How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

If you’re in the market for a sleek new-to-you electric vehicle (EV), you might be curious about electric car charging times. This is a natural curiosity since most of us are accustomed to stopping in Toms River to refuel in a few minutes. So, how long does it take to charge an electric car? Electric car charging times vary greatly depending on the make, model, and type of charger you use. 

For instance, a Level 1 charger can take a day or more to charge your battery. On the other hand, a Level 3 charger can offer significant charging in as little as ten minutes! If you’re ready to kick off your EV research, Automotive Avenues is here for you! From answering questions like “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” to offering hybrid vs. EV comparisons, we’re your local source for eco-friendly driving information. Learn more with us below!

What are My Electric Car Charging Options?

1. Domestic Outlet Home Charging (Regular Outlet): Level 1 charging utilizes a standard three-prong 110V/120V charging outlet which is convenient but doesn’t offer the fastest charging speeds. In most cases, Level 1 charging takes more than 24 hours to complete a full cycle. 
2. Installed Brand-Approved Domestic Charging: Level 2 charging is common for EV owners but requires professional installation. This method utilizes rapid (240V+) chargers that are brand specific. With this option, you’ll secure a full charge in mere hours rather than days. 
3. Public Charging: While you’re on the go, you can take advantage of public charging stations located at gas stations, shopping malls, parking garages, hotels, and even some apartment complexes. While the charging speed offered at these stations will vary, many of them utilize Level 2 chargers. However, you can find Level 3 rapid-charging stations that deliver a significant charge in just a few minutes!

Typical Domestic Charging Electric Car Charging Time

At-home EV charging times vary based on the type of charger you utilize:

• Level 1 EV Charging: This EV charging option generally takes a full day or more to charge. 
• Level 2 EV Charging: With Level 2 charging, you can get a full charge in hours. 
• Level 3 EV Charging: This level of charging offers up to 80% charge in about ten minutes and full charging in under an hour. 

Bottom Line: While Level 3 charging is enticing, it’s only offered in public settings and should be used sparingly. Level 1 is convenient but often quite slow. Level 2 charging offers a good pace, but requires professional installation. For these reasons, most drivers use a combination of Level 1 and Level 2 charging on most occasions, with a bit of Level 3 charging mixed in from time to time. If you’re unsure about charging your EV, consult with our team!

Typical Public Charging Electric Car Charging Time

Generally, home chargers offer 3.7 kW or 7 kW charging. Public chargers really up the ante, typically providing 22 kW charging, 43-50 kW rapid charging, and 150 kW rapid charging. With that in mind, the fastest charging options can provide a full charge in under an hour. Others may take 4 hours, 6 hours, or even overnight to provide a full charge. Luckily, more and more charging stations are popping up all around the Trenton area, so you can keep your vehicle charged while you run errands! 

Find Your Electric Vehicle Near Howell Township

Now that you’re well-versed in electric car charging times, you might be curious about how to get behind the wheel of an EV! Learn how to sell your car to a dealership like Automotive Avenues so you can upgrade like an expert! Turn to our Wall team for all of your automotive needs!