How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV?
If you are interested in buying an electric vehicle, one major obstacle that looks like a red light is the length of time it takes to power up and recharge. While many EV owners claim they don't feel inconvenienced by the charge time, it's sometimes challenging to convince potential converts otherwise.
The fact of the matter is that charge time is influenced by many different considerations, and can take anywhere from minutes to days. Stay tuned; our licensed electricians dive into how long it actually takes to charge an electric vehicle and which charging station would best suit your needs as an eco-friendly motorist.
Charging an EV: How Long is the Wait?
All of the participating pieces of equipment play a role in how long it will take to charge your electric car. This includes:
The source of power/ home wiring
The charging station & its power output
The vehicle’s charging capability
The battery size
The current charge level
Smart EV charging also impacts the equation, since it allows for customization of when and for how long the vehicle charges. The possibilities are limitless!
Let’s explore these factors in greater detail:
The EV Charging Station
The source of power for the charging station is the difference between it taking mere minutes or several days for you to be able to take your whip for a spin. Electric vehicle charging stations are categorized as level 1, level 2, or level 3.
Level 1
A standard home outlet in your garage can power a level 1 charger, but you should expect it to take around 40 hours to fully charge your ride.
Level 2
An upgrade to a level 2 charging station can substantially decrease charge time, filling up your battery at around 15 to 25 miles per hour plugged up. With a level two charger, most electric cars can be fully charged overnight or during a workday. This is the most common kind of charging station our guys at Axiom Power install for dedicated EV drivers.
Keep in mind, to install a level 2 station in your home, you will likely need some rewiring work done at the site of the charger. If you’re ready to make the commitment to yourself and the planet, schedule your free cost estimate today and take advantage of this special offer on EV installs!
Level 3
Kick it up a notch with a level 3 station, which has a much larger amount of power output. Quite a bit more expensive with the use of direct current (DC) power, these kinds of chargers are typically used in public spaces. They can top off an empty battery as quickly as 30 minutes! Talk about lightning speed!
What's crazy is that many level 3 chargers are designed to output substantially more power than current EV batteries have the capacity for.
In the next few years as electric cars advance, we can expect to see a dramatic decrease in charging time, especially at public stations. That's a must in today's fast-paced society.
EV Battery Capacity
Before you race out to buy an electric vehicle, keep in mind that not all batteries are created equal. Lower-cost EVs will likely have enough range to meet your daily needs, but you will need to invest in a luxury model if you expect to travel long distances or for long periods. One drawback is the larger the battery, the longer it will take to charge.
Fortunately, as already mentioned, engineers are currently developing innovative solutions to meet the demand for faster charging times. You can count on our electricians at Axiom Power to stay on top of the latest advancements in the EV industry.
EV Charger Capacity
The charging station is an important step in the mechanism of charging up an EV, but it is useless without the charging attachment on the battery itself that converts power into the battery’s storage.
A large battery fitted with a small battery charger will take a long time, no matter how strong the power source is.
High-end EVs are typically paired with battery chargers that can rapidly convert power to be usable by the vehicle.
Other EV Charging Variables
Believe it or not, factors such as temperature and time of day can affect how long your car takes to charge. Extremely low or high temperatures can elongate the process. At times when the power grid it's taking a toll from an influx of people using large appliances, it may also take longer to charge your vehicle.
Let’s See > What Kind of EV Charger Do You Need?
Power Up Your Electric Vehicle
Clearly, many variables impact how long it will take to charge your electric vehicle. Regardless, we think the benefits of ‘fueling’ and getting behind the wheel I have an EV far outweigh the cons. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you will save money long-term and avoid annoying trips to the gas station. With the right charger, you can fuel up from the comfort of your own home.
If you are ready to upgrade your daily drives to all-electric, that’s amazing! Our team at Axiom Power can help you make the best decisions about how to keep your vehicle charged and can upgrade your garage to suit your needs.
Call/text Axiom Power today, and remember to mention our special offer - (813) 308-9328! Here’s to driving responsibly.