When it comes to switching to electric transport, one of the main adjustments drivers have to make is factoring in additional EV charging time. This can sometimes be perceived as an inconvenience and barrier to adopting electric vehicles. But how long does it really take to charge a car battery? And what can you do to make charging your EV easier and faster?
EV charging times by type of EV Charger
There are several different types of EV charger, varying in charging power and compatibility. The type of charger you use will be one of the biggest factors in how long it takes to charge your car battery.
All EV chargers can be categorised into two different types:
- Type 1 – has a circular connector with five pins
- Type 2 – has a connector with a rounded bottom and a flat top, and has seven pins
In the UK, type 2 chargers are more commonly found. However, if the charger you need to use is not compatible with your vehicle, you can purchase an adaptor, enabling you to plug into other types of charger connectors.
Your EV charging time will vary depending on the speed of charger you use, and the size of your car’s battery. Charger speeds can fall under one of four categories:
- Slow chargers charge at speeds of up to 6kW and can take up to 12 hours to deliver a full charge. Though slow charging can be performed using a three-pin domestic socket, it is not recommended that these chargers are used as your sole method of charging as they can put strain on your electrical system when charging at home.
- Fast chargers charge at speeds of 7kW to 22kW and are the most popular choice for home chargers. A 7kW charger will fully charge your EV in six to eight hours, whereas a 22kW charger will take around three hours. This is ideal for those who want to charge their EVs overnight.
- Rapid chargers charge at speeds of 50kW and upwards and can charge an EV battery to 80 percent in around 40 minutes. Rapid chargers are often used as ‘enroute chargers’ and are found at locations such as service and petrol stations.
- Ultra-rapid chargers these are the fastest chargers, charging at speeds of up to 350kW. They can charge a car to 80 percent in around 20 minutes and are also often used as enroute chargers.
As well as varying in charging speeds, EV chargers also come in tethered and untethered options. This will not affect how long it takes to charge your electric car, but it is something you should consider when deciding how you’re going to charge.
- Tethered Chargers come with a charging cable wired into the unit. This means you do not have to bring and attach your own cable to begin charging, and when you’re finished, you can coil the cable back around the charger for storage.
- Untethered Chargers do not have a charging cable pre-attached, so you will need to bring your own which can be stored in your car’s boot in between uses.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV Car Battery
Although there is no single charge time that will be correct for everyone, luckily, it’s very easy to work out your EV charging time using the following simple equation:
Size of battery (kWh) ÷ speed of charger (kW) = average charging time
For example, if your EV has a 60kWh battery and you are using a 7kWh home EV charger, you would do the following calculation:
60(kWh) ÷ 7(kWh) = 8.5 hours for a full charge
Factors That Can Affect Your EV Charging Time
As well as the speed of your charger and battery size, there are many other factors that also impact how long it takes to charge your car battery.
- Demand for electricity: This can be particularly impactful during ‘peak times’ of energy consumption, when the demand on the grid is at its highest. During these busy periods, it will take longer for your charge to complete.
- Maximum charge rate – all EVs come with a maximum rate of charge which directly affects how long it takes to charge your EV battery, with some being higher than others. This means that no matter what kind of charging station you plug into, your car will only draw as much power as it can safely handle.
- Battery temperature: Your battery has an optimum temperature of between 15 and 45 degrees Celsius and if your battery is outside of these parameters there is potential for damage. To help combat this, your EV has systems in place to either cool or warm the battery to keep it within the ideal temperature range. As a result, your EV charging time could be affected.
- Smart charging functions: Smart EV charging allows you to optimise your charging, so it takes place at certain times of day when the price and demand for electricity is lower. If you are using smart charging, it is possible that your EV will not begin charging immediately when you plug it in, meaning it may take longer to reach a full charge.
EV Charging Options
There are several different options to consider when it comes to deciding where to do your EV charging, and the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
- Home EV charging – this is the most popular way for people to charge their cars and the Energy Saving Trust estimates that around 80 percent of EV charging takes place at home. When charging an EV at home, most people opt for 7kW or 22kW fast chargers, so they can plug in overnight and wake up to a full battery and peace of mind knowing that they don’t need to search or queue for a public charger.
- Public EV charging – public chargers are a great option for those wanting to top up on-the-go with minimal EV charging time. Public chargers often charge at faster speeds and can be found either at en route locations (such as petrol or service stations) or destinations (such as hotels, shopping centres and attractions).
- Workplace EV Charging – another charging option growing in popularity is the introduction of workplace charging. This involves businesses installing EV chargers onsite for their staff to use. This can not only help encourage more people to switch to electric but can also boost the business’s image and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable travel.
Factors That Can Affect Your Range
So, you’ve figured out the best method of EV charging for you, and you’re ready to go with full range, but how can you make the most of your miles? Here’s a few quick tips to help you maximise your electric vehicle range.
- Temperature: Just like charging times, extreme temperatures can also impact your range. In colder conditions, the lithium-ion elements in your battery can be affected , and you are more likely to be using additional battery-intensive functions such as heating. To help minimise this impact, try using seat and steering wheel heating functions if you have them, as this will use far less energy than your main heating system.
- Driving techniques: Certain driving techniques can also use more energy and drain your battery faster, for example, driving at high speeds and accelerating and braking suddenly. The best way to avoid this is to maintain steady speeds where possible and make use of regenerative braking techniques to help maximise potential range.
- Road conditions: Although this is often out of your control, the conditions of the road can have a significant impact on how efficiently you are able to drive. For example, lots of rough terrain or uphill roads will require more battery power than a level road. To help avoid this, try planning your EV route [link once live] to find the most range-efficient route for your journey.
- Tyre pressure: If your tyres are underinflated, this will create more resistance while driving, meaning your battery will have to work harder. As standard, it is recommended that you keep your tyre pressure between 35 and 45 psi, but it’s a good idea to check your specific vehicle’s guidelines.
For more tips and advice, check out our Guide to Maximising Electric Vehicle Range.
Conclusion
If you want to charge your EV quickly and efficiently, Yü Charge can help! With a wide range of EV chargers to choose from, whether you want to charge at home or at your workplace, we’ve got an efficient and affordable solution for all your EV charger installation needs.
Check out our EV guides for more information on EV charging and how switching to electric can help you on the road to a more sustainable future.