How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Car?

Trying to figure out how long does it take to charge an electric car? Check out this helpful article to learn more about charging your next car. Whether you’re looking at great local dealerships, or simply just want to know more about eco-friendly cars, then this is just the right place!

Charging Time for Th​e Most Popular Models

When it comes to charging times for the most popular models available right now, there are a lot of factors to consider. All in all, each car is different. The times it takes to charge each vehicle depends upon the following:

• The size of the car battery
• The type of battery
• The type of charger
• The power source (I.E. the power output of your charging station)
• The rate of charge the car accepts

Altogether, these elements make a huge difference. Here is a chart that compares the top models of electric cars, as well as their battery type, range of miles per charge, and charging time from empty to full. If you’re thinking about buying an electric car, then these are important factors to consider.

Types of Chargers

The type of charger on the vehicle will also make a large impact on how long it takes to charge an electric car. You should also consider the type of charging cable. Whether you have a type 1, type 2 charging cable, or type 3, it is important to know the difference!

Therefore, knowing the different types of cables and chargers is vital to understanding the answer to the question “how long does it take to charge an electric car?”

There are three different levels:

• Level One: 120-Volt charging will give you 3-5 miles of range, per hour it is charging.
• Level Two: 240-Volt charge adds approximately 15 to 40 miles for one hour of charging.
• Level Three: Here you can get up to 120-150 miles of range per charging hour. However, it requires extensive installation. Not to mention specific legal requirements, as well as permits and it is quite expensive.

The lower the level, the slower the charge will be. Overall, the type of charger will depend upon initial costs, as well as electric output available. Level three chargers require additional, as well as a very powerful, electricity source.

Via: Understanding Chargers for EV, Department of Energy, Inside EV

A car with a 60kWh battery will take a little under 8 hours to charge from fully depleted to completely full on a 7kW charging point. If you are charging from a regular 3-pin socket, then you can expect it to take longer to reach a full charge! 

The charging speed will also be determined by how depleted the battery is, the kWh charge rate of the charge station, as well as the size of the battery and weather conditions.

How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car at a Charging Station?

At a charging station, you will be charged approximately $0.11 per kWh. This means that a 70-mile range on an empty 24kWh batter will cost $2.64 for a full charge. This means that driving around 12,000 miles per year will cost a little over $400.00 to charge for the year! However, keep in mind that electric rates change from state to state, as well as region to region.

Can I Plug My Electric Car Into a Regular Outlet?

Surprisingly, the answer is yes! You can plug your electric car into a normal, 3-pin, 120 Watt outlet. However, a dedicated charging station will have built-in safety features that normal outlets do not. Not to mention a higher voltage outlet, like a car charging station, will significantly reduce charging time.

Should I Charge My Electric Car Every Night?

All things considered, you should charge your car’s battery when you feel it needs to be plugged in. If you are driving to and from work every day, as well as sticking to 50 miles or less a day, then a few full charges a week should work out in your favor.

However, if you feel as if you would prefer to only drive on a full charge, then plugging your car in every night will work best for you! No matter where you got your car, whether close to home, or abroad, using good common sense when it comes to your battery charge is important!

What Happens if Your Electric Car Runs Out of Battery?

Your vehicle runs on fuel. If your car runs out of battery, it has run out of fuel. All in all, this means the exact same as if it were running on gas. If you run out of battery, then your car will stop.

If you find yourself on the side of the road, a tow truck will transport you to the nearest charging station. Furthermore, keep track of your mileage, as well as your battery life. That way you can stay off the side of the road with a dead battery.

How Long Does An Electric Car Battery Last? (In Years?)

An all-electric car battery may last up to ​​​​​​​​​​12 to 15 years in more temperate climates. However, if you live in harsher climates, like extreme heat or cold, then it could be limited to 8-12 years. This is based on a study done by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Now You Know How Long it Takes to Charge Your Electric Car!

Overall, understanding how long does it take to charge your electric car means knowing all of the different variables involved. Once you understand power input, output, as well as battery intake and all of the information in this article, you'll be able to be a charging pro in no time! 

FAQ

Are public charging stations free?

No, not all public charging stations are free. There are some electric vehicle charging stations that require payment for every hour you are charging there. Not only that, but there are also charging stations that take a monthly fee. However, there are a LOT of public charging stations that are free to charge your car there!

What happens if your electric car runs out of battery?

If your electric car runs out of battery, then your vehicle will no longer run. All in all, if you run out of fuel, your car will not work. If you find yourself on the side of the road with a depleted battery, you can call a tow truck to take you to the nearest charging station.

Can you turn on an electric car while charging?

You can turn on an electric car while it is charging. However, you must power off the vehicle to begin charging.

Can I leave my EV plugged in overnight?

Yes, you can leave your electric vehicle plugged in overnight. All things considered, this will also allow you to use “off peak” electrical times to get your car charged up for a little cheaper than during the day!