How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

A woman charging an electric vehicle in her home.

It’s no secret that electric cars have grown in popularity in recent years. Electric vehicles, or EVs, are raved about for their excellent performance and lower running costs. However, it’s understandable if you have questions about these vehicles. Namely, how long does it take to charge an electric car on average?

It’s vital to know how long it takes to charge an EV, whether you’re planning to drive around town or wish to go on a road trip. When it comes down to it, EV charging times can vary due to various factors. Fortunately, we’ll go over everything you need to know below!

Understanding Electric Vehicle Charger Types

Before we discuss EV charging times in more detail, it’s crucial to understand that three types of charging stations are currently available. These power sources are known as “Level 1,” “Level 2,” and “Level 3.”

Use this guide to learn more about what you can expect from these charging stations:

What Are the Levels of Electric Vehicle Charging infographic

The type of charging station you choose will certainly influence how long it takes to charge your electric vehicle. However, it’s also important to recognize charging times can be influenced by battery size and the charging rate of your EV’s onboard charger.

Now that we’ve gotten all the background information out of the way, let’s discuss what charging times you can typically anticipate from the three types of charging stations.

Level 1 Charging Times

Level 1 charging stations are some of the most convenient options, as they plug into standard 120-volt wall outlets. However, these chargers provide the slowest charging speeds.

So, how long does it take to charge an electric car with a Level 1 charging station? If your electric vehicle’s battery is empty, it’ll usually take around 40 to 50 hours to charge it. These charging stations typically only provide three to six miles of range per hour, so you’ll either want to consider using them to charge your vehicle overnight or simply top off the battery.

Level 1 charging stations are ideal for those just starting out in electric vehicle ownership, as they are usually included when purchasing an EV. However, as you can see, they can have their downsides — especially if your car’s battery capacity is larger than most.

If you’re worried about charging larger EV batteries or are longing for a fast charger, you might consider moving up to Level 2.

Level 2 Charging Times

Level 2 charging stations are highly common among homeowners, and for good reason. These stations are known for being much quicker than their Level 2 counterparts, saving you time and stress. However, these chargers need to be installed by a professional, so you’ll want to contact your local Simi Valley electric experts for help.

How long does it take to charge an electric car with a level 2 charger? If you want your car to be fully charged, it’ll usually take around six to 12 hours, with 10 hours being the average.

Level 3 Charging Times

Level 3 chargers are known for their fast charging. How long does it take to charge an electric car with these chargers? In some instances, these stations can have an EV’s battery fully charged within 30 minutes. All-in-all, Level 3 chargers can provide anywhere from three to 20 miles of range per minute.

However, it’s important to mention that Level 3 stations aren’t ideal for charging at home, as most residential electrical systems are unable to accommodate them. It’s worth noting that some batteries can’t handle these chargers as well.

When it comes down to it, you’ll most likely want to consider installing a Level 2 charger if your plan is to charge an EV at home. Although Level 3 chargers have the best EV charging times, they aren’t the most practical option out of the bunch.

Install an EV Charging Station With RR Electric!

As you can see, EV charging times can vary depending on the power source you choose, the size of your car’s battery, and more. Now that you understand how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle, you might be ready to install a charging station. Luckily, this is where RR Electric can help!
Our electricians in Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, and surrounding areas specialize in everything from electrical wiring services to electric vehicle charging stations. Contact us to schedule your installation today!