Buying an electric vehicle allows you to benefit from better fuel economy, lower emissions, and reduced fuel costs. There are, however, many factors that you should consider when you’re searching for your ideal EV make and model. One oft-overlooked factor involves the EV charging speed. How long does it take to charge an electric car? With high-speed EV charging, it’s possible to gain anywhere from 40-200 miles of travel with just 30 minutes of charging.
Faster charging is highly beneficial for electric vehicle owners who don’t have time to wait hours just to leave their homes. Along with the type of EV you purchase, there are several additional elements that impact EV charging speed. In this guide, you’ll discover how to obtain high-speed EV charging and how to choose EV chargers for the workplace.
EV Charging Speed Comparison at Different Charging Levels
You can charge your electric vehicle with electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) that operates at various charging speeds. Residential EV charging solutions are available as level 1 or level 2 equipment.
- Level 1 equipment delivers charging via a standard 120V AC outlet. If you have a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), this vehicle has a charge time of five to six hours with level 1 equipment. For battery electric vehicles (BEV), you can expect a charge time of 40-50 hours for the vehicle to go from empty to 80%.
- Level 2 equipment gets you closer to high-speed EV charging. This type of equipment uses AC charging via 240V or 208V outlets. Level 2 equipment is part of residential, public, or workplace EV charging systems. You can get BEV vehicles from empty to an 80% charge in around 4 to 10 hours. A PHEV can be fully charged in just one to two hours.
- Among several EV charging solutions, direct current fast charging for EVs stands out, which, known as DCFC, delivers extremely quick charging at certain stations. It’s possible for a BEV to be charged to 80% in anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. However, the majority of plug-in hybrids don’t accommodate fast chargers. In recent years, DCFC and level 2 equipment have been installed in public settings, which include coffee shops, grocery stores, and movie theaters.
| Charging Level | Voltage | Charging Time for BEV (Empty to 80%) | Charging Time for PHEV | Typical Locations |
| Level 1 (L1) | 120V AC | 40-50 hours | 5-6 hours | Residential homes |
| Level 2 (L2) | 240V/208V AC | 4-10 hours | 1-2 hours | Residential homes, public places, workplaces |
| DCFC | Varies (typically 400V or higher DC) | 20 minutes to 1 hour | Not commonly supported | Public places (coffee shops, grocery stores, movie theaters) |
As the country shifts to electric vehicles, grid load balancing may need to be taken into account to ensure the electrical load is always distributed properly. For now, the country’s electric grid supports electric vehicles, even during high-demand times. Keep in mind that charging speed is measured in kilowatts (kW). A higher kW results in a quicker charging time.
What Affects EV Charging Speed
While the EV charging level largely determines how long you takes to charge your electric car, many other factors also have an impact on the charging speed, such as environmental conditions, battery types and your charging habits.
1. Natural Conditions
Ambient temperature plays a significant role in EV charging speed. According to the Idaho National Laboratory, EV batteries take in much less energy when charging at 32 degrees Fahrenheit compared to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder weather, batteries need more time to charge. Extreme conditions like heavy snow or ice can further slow down charge times due to low temperatures. Conversely, if the weather is too hot, it can reduce your vehicle’s battery lifespan.
Altitude also impacts EV charging efficiency, although the effect is less pronounced than on internal combustion engines. At higher altitudes, lower temperatures can make every aspect of your EV less efficient, including charging.
High humidity levels can also reduce your battery’s charging speed. Moisture can affect the cooling efficiency of the battery and charging system, leading to slower charge times.
2. EV Battery Types
The two types of batteries that are commonly used in electric vehicles include solid-state batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Depending on your charger’s power output, a lithium-ion battery can take anywhere from one to 16 hours to charge. In comparison, solid-state batteries are able to get to an 80% charge in around 15 minutes. They’re also strained considerably less by numerous charging cycles. In the coming years, new advancements in battery technology should be made, which will likely result in quicker charging times.
3. Charging Protocols
Charging protocols significantly impact EV charging speed, as they define the communication standards and power levels between the vehicle and the charging station. Here are some key charging protocols and how they affect charging speed:
- CHAdeMO
Originating from Japan, CHAdeMO is a fast-charging protocol that can deliver up to 62.5 kW of power. While it provides relatively fast charging, it is being gradually phased out in favor of more versatile protocols.
- Combined Charging System (CCS)
Combined Charging System (CCS) is a widely adopted fast-charging protocol that supports both AC and DC charging. CCS can deliver power up to 350 kW, making it one of the fastest charging options available. The high power output allows for significantly reduced charging times, especially at public fast-charging stations.
- Tesla Supercharger
Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger network uses a unique protocol that delivers up to 250 kW of power. This enables Tesla vehicles to charge very quickly, often achieving an 80% charge in 20-30 minutes. Tesla’s charging protocol and network are optimized for high-speed charging.
- GB/T (China)
The GB/T protocol used in China supports fast charging and can deliver power up to 250 kW. This protocol is essential for the rapid expansion of EV adoption in China, allowing for quick and efficient charging.
- AC Level 2
AC Level 2 charging uses a standard J1772 connector in North America and can deliver power up to 19.2 kW. While slower than DC fast charging, Level 2 is suitable for home and workplace charging, providing a balance between speed and convenience.
Each protocol has its own specifications for power delivery, connector types, and communication standards, all of which influence the speed at which an EV can charge. Vehicles and charging stations must be compatible with the same protocol to achieve optimal charging speeds. Understanding these protocols can help EV owners choose the right charging infrastructure to meet their needs.
4. Charging Habits
Keep in mind that your charging habits might determine how quickly your battery charges. Usually, charging time is quicker when your battery is almost empty. If it’s nearly full, the charging time will be slower.
5. Vehicle Software
When looking at software, WAE Technologies states that their latest software can reduce charging times by up to 25% if installed in vehicles while they’re in the factory. Even minor updates to existing software can subtly improve charging times.
Understanding how these factors affect your EV charging speed can help you better manage your charging routine and optimize performance.
How to Charge Your Electric Vehicle Faster
If you have an electric vehicle and want to maximize its charging speed, there are some practices you should adhere to.
Tips for Faster Charging
To obtain faster charging, it’s highly recommended that you:
- Avoid extreme cold or hot temperatures when charging
- Select a charging station that advertises fast charging speeds
- Charge your battery only when it’s relatively low
- Choose a charging station that matches your vehicle’s charging specifications
- Use your vehicle’s regenerative braking system to recover lost energy
- Only charge your battery to 80% to prolong its lifespan
Planning Charging Stops
When you’re going on a trip or driving a relatively lengthy distance, you should optimize your routes for speed and convenience. For example, plan ahead by checking the charging points that are close to the route you’re taking. Make sure you identify the various charging options before beginning your journey. If you intend on driving short distances, you’ll likely do fine with a level 1 charger. However, a fast-charging station is necessary when traveling lengthy distances. You should always plan your charging stops to reduce the amount of time you spend at EV charging stations.
Future Trends and Innovations in EV Charging Speed
Charging technology is constantly improving. While electric vehicles currently support 400V batteries, many EV manufacturers are attempting to transition to 800V batteries, which would allow for much faster charging times. In 2023, ultra-fast charging stations have been increasing in popularity. For example, many charging stations across Germany have upgraded to ultra-fast technology. These stations are capable of providing as much as 350 kW of power. No one expects the global electric vehicle industry to slow down any time soon. EV charging solution providers are currently working on lightning-fast charging that will deliver at least 400 kW of power.
Because of how quickly the EV market is growing, EV charging times will continue to improve. Here at EN+, we are constantly developing sustainable EV charging solutions. Contact us today to request a quote or learn more about the services we provide.
