The time it takes to charge an electric car is based on several factors, such as the charging method, charging speed, and battery capacity. EV chargers come in three levels, each with its pros and cons. Go through the details of the levels given below to select the most suitable method for your EV’s requirements.
To learn more about your EV requirements, contact ThunderPlus.
Level 1 EV Charging (120V)
- Utilizes a standard cord with a control box, which comes with every EV
- Can be inserted into a three-prong (grounded) wall socket
- Charging time is mostly between 16 and 20 hours, depending on the battery capacity
- Major Pro: No extra hardware required
- Major Con: It takes a lot of time to charge
Level 2 EV Charging (240V)
- Additional hardware, like an AC wall-box charger, is necessary.
- Charging time is up to 6 hours or less, depending on the battery capacity
- Major Pro: Faster and saves more energy than Level 1
- Major Con: Hardware is costlier
Level 3 EV Charging (DC Fast Charging, 480V)
- Available in public charging stations
- Converts AC to DC for direct battery storage
- 80% of the battery can be charged in under an hour
- Major Pro: The market’s best and fastest charging option.
- Major Con: Charging requires costly hardware and mandatory payment.
Charging Time by Battery Capacity
Bigger batteries take longer to charge, especially on slower chargers. A 30 kWh battery can take up to 18 hours to charge at home, but fast chargers can reduce that time to just an hour. Public charging stations offer a great balance between speed and accessibility.
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | Level 1 (220V) Charging Time | Level 2 (240V) Charging Time | DC Fast Charging Time (0-80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 kWh | 16 – 18 hours | 5 – 7 hours | 45 – 60 minutes |
| 40 kWh | 18 – 20 hours | 6 – 8 hours | 60 – 80 minutes |
| 70 kWh | 22 – 25 hours | 8 – 10 hours | 80 – 100 minutes |
Charging Speed Comparison by Car Model
EV models like the Tata Nexon EV and Hyundai Kona Electric offer different charging times based on battery size and charger type. The Nexon EV, with a smaller battery, charges faster on a Level 2 charger, while the Kona Electric can handle faster DC charging.
| Car Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Level 2 Charge Time (240V) | DC Fast Charge Time (80%) | Maximum Charging Power (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Nexon EV | 30.2 kWh | 8 – 9 hours | 50 – 60 minutes | 50 kW |
| MG ZS EV | 44.5 kWh | 6 – 8 hours | 50 – 70 minutes | 50 kW |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 39.2 kWh | 6 – 8 hours | 50 – 60 minutes | 100 kW |
| Mercedes-Benz EQC | 80 kWh | 10 – 12 hours | 90 – 120 minutes | 150 kW |
After you decide, get in touch with ThunderPlus to know how to access one.
Battery Capacity
You can charge the electric car to 80% in under 1 hour with a Fast Charger (50 kW) or in approximately 8 hours using a Slow/Moderate charger (15 A plug).
Batteries with more capacity take longer to charge fully. Also, depleted batteries require more time to reach full capacity due to their initial state of charge. The lower the initial charge level, the longer it takes to charge fully, as more energy is needed to reach maximum capacity.
Consider these factors and choose the one you can to enjoy a seamless and efficient electric vehicle ownership experience.
For more information about EV charging, contact ThunderPlus, a leading provider of EV chargers and charging solutions.