How Long to Charge an Electric Car at Home or Public Station?

The time it takes for electric vehicle (EV) charging can vary significantly depending on several factors:

• How big the battery is (charging capacity)
• The type of charging station and speed levels
• The current level of charge
• Weather conditions and temperature effects
• The specific car model

This guide explains what you should know about EV charging times at home or public stations. It includes real data, expert opinions, and clear explanations about electric vehicle charging infrastructure and efficiency.

Getting the Basics of EV Charging

What Affects Charging Time?

Several factors determine how an electric vehicle (EV) charges:

Battery size (kilowatt-hours (kWh)): Larger batteries with higher kilowatt-hours (kWh) take longer to charge.

Charge level (SOC): A battery at 20% fills up more quickly compared to one at 80%.

Charger type: Level 1 charging, Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers work at different speed levels.

Onboard charger in a vehicle: This decides the amount of power the car can accept, affecting its charging acceptance rate.

Electric Car Charger Types: From Basic to DC Fast

Level 1 Charging (Standard Household Outlet – 120V USA voltage)

Speed: Adds 3–5 miles of range per hour

Charging Duration: Takes 24–48 hours for a full charge. This varies with the battery size.

Ideal To Use For: Charging overnight at your home

Popular Models Using It: Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf

Level 2 (240V – Home or Public AC Charger)

Speed: Charges 15 to 30 miles of range in an hour.

Charging Time: Takes between 4 and 10 hours.

Best To Use For: Charging an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) at home with a set-up EVSE or at public spots.

DC Fast Charging (Level 3 – Public Rapid Charging)

Speed: Adds 100 to 250 miles of range within an hour.

Charging Time: Reaches up to 80 percent in about 20 to 60 minutes.

Best To Use For: Long trips or fast recharging when on the go.

Not Installable at Home.

EV Charging Time Chart: Practical Estimates

Check out this simple EV charging time chart that looks at home charging and public charging side by side, showing range per hour for different charging levels:

Electric Car Battery Size Level 1 (120V) Level 2 (240V) DC Fast Charger Nissan Leaf 40 kilowatt-hours (kWh) 35 to 40 hours 8 to 10 hours 30 to 45 minutes Tesla Model 3 LR 75 kilowatt-hours (kWh) 45 to 50 hours 8 to 10 hours 25 to 30 minutes Hyundai Ioniq 5 77.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) 40 to 50 hours 7 to 9 hours 18 to 25 minutes Chevrolet Bolt EUV 65 kilowatt-hours (kWh) 30 to 35 hours 7 to 8 hours 30 to 40 minutes Kia EV6 77.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) 40 to 45 hours 8 to 9 hours 20 to 25 minutes

Things You Should Know About Charging Electric Cars at Home

Setting Up & Charging

To charge your electric vehicle (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or battery electric vehicle (BEV) at home, you have two options:

Plug it into a regular wall socket (Level 1 AC charging)

Set up a Level 2 EV charger to speed up charging

Home charging works great to recharge overnight and makes daily use easier. It's an essential part of the charging infrastructure for EV owners.

Home Charging Costs

Most EV drivers spend:

• Around 10 to 15 cents for each kilowatt-hour (kWh).
• Full recharge for a 60 kilowatt-hour (kWh).

These costs are lower than using gasoline for the same mileage.

Advice: Try scheduling your charging during off-peak hours with smart charging tools. This helps you save more and improves overall charging efficiency.

Using Public Chargers: Speed, Cost, and Where to Find Them

Public chargers work well when you're on long trips, in an emergency, or can't charge at home. They're a crucial part of the EV charging infrastructure.

Different Public Charging Options

Level 2 (AC Chargers): You'll often see these at places like shopping centers, offices, and parking lots.

DC Fast Chargers: Popular at highway stops and fast-charging spots like Tesla Superchargers or Electrify stations. These provide rapid charging for compatible battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

What Can Change Charging Speed?

1. Battery Size and Charging Capacity

Cars with smaller batteries, like a 30 kilowatt-hour (kWh) one, tend to finish charging quicker than cars packing a bigger 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. The charging capacity of the vehicle plays a crucial role in determining charging speed.

2. Car's Charging Capability

A car's ability to charge faster depends on its onboard charger. Some cars can take in slower charging speeds, while others are designed for rapid charging. This capability varies between battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

3. Power Output of the Charging Station

The output of the station matters a lot. A 50 kW charger isn't equal to a 350 kW ultra-fast charger in speed. The power output, measured in kilowatts, directly affects charging times. Different types of charging ports and a type charger plug can influence the speed level of charging.

4. Environmental Factors

Cold weather and other environmental factors can slow down charging because of how the battery works. Temperature effects can significantly impact charging efficiency.

5. State of Charge

To keep the battery in good condition, charging goes much slower after hitting 80%. This is due to the charging curve of lithium-ion batteries used in most electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Pros & Cons: Charging at Home vs. Public Spots

Feature Charging at Home Public ChargingCost Cheaper (per kilowatt-hour (kWh)) More expensive (DC chargers) Ease of Use Charge overnight Charge while shopping or on trips Speed Slower unless you install Level 2 chargers Faster with DC Fast Chargers Availability Always accessible from home Might be full or not working

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: How much time is needed to charge an electric car up to 80%?

Answer:

Level 1 AC charging: Takes 20 to 40 hours.

Level 2 AC charging: Takes about 4 to 8 hours.

DC Fast Charger: It takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on the vehicle and its charging acceptance rate.

Q2: Can you set up a Level 2 EV charger at home?

Answer: Yes. Electricians can install one in your driveway or garage. Some governments may also give rebates or tax breaks to help with costs. This enhances your home charging infrastructure and allows for faster charging of your electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Q3: Does using rapid charging lower battery life?

Answer: Using it once in a while is fine. Regular rapid charging might wear out the battery quicker. It works better for road trips rather than daily use. The impact can vary depending on the battery electric vehicle (BEV) model and the types of charging ports used.

Q4: Is it okay to charge my electric car every day?

Answer: Yes, it is fine. Just try not to charge it to 100% every day unless necessary. The best range is between 20% and 80% to keep the battery in good shape. This practice, known as top-up charging, can help maintain battery health for both electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Conclusion: Charge, Plan Better

How long it takes to charge an electric car at home or a public charging station changes based on factors like the charging capacity, the type of EV charger, and how efficient the vehicle is. Understanding the interplay between amperage, voltage, and power output can help you optimize your charging strategy. With good planning, you can make charging your electric vehicle (EV) easier, save money, and keep the battery lasting longer. As charging infrastructure continues to improve, EV charging times will likely decrease, making battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) an even more attractive option for environmentally conscious drivers.