How long does it take to charge an electric car?

With continuously improving ranges, lower prices, and incentives, more people are switching to electric vehicles (EVs). Charging an EV is usually cheaper than fueling a gas-powered car, but the experience of charging your electric vehicle is different than simply pulling up to the pump, and it may require some adjustment in your routine. Unlike the quick pit stops at gas stations, EV charge times vary based on multiple factors. 

A typical EV with a 60 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery takes about eight hours to charge from empty to full with a 7 kilowatt (kW) Level 2 charger (in a best-case scenario). Your charger, how full the battery is to begin with, battery size, the weather, the charging rate of the vehicle, and the charging rate of the charger all play a role in your EV's charge time. Understanding these factors is key to estimating how long it should take your fill up your battery and get back on the road.

EV charge time depends on the type of charger you use. EV chargers are broadly categorized as Level 1 (L1), Level 2 (L2), and Level 3 (L3); L1 chargers are the slowest, and L3 chargers are the fastest. 

Level 1 EV charger: The slowest charge time

Level 1 (L1) EV chargers offer a simple and relatively cheap way to plug in. They use a regular 120-volt wall outlet, so you won’t need to install any special equipment before integrating an L1 charger with your household. Many EVs include an L1 charger with your initial purchase. 

Here’s the catch: L1 chargers are slow. They only add a few miles of range per hour, meaning you probably won’t be able to rely on them for a full charge overnight. Most EVs take over a day or two to fully charge a battery with an L1 charger. 

Level 2 EV charger: The most common home charger

Level 2 (L2) chargers use a 240-volt outlet and deliver a full charge much faster than an L1 charger. Most people will need to invest in some electrical work before installing an L2 charger at home, but the convenience of a speedier charge still makes them the most common type of home EV charger. 

Level 2 EV chargers vary in speed and cost. The typical power output of an L2 charger ranges from 7 kW to 19 kW. The higher the output, the faster the charge; a 7 kW L2 charger can fully charge the average EV (60 kWh battery) in under 8 hours. A 19 kW L2 charger cuts that charge time by more than half to reach a full charge in under 3 hours. 

L2 chargers start around $400 and can cost up to $1,000 for higher-end models before labor charges from your electrician.

Level 3 EV charger: The fastest charge time, but not suitable for homes

Level 3 (L3) chargers, or direct current (DC) chargers, require 400+ volts and they're expensive to install. They're great for filling your battery rapidly on the go, but you won’t have one at home. L3 chargers exist at public EV charging stations and can reach a full charge (or around 80%) in 30 minutes or less. 

L3 chargers vary significantly in output, ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW. While they take the cake for convenience, it’s best to be mindful of your L3 charger use. Rapidly charging your EV battery causes degradation. If you rely on public charging stations, that’s ok, but charging at home when possible can prolong the life of your battery.

Average charge time for popular EVs

Average charge time for Teslas by model

Note: We estimated charging speed from 20% full to 80% full to mirror what you might experience with everyday driving.

The main EV charge time determinant is the level of charger you use, but things like the weather and your battery specifications also play a role. 

Battery size 

The larger the battery, the more time it takes to reach a full charge. A larger capacity translates to a longer driving range, but it also means there is more to "fill" when you do have to charge it. For instance, you’ll have to charge a 60 kWh battery more often than a 100 kWh battery, but the actual charge time will be quicker. 

Battery charge

An empty battery will take longer to charge than a battery already at 50%. Interestingly, the rate at which electricity is accepted declines as the battery gets closer to full. In other words, a depleted battery typically adds more miles in 20 minutes of EV charge time than a half-full battery. This "slowdown" in charging protects your battery from overheating. 

Maximum charging rate (of your EV and your EV charger)

The maximum charging rate determines how much electricity can be accepted by your EV at any given time. Both your EV and your charger have a maximum charging rate, and your charge time is limited to whichever rate is lower. If you install a top-of-the-line 80 kW L2 charger at your home, your Nissan Leaf will still be limited to its 50 kW maximum charging rate. 

Environment

Colder temperatures make for longer EV charge times. Temperature affects the chemical reactions inside the battery, and cold temperatures slow things down. People also tend to turn on the heat when it's cold out, which consumes energy and drains the battery faster.

Pairing your home EV charger with solar panels can reduce costs and your carbon footprint. The EnergySage Marketplace provides qualified quote comparisons from local installers to help you find a solar system that fits your energy and budget needs. Learn more about the benefits of combining solar energy with your EV from an Energy Advisor on the Marketplace today. For more information on EV charging, check out how to install a home EV charging station.