It is becoming increasingly clear that electric vehicles are poised to take over and grow in popularity in the coming years. As with anything new and exciting, there will be many questions, one of which is, how long does it take to charge an electric car?
We hope to provide you with all the information you need to best answer this question in this article. We’ll look at how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle battery, what factors affect charge times, and how to use an EV charge time calculator to plan you’re charging sessions.
Battery Size:
To begin, determining the size of the electric battery is essential for calculating the charge time required. In general, the larger the battery, the greater its capacity, which means it can store more energy. This results in longer charge times because more energy is required to fully charge it.
Let’s take a closer look and use an actual example. The Tesla Model S has a 100kWh battery, which is larger than the 40kWh battery found in the Nissan Leaf. As a result, charging the Model S will take much longer than charging the Leaf. The difference in charge time is due to the difference in battery size, as the Model S battery requires more energy to reach a full charge.
Picture it like a giant cup and a little one – the giant cup takes longer to fill up, but once it’s full, you can sip from it for a much longer time. That’s kind of like the relationship between battery size and charge time. Sure, you’ll have to wait a bit longer for a full charge, but you’ll be able to cruise for miles without having to stop for a refill.
Types of chargers:
Another important factor that will affect the charge time is the type of charger you use.
Level 1 Charger:
Level 1 chargers are like the slow and steady tortoise in the race to charge your electric car. These chargers are perfect for an overnight charge and are best suited for those who aren’t in a hurry to hit the road. (120V)
They’re the type of chargers you want to use if you have a relaxed morning ahead and don’t mind waiting a little longer for your car to charge up.
Think of it this way, you plug in your car before bed and wake up to a fully charged ride. It’s a no-fuss, no-hurry approach that lets you sleep peacefully while your car gets the juice it needs. So, if you’re in the mood for a slow and steady charge, Level 1 chargers are the way to go!
Level 2 Charger:
Level 2 chargers are your speedy middle-ground option. They’re faster than the slow-and-steady Level 1 charger, which is great for overnight charging at home. Level 2 chargers are usually found at public charging stations, and they can refill your electric car in just a few hours. This is great news if you’re in a hurry or don’t have access to the lightning-fast Level 3 charger. With a voltage of around 240v, Level 2 chargers are twice as fast as Level 1 chargers – making them a good choice for those who need to recharge quickly!
Level 3 Charger:
Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, are a popular option for those looking to charge their electric vehicle quickly. Unlike Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, which can take several hours to fully charge an electric car, DC fast chargers can charge a vehicle in just a matter of minutes. They are commonly found at public charging stations and deliver a high current to the vehicle, allowing for rapid charging. So, if you’re someone who likes to keep their electric vehicle charged and ready for a road trip, or if you just don’t want to spend all day waiting for your car to charge, then Level 3 chargers are definitely worth considering.
Charge time Calculators:
If you’re looking to get a better understanding of your electric car’s charging time, one of the best things you can do is check out the charge time calculator. These handy tools, offered by both car manufacturers and third-party companies, will help you estimate how long it’ll take to charge your ride to the max. All you need to know is your electric vehicle’s battery size, the type of charger you’re using, and your current charge level. It’s like a magic formula that takes all the guesswork out of charging!
As a rough estimate, a 7kW charge can take around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the battery size and state of charge. If you’ve got a 22kW charge, it could take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. A Tesla home charger, it can charge at 11kW per hour. And if you’ve got a 50kW home charger, you’re looking at a speedy 50kW per hour charge! Just keep in mind, the amperes of your electric car charger will depend on the type of charger you’re using. A 22kW car charger can charge at 22kW per hour and a 50kW home charger at 50kW per hour!
Now before we sum up everything discussed, we do think it is important we answer another burning question with a simple answer. Does a car battery charge while idling? The answer is no. It is important to understand that a car battery will not charge while idling. The idling engine does not generate enough electrical power to fully charge the battery. It is recommended to use an external charging source or drive the vehicle to charge the battery effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle varies based on a few key factors such as battery size, type of charger, and current battery level. The larger the battery, the longer it will take to charge. Level 1 chargers are best for overnight charging at home, while Level 2 chargers are found at public charging stations and offer a faster charge time. Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, are the fastest option, allowing for rapid charging in just a matter of minutes. Utilizing a charge time calculator can help you estimate your electric car’s charging time based on the information provided. Finally, it is important to note that an electric vehicle battery will not charge while idling, making it crucial to understand the options available for charging and plan accordingly. If you are interested in selling your car to invest in a new electric vehicle, use the link to get your quote today.
