Are you someone who has thought about changing to an electric vehicle, yet at the same time, thought about how long do electric vehicles take to charge? You're not alone in this situation.
If electric car is your consideration, it's crucial to know everything about electric vehicles' charging time. Luckily, you are in the right place.
In this article, we'll take a deep look into some of the crucial factors that influence the EV charging speed.
So, let's start this.
Factors that Influence the EV Charging Speed
There's no straightforward answer when it comes to how long do electric vehicles take to charge. This is because there are several factors involved in determining electric vehicles' charging time.
So let's discuss the 6 most important factors in detail:
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity refers to the amount of electricity that an electric vehicle can store in a kilowatt-hour power, which significantly affects the charging time.
It is common sense that electric vehicles with bigger battery packs, such as those supplied in luxury models or with a long-range take a longer time to become fully charged.
For instance, a 100 kWh battery should take longer for a full recharge than a 50 kWh battery under similar charging conditions.
How Full is the EV Battery (SOC)?
The State of Charge (SoC) of an EV battery, indicating the percentage of charge it currently holds, affects charging speeds. By comparison, essentially, EVs will always charge much faster when their SoC is low as opposed to when they are already trained towards "full."
This phenomenon has been called tapering, and it recognizes that the charging process becomes less efficient as the battery becomes fuller.
Maximum Charging Rate of EV
All-electric vehicles have a maximum charging rate, usually given in kilowatts, which defines that vehicle's ability to pull energy from a given station.
A car with a very high maximum charging rate can charge its battery much quicker than a vehicle with a low maximum charging rate under the same conditions.
But, of course, the actual charging rates are constrained to things like the output power, which is being offered by the electric vehicles charging stations and the vehicle's internal charging system.
Charging Power of the Charging Station
The power output of electric vehicles charging stations, whether it's a Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charger, directly impacts how long it takes to charge an EV.
Level 1 chargers, often used at home, provide the slowest charging rates, while Level 2 chargers offer faster options.
DC fast chargers are the most powerful and quickest but are not widely used and may require a specially equipped car.
Climate Factors
Temperature will form a significant basis on the time that will be taken to charge an EV because low or high temperatures will reduce the efficiency of the batteries, thus slowing the charge's speed.
But the good news is, some electric vehicle manufacturers have integrated battery thermal management in their new models, bypassing the losses that support the occurrence of temperature disparity.
Charging more than one Vehicle Simultaneously
As you may know, power available for charging at public charging locations is shared between several vehicles. This means that the amount of time required to charge is going to be longer if many other cars are drawing down their allocated percentage simultaneously—it's going to reduce the percentage reaching a particular vehicle.
This phenomenon should be considered, especially during peak charging times or at busy charging locations.
So these are the factors you must keep in mind when charging electric vehicles and estimating the time. All these factors play an important role in the EV charging speed. However, the most important one is the charging power of the charging station.
Let's discuss that in a detailed manner so that you can understand the science behind how long electric vehicles take to charge.
Types of Electric Vehicle Charging
When it comes to charging electric vehicles, different levels of charging are available, each offering varying speeds and capabilities:
Level 1 (up to 3.6 kW, AC)
Level 1 charging is the simplest; it typically consists of plugging an EV into a standard household outlet using a portable charging station. This is the slowest charging rate and should be done at night or during the day when the vehicle is not needed.
Level 1 chargers are convenient for EV owners without access to dedicated charging infrastructure but may not be ideal for regular or fast charging needs.
Level 2 (up to 22 kW, AC)
Level 2 charging is well suited for a faster power flow rate, compared to Level 1. It is generally found at homes, workplaces, or public charging spots.
These chargers should be installed with a dedicated charging unit and preferably by a licensed electrician. They can deliver up to 22 kW, enabling a remarkable decrease in charging time for the vehicle.
Level 2 charging is good for refueling overnight or a more extended stop during the day; it's a convenient mixture of speed and convenience.
Level 3 (up to 350 kW, DC)
On the other hand, Level 3 can sometimes be referred to as direct current fast charging: the quickest rate of recharge for electric vehicles. Such technology operates on direct current, whereas both Level 1 and 2 chargers are on alternating current. Some of the Level 3 direct chargers can reach a maximum power of 350 kW and above.
Level 3 chargers are mainly available at advanced public electric vehicles charging stations on major highways and other essential routes for travel, recharging EVs quickly during long travel routes.
While Level 3 charging offers unparalleled speed, it requires compatible vehicles and may not be as widely available as Level 1 or Level 2 charging infrastructure.
Now you know the basics of electric vehicles' charging time and the factors that influence it, but you must be wondering where you can find a high-quality EV charger.
Where Can You Find a High-Quality EV Charger?
It all starts with a reliable, high-quality EV charger to ensure a safe and efficient charge.
Here are some places where you can find top-notch EV chargers:
- EV Manufacturers: Many electric vehicle manufacturers offer their own branded charging solutions designed specifically for their vehicles. These chargers are often optimized for compatibility and performance, providing peace of mind for EV owners.
- Certified Retailers: These are a group of accredited retailers with the appropriate equipment for electric vehicle chargers. Dealing with this business puts them in a position to have easy accessibility to most of the reputable chargers in the market. As such, they are in a position to advise you on which will be the best charger for your needs.
- Online Marketplaces: All established online marketplaces are flooded with various EV chargers from dozens of sellers. Reviews and specification comparisons should be available to find something reliable for your needs.
- Electricians, Contractors, and Installers: Hiring a qualified electrician or contractor to install an EV charging station at your home or workplace ensures professional installation and compliance with local electrical codes. They can recommend high-quality chargers and handle the installation process from start to finish.
Final Words
In conclusion, understanding how long electric vehicles take to charge is crucial for EV owners and future buyers. The above-given factors give you information on what to consider when determining EV charging speed.
Whether you are charging at home, at work, or on the go, selecting the right charger and optimizing your charging habits can help you make the most of your electric vehicle.