Electric vehicles are making waves in the auto industry, with new models arriving every year and more affordable models available to consumers. But the one question you might have when it comes to electric vehicles is, how long does it take to charge an electric car?
Generally speaking, EV charging will vary depending on the make and model, the battery that powers the car, and where and how you are charging it. Keep reading to know how long it takes to charge electric vehicles to get up to speed.
Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Charging
The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle (EV) depends on the level of charging. Level 1 (120 volts), which is the slowest type of charging, takes between 8 and 12 hours. Level 2 (240 volts), which is faster, takes between 4 and 8 hours. The fastest type of charging, Level 3 (480 volts), can charge an EV in as little as 30 minutes.
AC vs DC Charging
Electric vehicles can be plugged into the grid to recharge, and there are two main types of charging, AC charging and DC charging. AC charging uses alternating current and takes longer to charge an electric vehicle than DC charging, which uses direct current.
AC charging is more commonly used at home, while DC charging is more common at public charging stations. It takes 4-8 hours to charge an electric vehicle using AC charging, and 1-3 hours using DC charging.
Charging at Different Temperatures
Charging an electric vehicle takes longer in colder temperatures, as the battery needs to be warmed up first. When possible, charge your vehicle during the day when it’s warmer out, or charge for a longer period of time at a lower power setting.
If you’re driving in cold weather, make sure to keep your battery charged up as much as possible to avoid running out of power. The ideal temperature to charge an electric vehicle is between 20-30 degrees Celsius. Above 30 degrees Celsius, the battery pack starts to degrade, and below 20 degrees Celsius, the battery pack does not work as efficiently.
Affecting Charging Speed
The charger used is the most important factor. You can control charging schedules remotely with most EV chargers. Battery size is also important, as larger batteries take longer to charge than smaller ones.
Finally, if the battery is completely depleted, it will take longer to charge than if it is only depleted. Request for EV charger installation at home for easier access and to get the most out of its performance.
Understanding How to Charge Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are becoming popular, as they offer many benefits over traditional petrol or diesel cars. One key question when considering an electric car is how long it takes to charge the batteries. Assuming a standard home outlet, it can take anywhere from 6-8 hours to complete charging an electric car.
However, there are faster charging options available if needed. Ultimately, the time it takes to charge electric vehicles is much shorter than the time it takes to fill up a traditional car with petrol or diesel.
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