Public EV charging is constantly improving in terms of speed and reliability, and we are not far from when refilling will take no longer than filling up with petrol or diesel.
Up until now, at least, charging time has been a consideration for EV motorists, particularly when organising road tours or long trips. However, charging times can differ enormously, from a mere 15 minutes from an ultra-rapid charger to a full 24 hours from a typical household three-pin socket. In this blog, we will explain precisely what EV speeds are and why they are essential to understand in EV charging.
What is EV Charging Speed?
Before we get into different charging speeds, it’s probably best to iron out what we mean by charging speeds! Simply put, a charging speed is how long an EV battery takes to charge. AC EV chargers are alternating current chargers; they convert AC power from the grid into electricity your EV can use to charge. These chargers are slower than Direct current chargers (DC Chargers), which deliver electricity straight to the EV battery, removing the conversion delay and providing faster charging times.
Slow Charging
AC chargers typically produce slow EV charging. Although AC chargers are great for complementing DC chargers in a commercial EV charging infrastructure, they are usually found in residential setups. Slow charging usually delivers around 3kW to 22kW; however, it’s important to note that a 22kW AC charger requires three-phase power, which is not usually provided in residential properties.
The main benefit of slow/ AC charging is that you can charge your EV on lower energy tariffs, overnight, for example, when it doesn’t matter so much how long it takes. The other big benefit is that they are usually found at people’s homes, so they are convenient for charging an EV when you don’t need it, meaning you are not waiting around.
Fast Charging
When we talk about fast charging, we usually refer to DC charging. DC chargers provide 24kW up to 150kW. Fast chargers usually charge a vehicle in 3-6 hours, depending on the type of vehicle and battery size. Fast EV chargers will usually be found in car parks and workplaces.
Rapid and Ultra Rapid Charging
Ultra-fast chargers supply 100kW or more power, and common outputs are 150kW, 250kW, and even 350kW. They are meant to supply a large amount of energy in a limited time and are, therefore, perfect for use where time is of the essence. In ideal circumstances, they can supply hundreds of miles of range in just 15 to 30 minutes. Nevertheless, the actual charging rate is affected by various factors, including the car’s maximum charge ability, battery size, state of charge, and ambient temperature.
So, where can ultra-fast chargers be found? These powerful units are most typically found at motorway service stations, key A-road stops, EV fleet depots for commercial operators, and high-demand public EV charging points like shopping centres or city centres. They are strategically placed to facilitate long-distance travel, quick turnaround for fleets, and high-demand public charging.
Ultra-fast chargers are mainly for electric car drivers with high charging power, such as newer EV models, electric vans, and fleet vehicles that require being on the road continuously. They’re handy for companies running time-sensitive logistics, taxis, delivery, or car rental fleets that must keep downtime to a minimum. They’re also being used more by EV drivers on longer trips who require a quick, reliable top-up to finish their journey
With quicker charging times and increased convenience, ultra-rapid charging is also critical to facilitating the large-scale uptake of electric vehicles in both the private sphere and across commercial transport segments.
What Affects EV Charging Speeds?
Several factors, from the charger type to the size of the battery, affect how quickly an electric vehicle (EV) will charge. Understanding these factors helps EV owners optimise charging speeds and plan their operations effectively.
Vehicle Battery Capacity & State of Charge
- Larger battery packs take longer to charge, even if you use quick chargers.
- EV charge faster from 0-80% but then slows down from 80-100% to maintain battery health.
Maximum Charging Rate of the Vehicle
- Not all EVs are capable of accepting the highest charging levels, some limit their charging speed to 50kW even when connected to a 150kW charger.
- Find out your car’s maximum charging speed to pair it with the appropriate charging station.
Battery Temperature & Weather Conditions
- Severe cold or heat impacts battery performance by reducing charging rates.
- Most EVs condition their batteries before charging to ensure optimal performance.
Charging Network & Infrastructure
- Older charging points can have lower power outputs.
- Popular destinations can lead to power-sharing and decrease the maximum achievable charging rate.
Cable & Connector Type
- DC chargers use CCS or CHAdeMO connectors, whereas AC chargers generally use Type 2.
- The cable’s power rating must match the charger’s output for the fastest charge.
Grid Supply & Load Management
Load balancing, which splits power across several chargers and slows down during peak hours, is found in workplace and public charging networks. Specific intelligent charging systems modulate power supply based on grid.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
So how long does it take to charge an EV? Hopefully, after going through all the different charging speeds and what can affect charging speeds, you will now understand that the answer is, it depends! There are multiple factors to how long it will take to charge an EV depending on equipment, conditions and the type of EV you are charging. If you want more information or advice on EV charging and charging times, please speak to our experienced team.
