How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV?

One of the most frequently asked questions by prospective and current EV owners is: "How long does it take to charge an EV?"

The length of time it takes to charge an EV varies widely depending on the charge level, your vehicle’s onboard charger capacity, battery size, and ambient conditions. This guide breaks down charge times for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging, explains what factors influence those times, and offers real-world examples for popular EV models.

What Factors Determine Charging Time?

There are a few key variables to consider before being able to determine how long it takes to charge an EV:

1. Battery Capacity (kWh): A 40 kWh battery charges faster than an 80 kWh pack at a given power level.
2. State of Charge (SoC): Charging from 10 percent to 80 percent is faster than going from 10 percent to 100 percent, because most EVs taper current above 80 percent to protect battery health.
3. Onboard Charger Rating: This (e.g., 6.6 kW or 11.5 kW) caps how much AC power the EV can accept. Even if your home station is rated at 11.5 kW, a 6.6 kW onboard charger charges at that slower rate.
4. Charger Power Output: The station’s capacity (Level 1: 1.44 kW–1.9 kW; Level 2: 6 kW–19.2 kW; Level 3: 50 kW–350 kW) directly influences how quickly energy flows into the battery.
5. Temperature & Thermal Management: Batteries charge more slowly when cold (below 40 °F/4 °C) or very hot, because the battery-management system either preconditions the battery or reduces current to protect cells.
6. Grid Stability & Circuit Loading: At home, if multiple high-draw devices (AC, dryer) run simultaneously, actual power delivered may dip slightly below the charger’s rating—longer charge times as a result.

With these variables in mind, let’s examine each in detail.

Level 1 Charging Times: Simple But Slow

Level 1 charging uses a 120 V outlet and typically draws 12 amps (1.44 kW). On average, it provides 3–5 miles of range per hour.

• Example – Nissan Leaf (40 kWh battery, 6.6 kW onboard):
  Charging from 20 percent to 80 percent means adding 24 kWh. At 1.44 kW, that takes 24 kWh ÷ 1.44 kW ≈ 16.5 hours. Charging 0 percent → 100 percent (~40 kWh) takes ~28 hours.
• Example – Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (13.8 kWh battery, 3.3 kW onboard):
  A full 0 percent → 100 percent charge at 1.44 kW is 13.8 kWh ÷ 1.44 kW ≈ 9.6 hours. For daily use (10–20 miles, ~7 kWh), a 5 hour overnight charge suffices.

Because Level 1 is so slow, it’s mainly practical for PHEVs and very light daily use. For most EV drivers (commutes over 30 miles), Level 1 often leaves you with inadequate range, especially if you forget to plug in early enough.

Level 2 Charging Times: The More Practical Solution

Level 2 charging operates on a 240 V circuit and delivers between 6 kW and 19.2 kW, depending on amperage. Typical home stations run:

• 30 amps (7.2 kW) → 20 miles/hour
• 40 amps (9.6 kW) → 25 miles/hour
• 48 amps (11.5 kW) → 35–45 miles/hour

The actual rate depends on the vehicle’s onboard charger limit:

• Tesla Model 3 Long Range (82 kWh usable, 11.5 kW onboard):
  • 10 percent → 80 percent (68 kWh needed) at 11.5 kW ≈ 5.9 hours.
• Chevrolet Bolt EV (66 kWh usable, 7.2 kW onboard):
  • 10 percent → 80 percent (52 kWh) at 7.2 kW ≈ 7.2 hours.
• Kia EV6 (77 kWh usable, 11 kW onboard):
  • 10 percent → 80 percent (54 kWh) at 9.6 kW (40 amp station) ≈ 5.6 hours.

Because Level 2 stations feed AC into the onboard charger, the vehicle’s internal limit is key. Even if a station can deliver 11.5 kW, a car with a 7.2 kW onboard charger (many Nissan models, older EVs) will charge at only 7.2 kW, leaving the extra station capacity unused.

Level 3 (DC Fast) Charging Times: Express Refill

DC fast charging, or Level 3, bypasses the vehicle’s onboard charger by sending high-voltage DC directly to the battery. Common power levels include 50 kW, 150 kW, and 350 kW. Because these stations deliver DC, they charge far more rapidly:

• 50 kW Station (CCS/CHAdeMO): Adds ~100 miles in 45 minutes for a mid-range BEV (e.g., Nissan Leaf).
• 150 kW Station (CCS): Many modern EVs (Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model 3) accept ~150 kW peak—enough to go from 10 percent → 80 percent (50 kWh) in ~~25–30 minutes.
• 350 kW Station (CCS2): Ultra-high-power chargers (Electrify America, Ionity) can push 200 kW–250 kW to vehicles like the Porsche Taycan or Lucid Air, topping 10 percent → 80 percent (75 kWh) in ~~20–25 minutes.

However, your EV must be able to accept that high input. For instance, a Nissan Leaf maxes around 50 kW; connecting to a 150 kW charger simply limits you to ~50 kW. Additionally, squads: batteries must be near optimal temperature, so most EVs preheat or precool their packs during a DC fast session—adding 5–10 minutes overhead.

What Impacts Charge Speed Beyond Power Rating?

• Battery Temperature & Preconditioning: Cold batteries charge slowly: many EVs heat the pack en route to a DC fast station or while plugged in, ensuring higher current on arrival. Similarly, hot batteries may throttle current to prevent overheating.
• State of Charge Curve: EVs typically accept maximum current until ~80 percent SoC, then taper. Charging from 10 percent → 80 percent is quick; 80 percent → 100 percent can take just as long. To maximize speed, many drivers stop at ~80 percent unless they truly need a full battery.
• Onboard Charger Limits (AC Charging): Even if a home station is rated at 11.5 kW, a 7.2 kW onboard charger (e.g., Bolt EV) draws only 7.2 kW. Conversely, a Tesla Model 3 LR can utilize the full 11.5 kW.
• Grid Voltage Fluctuations & Household Loads: Running multiple high-draw appliances (oven, dryer) can reduce the actual power delivered to a Level 2 station. A dedicated 40 amp circuit near the panel minimizes this issue.

Practical Tips to Speed Up Charging

1. Precondition While Plugged In: Use your EV’s mobile app to heat or cool the cabin and battery while still on AC. This ensures the pack is at optimal temperature before DC or Level 2 charging.
2. Schedule Off-Peak Charging: Most utilities offer lower rates at night. Setting your Level 2 station to start at 11 p.m. reduces cost per kWh and takes advantage of cooler grid loads—sometimes delivering slightly higher actual voltage.
3. Avoid Full 100 percent Unless Necessary: Chargers taper current above 80 percent. Unless you need every mile, stopping at 80 percent shortens the overall session time.
4. Monitor Station Health & Update Firmware: Smart chargers often alert you to firmware updates that can improve communication, efficiency, and overall performance—ensuring you charge at the fastest possible rate.

So How Long Does It Take To Charge An EV?

In summary, the answer can vary dramatically but here are some general guidelines depending on the level of charger used:

• Level 1 (120 V, 1.44 kW–1.9 kW): 3–5 miles/hour; a 60 kWh battery needs ~30–40 hours for a full charge—practical only for PHEVs or very light daily use.
• Level 2 (240 V, 7.2 kW–11.5 kW): 20–45 miles/hour; most BEVs fill from 10 percent → 80 percent in 4–8 hours, ideal for overnight or workplace charging.
• Level 3 (DC Fast 50 kW–350 kW): 100–250 miles/20 minutes; 10 percent → 80 percent in 20–40 minutes for long-distance travel.

By understanding your EV’s onboard charger limits, your home or workplace’s EV charger rating, and environmental factors, you can accurately predict charge times, plan your day, and ensure a seamless driving experience.