How long does it take to charge an EV?

July 30, 2019September 21, 2023 Stephen Corby 4544 Views

Minutes… or days.

It depends on a bunch of variables, including the size of the battery, the car’s ability to accept the charge and the charging station.

Battery capacity is measured in kWh (kilowatt-hours) and most EVs have between 30kWh and 100kWh.

Charging speed (or power) is measured in kilowatts. Charging from a household powerpoint provides 2.4kW, so it would take 40-plus hours to charge a 100kWh battery.

Fast charging stations provide up to 350kW, slashing that charge time dramatically.

However, the car will also determine how much electricity it will accept. Currently, most EVs cap their charging capacity at 110kW or less. So, even if you find a 350kW charging station the maximum the car will take at any time is 110kW.

The ambient temperature can also play a role with fast charging stations. If it’s very cold or hot, for example, the car’s onboard software may limit the maximum charge accepted to protect the batteries.

See all our frequently asked questions on electric cars.

Stephen Corby

Stephen is a former editor of both Wheels and Top Gear Australia magazines and has been writing about cars since Henry Ford was a boy. Initially an EV sceptic, he has performed a 180-degree handbrake turn and is now a keen advocate for electrification and may even buy a Porsche Taycan one day, if he wins the lottery. Twice.