Understanding Electric Vehicle Charging Times
Understanding Electric Vehicle Charging Times
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness, one of the main concerns for potential EV owners is the time it takes to charge.
This article aims to demystify EV charging times and provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence them.
The Basics of EV Charging
The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle depends largely on two factors: the size of the car's battery and the speed of the charger you're using. For instance, using a Nissan LEAF and a home charger as an example, the charging time will vary based on these two factors.
There are different speeds of chargers depending on whether you're at home, in the workplace, or using a public network. Most EV owners find charging at home (usually overnight) to be the most convenient way to keep their EV topped up. However, if speed is your priority, or you need to add a few more miles of range, then charging from a rapid or ultra-rapid public charging unit can add a significant amount of vehicle range in a surprisingly short amount of time, depending on the EV model you're driving.
For instance, you could add more than 30 miles to your car battery in just 10 minutes, or 70 miles in 10 minutes if you have a Tesla hooked up to a supercharger. This might change your opinion on whether an electric vehicle is suitable for your job or busy life.
Battery Size and Charging Time
Electric cars come with a variety of battery sizes to suit different driving needs. The bigger the battery in your car, the longer it’s going to take to fully charge. For example, the Nissan LEAF has a 40kWh battery, whereas the Jaguar I-Pace has a larger 90kWh battery. As a result, the I-Pace will take longer to charge to its full capacity as it has a bigger battery to fill.
Types of EV Charging
There are three main types of EV charging: slow charging (3-6 kW), fast charging (7-22 kW), and rapid & ultra-rapid charging (40+ kW). Slow charging is typically done using a standard domestic socket, while fast charging can take place at home on an electric vehicle charge point and on some public charging units. Rapid and ultra-rapid charging is usually done at public charging points and can top up your car from empty to 80% full in just 30 minutes.
Home Charging vs Public Charging
On average, 80% of people charge their electric cars at home overnight. Home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective way to charge. However, if home charging isn’t an option or you’re travelling a bit further afield and need a boost, rapid chargers are what you need. It’s worth noting that rapid charging is more expensive than charging at home, but even when rapid charging, you are still making significant fuel savings compared to filling up in a petrol or diesel car.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the time it takes to fully charge an electric car or van can vary greatly, from 30 minutes to 15 hours or more. This depends on how much energy you need, and the speed of the charging point you use, giving you lots of flexibility and convenience to suit your needs for different journeys.
In conclusion, the time it takes to fully charge an electric car or van can vary greatly, from 30 minutes to 15 hours or more. This depends on how much energy you need, and the speed of the charging point you use, giving you lots of flexibility and convenience to suit your needs for different journeys.
The charging time is influenced by a multitude of factors, including the size of your vehicle's battery and the speed of the charger you're using. For instance, a Nissan LEAF with a 40kWh battery can be fully charged in approximately 5 hours using a 7kW home charger, while a Jaguar I-Pace with a larger 90kWh battery would take around 13 hours to fully charge using the same charger(1).
Moreover, the type of charger you use can significantly impact the charging time. Slow chargers, which deliver between 3 and 6 kW of charge per hour, can take over 13 hours to fully charge a 40kWh Nissan LEAF. Fast chargers, on the other hand, can deliver between 7 and 22 kW of charge per hour, reducing the charging time by half or more. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, which deliver 40 kW or more, can charge your vehicle from empty to 80% in just 30 minutes(1).
It's also worth noting that the charging time can be influenced by your charging habits. For instance, topping up your vehicle's battery whenever you can, rather than waiting for it to run out, can help reduce the overall charging time. This approach, known as top-up charging, can be particularly useful if you don't have a home charger and rely on public charging points(1).
In essence, the charging time for electric vehicles is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It's a flexible process that can be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances, offering you the convenience and flexibility to make the most of your electric vehicle.
Great article, but you missed a basic point about charging times, which are adversely affected by ambient temperature. When the ambient outside temperature is below around 5c and the battery is cool [ not driven for a while]., part of your charging electricity is used to fund electrical power to a heater. Inevitably, this will slow your charge times down [ not your charger]. In situations where the the battery temperature is in excess of 35-45c [dependent on chemistry] you will also experience extended times due to battery cooling taking place. Lithium ion technology is complex and very temperature volatile, when driving and charging the Battery system will require constant heating and cooling.