Typically, while traditional refueling of petrol or diesel cars takes just a few minutes, charging an EV is a different experience. Until more recent developments became widespread, it did take considerably longer. Today, however, following advancements in charging apparatus and infrastructure, charging times are constantly improving, bringing us closer to the convenience of traditional refueling times. In the following article, we will look at the different types of charging speeds and their implications.
How quickly can EVs charge?
The speed at which you can charge an EV depends on several variables. Most importantly, two primary categories are involved: the battery's size (kWh) and the charger's power output. As the EV market diversifies, a range of models and makes across the transport industry have created a range of batteries and subsequent charging experiences that EV users can choose from, depending on their specific requirements.
For example, although it depends on the type of charger used (Level 1 charging versus Level 2 or Level 3, for example- see more here), each vehicle's makes and model can drastically change how quickly you can expect to reach full charge. For example, a Nissan Leaf, which has a 60kWh battery and is compatible with a 50kW rapid charger, will take slightly over one hour to fully charge. The Jaguar I-Pace with a 90kWh battery takes slightly longer to reach full charge and typically takes approximately one hour and forty-eight minutes. Tesla's Model Y, featuring a 75kWh battery, requires approximately one hour and thirty minutes to reach a full charge. Yet, while each car reaches full charge at different speeds, it is important to remember that their range- how far they can travel on one charge- will differ. Therefore, your daily life requirements must be considered when choosing an EV. Will you predominately need your car for shorter bursts of travel, longer journeys, or a mix? Remember that the charging speed can vary based on the type of charger used, whether it's non-rapid, rapid, or ultra-fast.
Different types of charging
- Non-Rapid Charging: Slow but Accessible
Non-rapid charging, sometimes slow or fast, typically offers up to 50kW of charging power. These chargers are most commonly found at home and workplaces and usually at lamppost charging units. While non-rapid chargers provide a convenient option for regular charging needs, they are the slowest form of charging. They are considerably slower when compared to rapid or ultra-fast chargers. Charging an electric car using a non-rapid charger usually takes several hours, making it most suitable for overnight charging or longer stays at a fixed location.
- Rapid Charging: Quick and Efficient
Rapid charging is designed with fast and efficient charging in mind. Depending on your vehicle's battery size and starting charge state, rapid AC chargers have power outputs that frequently reach 43kW or sometimes even more. This means this charging can reduce charging sessions to just 20 to 40 minutes. Most commonly, due to their powerful output, these chargers are seen at public charging stations and provide a great, convenient option for quick top-ups during a journey or when you're on the go.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: Latest EV Technological Developments
Ultra-fast charging represents the latest advancement in EV charging technology, offering extremely high power outputs. These chargers, with power outputs of 100kW or more, are typically available in high-end electric cars such as the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-Tron GT, and BMW iX. With ultra-fast charging, EVs can achieve significantly faster charging times than other charging options. This model is becoming increasingly mainstream. An example of an ultra-fast DC charger is our EVbee DC 180, offering 180kW parallel DC charging.
Understanding EV charging speeds is essential for electric vehicle owners and prospective buyers. The charging speed of an EV depends on factors such as the battery size and the charger's power output. Different types of chargers, including non-rapid, rapid, and ultra-fast, offer varying charging speeds to accommodate different charging needs. Whether you are charging at home or using public charging stations, considering the available charging speeds will help you plan your journeys and optimize your EV charging experience. While typically, EV charging has taken longer than traditional petrol or diesel fuel cars; recent advancements mean that this time gap is rapidly getting smaller. With this kind of quick development, it seems there will be barely any difference at all.
