EV Charging: How long does it take?
The answer to the question is quite varied. Whilst people may think Electric Vehicle (EV) charging is a ‘one shoe fits all approach’ it depends on the charger you use. While looking into getting an EV people often overlook the different chargers that can be used and the difference between them. In this blog, we will cover the three main types of chargers. Level 1 chargers, Level 2 chargers, and Direct Current fast charging (DC fast charging).
Level 1 Charging Systems
The first charger out of the three is the Level 1 charger. This is commonly used in homes as it can be plugged into a standard residential power outlet. It is typically the charger that automobile manufacturers hand out to people at the time of purchase to use at home with standard 240v standard outlets. Level 1 chargers are the slowest out of the three and can take up to 21-40 hours to charge from empty to full capacity and 5-6 hours to charge a plug-in hybrid EV. Charging an EV using a level 1 charger may be efficient when the purpose of the vehicle is for shorter travel distances but may be impractical when using your vehicle for long distances. The most common recommendation is to upgrade your charger from a Level 1 to a Level 2 charger.
Level 2 Charging Systems
The second charger is known as a level 2 charger. This is most commonly found in residential, commercial, and public charging. Whereas the level 1 charger can take between 21-40 hours, level 2 charging is up to 8 times quicker, typically taking just 4-10 hours to charge from empty to full capacity. Level 2 equipment offers to charge through 240V single phase and 415V three phase for residential and commercial sites. Whilst the cost of a level 2 charging system may be higher than a level 1 charging system it is important to keep in mind the time savings, convenience, and peace of mind that comes with level 2 charging. Put simply, if your daily use of your electric vehicle is higher than 64 kilometers then a level 2 charging system is a must. The speed at which your EV will charge using a Level 2 charger is worth the investment alone. It’s like owning your own petrol pump at home!
DC Fast Charging Systems
The last charger and the fastest is the DC fast charger. DC fast chargers are typically found in public charging stations along highways or high-traffic areas, such as shopping centres or public parking garages. DC fast chargers come in different power levels ranging between 50kw to 350kw, the higher the power level the quicker the charging speed. DC chargers typically take just 20-30 minutes to charge an EV from 0-80%, incredibly faster than both Level 1 and Level 2 charging systems. What makes these chargers so powerful is that it bypasses the AC-to-DC converter that is used by both level 1 and level 2 chargers and directly charge the battery (Hence the name Direct current fast chargers). These chargers are the most expensive to install and maintain and are usually kept for public use and may be free or a subscription-based model. It is important to note that frequently using this charger can degrade the battery of an EV over time and only use it when necessary. It is also important to note that you should avoid charging from 0% or charging to 100% regularly. DC fast charging systems are great if you need a boost to your car battery if you are on a road trip or a long drive but regular use should be avoided.
As you can see the answer to the question ‘How long does it take to charge an EV?’ is not a straightforward answer. Once you figure out the difference between all 3 charging stations and what your preference is then that question can be answered definitively. Our recommendation is a Home level 2 charging system, this will give you the most efficient results while maintaining long-term battery health. As a Level 1 charging system takes between 21-40 hours to completely charge it is impractical especially if you use your EV frequently. DC fast chargers whilst only taking 20-30 minutes to charge can degrade your battery over time and should only be used if you have to. Level 2 charging systems are the most Ideal for personal use as they charge significantly quicker than level 1 while maintaining battery health, best to leave it charging overnight so it's ready for the big day ahead! Thinking about upgrading to a Level 2 charger? Click here to book a free consult.