The time it takes to charge an electric car varies widely depending on the battery size and the power output of the charging point. Here is a detailed overview:

• Typical home charging (7kW AC charger): A common electric car with a 60 kWh battery usually takes just under 8 hours to fully charge from empty to full using a 7kW home charger. This is typical for overnight charging

• Slow charging (3.7kW): Can take 20+ hours for large batteries (e.g., 82 kWh) and several hours for smaller batteries

• Fast charging (22kW AC): Charging time reduces to a few hours (e.g., 5-8 hours for large batteries)

• Rapid DC charging (43-50kW): Adds roughly 100 miles of range in about 30-35 minutes. Full charge times can be around 1 hour for large batteries

• Ultra-rapid charging (100-350kW): Enables charging from 10% to 80% in as little as 15-30 minutes for compatible vehicles, though full charging still takes longer. For example, a Porsche Taycan can charge 10-80% in 18 minutes on an ultra-rapid charger

Factors affecting charging time include:

• Battery capacity: Larger batteries take longer to charge

• Charging power: Higher power chargers reduce charging time

• Battery state of charge: Charging slows down as the battery approaches full capacity, often recommended to charge only up to 80% for efficiency and battery health

• Battery temperature and condition: Extreme temperatures and battery health can impact charging speed

• Vehicle charging system voltage (400V vs. 800V) also influences charging speed

Summary table of typical charging times for a 60-80 kWh battery EV:

Charger Type| Power Output| Approximate Full Charge Time| Notes
---|---|---|---
Slow home charger| 3.7 kW| 12-22 hours| Overnight charging
Fast home charger| 7 kW| ~8 hours| Common home charger
Fast public charger| 22 kW| 3-8 hours| Faster AC charging
Rapid DC charger| 43-50 kW| ~1 hour| Adds ~100 miles in ~30 mins
Ultra-rapid charger| 100-350 kW| 15-30 minutes (10-80%)| Depends on vehicle capability

In practice, most drivers do not charge from empty to full regularly but "top up" their battery as needed, often overnight at home or during short stops using rapid chargers

. Thus, charging times range from about 30 minutes with ultra-rapid chargers to over 12 hours with slow home chargers, depending on the vehicle and charger used.