from 7kW to 22kW.
An efficient method of keeping your electric car charged and ready to go is to combine overnight charging at home with top-up charging throughout the day.

Save Charging Time And Plan By Partnering With Affordable EV Charging!

Affordable EV Charging recognises how crucial time and money savings are to the transition to environmentally friendly transportation. Working with us gives you access to cost-effective, intelligent, customised charging options. We provide seamless charging experiences in the UK to make your EV travel hassle-free, not only charger installations.

Maintaining a lead with dependable charging infrastructure is essential in the UK, where EV adoption is expanding quickly. Our curated solutions optimise charging time while reducing energy costs, ensuring both convenience and environmental benefits. By working with us, you can strike a balance between affordability and innovation.

Now you know how long it takes an electric car to charge. Why wait? Join us as we propel sustainable mobility into the future. Let’s make EV ownership more convenient, affordable, and advantageous for everybody.