The vast majority of EV charging is done at home, overnight (just like your cell phone), which makes the speed of charging largely irrelevant. There are also hundreds of thousands of public charging stations across the country, with more being added every day. Many of these are at stores or restaurants, so you can charge while shopping or dining.
There are a few different factors that determine how long it takes to charge an electric car. To be more technical, the time to full recharge depends on:
- The model of the vehicle and how big the battery pack is
- The type and “level” of charging station
- How much charge is left in the battery when it is plugged in
- The ambient, or outside, temperature
Different types of charging require different levels of chargers. If you charge overnight, you can usually meet the miles needed for a daily commute by plugging directly into a 120-volt outlet in the wall. (Yes, the same kind you’d plug your cell phone into.) This can add about 40-50 miles of range overnight.
Level 2 chargers can usually add between 20 miles and 45 miles of range per hour of charging. Many EV drivers have a Level 2 charger installed at home. You can also find Level 2 chargers at common destinations such as shopping centers, movie theaters, and workplaces. DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) can add hundreds of miles in an hour and can often refill an EV battery to 80% of charge in about 20 minutes. These are often found along highways and near convenience stores and gas stations.
