Switching to electric driving offers many advantages, but the concept of "refueling" is changing radically. Charging times are a key factor in the usability of an electric car and often raise questions for both potential and current EV owners. How long does it really take to charge your electric car (EV)? Is fast charging always the best option, and what can you do to optimize the charging process?
In this in-depth article, we explain the complex factors that influence charging times, how the various charging options compare, and how, with the right knowledge, you can charge faster or more efficiently. Whether you're a new EV buyer comparing charging times, a business driver planning your charging process, or an installer recommending charging solutions: after reading this article, you'll have a clear understanding of the dynamics of electric charging.
What does the charging time of an EV depend on? The complex factors
The question "how long does it take to charge an electric car?" has no single answer. It's a combination of various technical aspects that determine charging speed:
- Battery capacity (kWh): This is the most fundamental factor. A car with a larger battery capacity (expressed in kilowatt-hours, kWh) simply needs more energy to fully charge. A small city car with a 40 kWh battery will charge significantly faster than a luxury SUV with a 77 kWh or even 100 kWh battery, provided the charging capacity is the same. The larger the "tank," the longer it takes to fill.
- Current State of Charge (SoC): A battery doesn't charge linearly. The last few percent often take longer to reach its fullest than the first 80%. This is because the battery's internal resistance increases as it fills up, and to protect the battery's lifespan, the car's Battery Management System (BMS) reduces the charging capacity. Therefore, it's often more efficient to charge your battery to around 80%, especially at fast chargers.
- Charging capacity of the car and the charging source (kW): This is a crucial, two-sided factor.
- Car charging capacity: Every EV has a maximum internal charging capacity, for both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Even if a charging station can deliver 22 kW, your car with an internal charging capacity of up to 11 kW (AC) will never charge faster.
- Charging power of the charging source: This is the power (expressed in kilowatts, kW) that the charging station, socket, or fast charger can deliver. Charging time is always limited by the "weakest link": if your car can handle 11 kW, but you charge from a 3.7 kW home charger, you will charge at a maximum of 3.7 kW.
- Charging cable type (single-phase or three-phase): For AC charging at home or at public charging stations, the cable is important. A single-phase charging cable is suitable for lower power outputs (up to 7.4 kW). For higher AC charging outputs (from 11 kW and 22 kW), you need a three-phase charging cable , provided your home installation and car support it. A three-phase connection at home theoretically triples the charging capacity compared to a single-phase connection.
- Ambient temperature and Battery Management System (BMS): Batteries perform best within a specific temperature range. In cold temperatures (below 10°C) or extreme heat (above 30°C), the car's BMS may automatically reduce charging power to protect the battery. This significantly slows the charging process. Some advanced EVs have a battery preheater to mitigate this effect.
Difference between normal charging and fast charging: methods and their speed
There are several ways to charge an electric car, each with their own speeds and areas of application:
- Wall socket (AC - Max 2.3 kW): This is the slowest method, similar to charging your phone. A standard grounded socket (Schuko) charges at a maximum of 2.3 kW.
- Charging time: For an average 60 kWh battery, this can take 24 to 30 hours from empty to full. Ideal for emergency situations or very limited use, but not practical for daily charging.
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Home charging station (AC - 3.7 kW – 22 kW): This is the most common method for home use. The power varies depending on your power connection and the charging station's capacity.
- 3.7 kW (1-phase): Approximately 16-20 hours for a 60 kWh battery.
- 11 kW (3-phase): Approximately 5-7 hours for a 60 kWh battery, which is ideal for a full charge overnight.
- 22 kW (3-phase): While possible, this is less common in the Netherlands for home use due to the required heavy-duty grid connection. If your car supports this, a 60 kWh battery can be fully charged in 3-4 hours .
- Public AC charger (11 kW – 22 kW): These are often found in cities, supermarkets, or offices. The speeds are comparable to a high-end home charger.
- Charging time: For a 60 kWh battery this varies from 3 to 7 hours , depending on the power of the charging station and the car.
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DC fast chargers (50 kW – 350+ kW): These are charging stations along highways or at major interchanges. They charge directly into the car's battery using direct current (DC), bypassing the car's internal AC/DC converter.
- Charging time: The goal of fast charging is to get you back on the road quickly. A typical fast charging session charges from 10% to 80% of the battery's capacity, which typically takes 20 to 60 minutes , depending on the charger's capacity and the car. The last 20% usually takes the longest, as the charging capacity is significantly reduced to protect the battery.
How do you calculate your car's charging time yourself? Concepts and formula
To calculate loading time, it is useful to understand the key concepts:
- kWh (kilowatt-hour): This represents the amount of energy your battery can store. It's comparable to the number of liters in your fuel tank.
- kW (kilowatt): This represents the power the charging source delivers to the car, or the maximum power the car can receive. It's comparable to the speed at which you operate the fuel pump (liters per minute).
The basic formula for loading time is:
The correction factor is an important addition, usually between 1.1 and 1.2 . This factor takes into account energy loss during the charging process (due to heat generation, AC-to-DC conversion, etc.) and the fact that charging power often decreases as the battery fills up.
Practical calculation example: Suppose you have an electric car with a battery capacity of 60 kWh and you want to charge it with an 11 kW charging station at home .
Your car will then, theoretically, be fully charged in about 6 hours and 15 minutes . This is a good indication for your planning.
Tips to shorten charging times or charge smarter
Besides the technical specifications, you can optimize charging time and even extend the life of your battery with smart habits:
- Take advantage of night rates and overnight charging: Charge your car when electricity is cheaper (often at night). For most daily trips, an 11 kW home charger is more than enough to fully charge your car overnight.
- Optimize charge level for daily use: Don't always charge your battery to 100%. For daily use, it's often better to charge the battery to 80% and only to 100% if you're planning a long ride. This reduces wear and tear and extends the battery's lifespan.
- Use battery preheating in cold weather: Some EVs offer the option to preheat the battery before fast charging. This brings the battery to the ideal temperature, significantly increasing charging capacity (and therefore speed).
- Choose the right charging cable: Make sure your charging cable can handle the maximum current your charging station and car can deliver. A 3-phase charging cable is essential for 11 kW or 22 kW charging.
- Plan your fast-charging sessions wisely: At a fast charger, only charge as much as necessary to reach your destination, or up to approximately 80%. The last 20%, as mentioned earlier, is disproportionately slow.
What you need to know when buying a charging cable: compatibility and types
The charging cable is the physical connection between your car and the charging point, and the right choice is essential for efficient and safe charging:
- Compatibility: Most EVs in Europe use a Type 2 connector (Mennekes) for AC charging. Make sure the charging cable has the correct connectors on both ends to match your car and the charging station. For DC fast charging, the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector is often used, which combines a Type 2 connector and two additional pins.
- Phases (1-phase or 3-phase): As discussed, this determines the maximum AC charging power. If your car and home charging station support 3-phase charging (for example, 11 kW or 22 kW), always choose a 3-phase charging cable. This will significantly speed up charging.
- Amperage (A): Charging cables are also rated for the maximum amperage (A) they can handle. For 11 kW 3-phase charging, you need a 16A cable, and for 22 kW 3-phase charging, you need a 32A cable.
- Length: Choose a length that's practical for your situation, but not unnecessarily long. Overly long cables can cause unnecessary loss and are less convenient.
Understanding charging times and technologies offers numerous benefits: it helps with better route planning for long journeys, leads to more efficient energy consumption, reduces unnecessary waiting times at public charging stations, and can even contribute to a longer battery lifespan through smarter charging behavior. This knowledge is valuable for both home users when choosing the right charging station and for business users for fleet management and charging time planning.
Browse our extensive range of charging cables and mobile chargers for a faster, safer, and more efficient charging experience for your electric car. We're happy to advise you on the best solution for your situation.
