It takes as little as ten minutes and up to 24 hours to charge an EV, depending on where you charge it.

While an electric vehicle (EV) currently takes longer to charge than refuelling an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, how we charge EVs takes a different mindset to refuelling a car.

For a start, EVs can be charged at more places. An electric car can be charged at home, at shopping centres, sometimes at work, and at numerous other public places including (but not limited to) carparks, wineries, sports fields, and even train stations. Anywhere with a power point, really!

ICE cars, on the other hand, can only be refuelled at service stations.

The extra time to charge an EV at a public charging station also means we don’t have to stand around while the tank fills, only to rush in to pay at the fuel station while others wait in line.

Instead, we can sleep (if charging at home), do our weekly groceries (if charging at the shopping centre), or stop for a coffee or a bite (if charging at a public fast charger on a road trip).

These are just some of the ways that charging an EV differs from refuelling an ICE vehicle.

Note, if charging at a public charger, please use EV etiquette and “check in” on Plugshare to let others know when you expect to return to the car.

How to estimate EV charge speeds

There are a number of factors that determine how long it takes to charge an EV. 

First, it’s important to understand the terminology. The charge rate is measured in kilowatts (kW), but it can also be useful to think of how many kilometres of driving range are gained per hour of charging.

The following chart below is an approximate guide. Read on to understand the various factors that may affect how long you need to spend at an EV charger.

Factors that determine how long it takes to charge an EV 

Where we charge EVs is just one factor that determines how long it takes to charge.

A complete list of factors include:

1. Charging level and mode
2. Charging ports, plugs and cables
3. On-board charging capacity and battery size
4. Battery state of charge (SoC)
5. The temperature of the battery
6. Electrical architecture

Overall, the time your EV takes to charge is determined by a combination of these factors, and it is important to consider them when choosing where to charge.

In time, working out how long it takes to charge your EV becomes second nature.

Your EV will let you know how long it will take you to charge once plugged in, but it can be handy to have an idea of what to expect before you get there!

1. Charging level and mode

As mentioned above, there are different places we can charge EVs.

The level and mode of charging generally depends on the type of location.

Levels include:

• Level 1: The slowest form of EV charging involves using a standard AC household power point to charge the vehicle.
• Level 2: This is a faster form of AC charging that requires a dedicated wall charger installed by a professional electrician.
• Level 3: Also known as DC fast charging, Level 3 charging is the fastest form of charging available for EVs.

Different charging modes apply to different levels of charging:

• Mode 1 (Level 1): Charging from a general power outlet (GPO), without any additional safety features.
• Mode 2 (Level 1): Charging from a GPO with added safety features, such as a portable cable (EVSE or Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) that includes a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and other protective measures.
• Mode 3 (Level 2): Charging from a hardwired AC charger designed to handle higher voltage charging with safety features such as automatic shut-off in case of a fault. You’ll generally need your BYO cable for these chargers, though some have tethered cables.
• Mode 4 (Level 3): High-voltage DC fast-charging (DCFC) using charging equipment connected directly to the grid. These chargers always have a liquid-cooled cable provided to handle the heat generated when using it.

Typical charge rates

The actual power output of any charging station can also be affected by local conditions.

For example, sometimes there may be grid restrictions on a certain location, or if there is more than one EV plugged in, some units split the maximum charge rate between vehicles.

Checking Plugshare can also give you an idea of the actual charge rate at any particular location.

How fast does your EV charge?

Although a particular charger may be able to achieve a certain rate, your EV may not charge that fast. This depends on your vehicle’s on-board charging capacity (and therefore top charge rate - more on that below under “On-board charging capacity and battery size.”)

Always check your EV manual to determine its top charge rate - there is no point plugging into a 350kW charger if your EV has a top charge rate of 50kW.

2. Charging ports, plugs and cables 

The charging ports and cables that connect EVs to charging stations can also affect the charging rate. Some cables and ports are designed to handle higher power outputs than others.

There are two types of Level 2 AC charging ports and plugs (which includes Mode 2 and 3), and two types of Level 4 DC charging ports and plugs.

Generally, most new EVs today use a Type 2 AC connector and a CCS2 DC connector. The top part of the CCS2 plug is the Type 2 part of the plug.

See our article here on the different types of plugs used globally.

EV Plugs in Australia

DC port maximum charge rates are determined by protocols. In the future, DC charging protocol may accept anywhere up to 500–600kW.

EV cable charging capacity

Cables also differ in power capacity, and this can affect how fast your EV charges.

A Mode 2 tethered cable (also known as EVSE or UMC) used for a single-phase GPO may come with interchangeable tails - generally a 10 amp and a 15/16 amp tail. It’s also possible to purchase 20 amp and 32 amp tails or adapters.

A Mode 2/3 cable can be single-phase or three-phase, and three-phase chargers can also charge on single-phase connections. The minimum and maximum charge rate will depend on amperage.

Please check the instruction manual for any cable you purchase so you understand its charge capacity.

3. On-board charging capacity and battery size 

It's also worth noting that EVs come with differing maximum charge rates. This is determined by the on-board equipment behind the plug.

Manufacturers decide the on-board maximum charge rates depending on EV battery size and chemistry.

This is because the lithium in EV batteries tends to form dendrites across the negative electrode if charged too fast, reducing performance and capacity.

Battery management systems slow charge rates down when battery capacity is higher to protect the cells from degradation. This is called the charging curve.

4. Battery state of charge (SoC) 

As mentioned above, how much charge is left in the battery also affects how fast your EV can charge.

A simple way to understand why a battery can charge faster when it is emptier is to imagine a movie theatre.  The less seats are taken, the easier it is to find a seat and the faster the crowd moves. When the theatre is fuller, it takes longer to find a seat.

When a battery SoC is emptier, there are more “seats” available to be filled by electrons. Therefore, the charging rate can typically be higher without causing damage or degradation to the battery.

As the battery charges and its SoC increases, the number of “seats” available for electrons decreases.

Battery management systems (BMS) adjust the charging rate to prevent overheating, guarding against degradation and conserving the battery's performance and lifespan.

When the battery’s SoC reaches 80% or above, it takes a lot longer to charge. For this reason, it is poor EV etiquette to use a DC fast-charging station when your EV passes 80% SoC (unless you absolutely need the range to get to your next stop!)

5. Battery temperature

The temperature of the battery can also affect the charging rate. Charging an EV in very cold or hot conditions can reduce the charging rate.

Cooler temperatures slow down the chemical and physical reactions that allow batteries to charge. Warmer temperatures cause faster reactions that also prevent electrons from flowing freely.

Look for EVs with battery conditioning functions to optimise the battery temperature on approach to a charger - this can help protect your battery from degradation and ensures a shorter charging time.

6. Electrical architecture 

Also, the voltage of the vehicle’s electrical architecture can limit charge rate.

Most EVs on the market currently have a 400-volt architecture. This limits charging speeds to under 200kW. Some EVs have an 800-volt architecture, which allows them to reach “ultra-rapid” charge speeds.

Generally speaking, EVs with smaller batteries, shorter range and 400-volt architecture are at the more affordable end of the price spectrum, and will charge at a lower max rate than EVs with larger batteries.