How Long It Takes to Charge an Electric Car

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. However, one of the biggest concerns for potential electric car owners is how long it takes to charge an electric car. There are several factors that affect charging speed, including the battery's age, the charging connection, and the level of charge.

The main factor that affects how long it takes to charge an electric car is the battery's capacity. The size of the battery determines how much energy it can store and how quickly it can be charged. Most electric cars come with a lithium-ion battery that typically takes between 30 minutes to 12 hours to charge fully depending on its capacity. Battery charges time also depends on whether you use Level 1 slow or Level 2 fast charging stations.

Another major factor affecting charging speed is the age of the battery. As a battery ages, its capacity decreases, which means it will take longer to charge than when it was new. Charging connection quality also plays a role in determining charging time as some chargers may not support fast charging speeds or may not be compatible with certain models of electric cars. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about owning an electric car and managing your charging needs.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images, driving an electric car can be a unique and exciting experience. When it comes to charging, level 1 charger plugs directly into a standard wall outlet. The charger connects to the car with hardware called a circular plug that looks much different than the stubby nozzle at the gas pump. It has smaller circular connection points and is part of a universal connection called J1772.

Level 1 is the slowest type of EV charging, but it can provide enough power to add 40-50 miles of range during an average day for the average person. While it may not be as quick as a fill-up at the gas station, level 1 charging overnight can be a good thing. You'll wake up to find your car fully charged and ready to go for your daily commute.

With level 2 charging becoming more common, using regular outlets makes level 1 charging seem like old technology. However, there is something special about taking your time while you charge your electric car. It allows you to relax, take in your surroundings or even catch up on some reading while you wait for your vehicle's battery to top off. So next time you're considering filling up at the gas station or stopping for level 2 charging, remember that there is joy in experiencing level 1 slow electric car charging!

Level 2 charging is faster than level 1 but requires extra hardware. A level 2 charger connects to your electric car using a J1772 connector and draws power from a powerful source tapping into a 240-volt connection. This extra power means you can charge your car much faster, up to 25 miles of range per hour of charging.

To use a level 2 charger, you'll need to have the appropriate equipment installed at home or work. This includes a dedicated 40-amp circuit and level 2 charging hardware, which can cost several thousand dollars to purchase and install. However, with this investment, you can enjoy faster charging times and more convenience when it comes to keeping your car parked for longer periods.

Level 2 connections are becoming more common in public spaces as well, with over 50,000 public charging locations across the US. These are often found in parking garages or office complexes where people park their cars for several hours at a time. Having access to level 2 chargers in these locations can be incredibly helpful for electric car owners who need a quick boost of energy while they run errands or attend meetings. So if you're considering an electric car, make sure to factor in the convenience (and cost) of level 2 charging options when planning your daily routine.

Level 3 chargers, also called DC fast charging, are the fastest charging speeds available for electric vehicles. These high-power connections can add hundreds of miles of range to an EV battery in as little as 30 minutes. However, commercial charging stations due to their cost and complexity are less common than Level 2 chargers.

Level 3 connectors include the CCS charger, CHAdeMO charger and Tesla connector (Tesla uses its own proprietary connector). CCS compatible cars, including the Nissan Leaf, have a standard connector with an additional plug beneath it that connects to the CCS charger. Newer EVs sold today generally come with a CCS or CHAdeMO connector.

While Level 3 charging is ideal for longer trips and reserving DC charging is recommended when time is heavy on your hands, using this type of charger regularly may degrade your EV battery's life. That's why Level 1 and Level 2 charging remains the default method for most drivers' everyday needs.