How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car

One of the most frequent questions asked by drivers considering an electric vehicle is how long does it take to charge an electric car. Unlike filling a petrol or diesel tank, which takes just a few minutes, electric charging times vary widely depending on several factors. These include the type of charger being used, the size of the car’s battery, the state of charge when you plug in, and even the temperature. Understanding these factors can help you plan your journeys, choose the right charging options, and make the most of your electric car.

Charging at Home

Most electric car owners in the UK rely on home charging for daily use. A dedicated home wallbox charger is usually rated at 7kW, which is considered the standard for domestic charging. With this type of unit, a typical electric car with a 60kWh battery would take around 8 to 10 hours to charge fully from empty. This makes overnight charging the most practical option, as you can plug the car in when you return home and wake up to a fully charged battery.

Some homeowners still rely on a standard three pin socket, but this is not recommended as a long term solution. Charging through a normal plug delivers only about 2 to 3kW, which means the same 60kWh battery could take over 20 hours to charge. It is also less safe than using a properly installed wallbox, as domestic sockets are not designed to handle such high loads for extended periods.

Workplace Charging

Workplace charging times are similar to home charging, as most workplace units are also rated at 7kW or 22kW. A 22kW charger, which requires a three phase electrical supply, can reduce charging times to around 3 to 4 hours for the same 60kWh battery. While not every business has the capacity for three phase supply, where it is available, staff and fleet vehicles can benefit from faster turnaround times during the working day.

Public Slow and Fast Charging

Public charging points vary greatly in speed. Many supermarket car parks and public facilities provide 7kW or 22kW chargers, similar to those found at home or in workplaces. Charging from empty to full at 7kW will take the same 8 to 10 hours, while a 22kW unit can cut this down significantly. These chargers are most useful when you are parked for several hours, such as when shopping, working, or visiting a leisure centre.

Rapid Charging

Rapid chargers are increasingly common at motorway services and major roads. Rated at 50kW, they can deliver up to 80 per cent of a charge in around 40 minutes for a medium sized electric car. Charging beyond 80 per cent on a rapid charger tends to slow down significantly, which is why many drivers stop charging at that point before continuing their journey. This balance allows for quick top ups without waiting longer than necessary.

Ultra Rapid Charging

Ultra rapid chargers are the fastest option currently available to UK drivers. These chargers range from 100kW to 350kW, although the maximum charging rate your vehicle can accept depends on its design. For a car capable of charging at 150kW, an 80 per cent charge could be achieved in 20 to 30 minutes. The very fastest chargers, rated at 350kW, are only compatible with a small number of newer models, but where the technology is supported, charging times can be as low as 15 minutes for significant range.

Factors That Influence Charging Times

The published charging speeds are averages, but in reality times can vary due to several conditions. Battery size plays a major role, as larger batteries take longer to fill even though they usually deliver more range. The charging curve is another factor, as batteries charge quickly up to about 80 per cent but slow down after that to protect the cells. Ambient temperature also matters, as very cold or very hot weather can reduce charging efficiency.

Your vehicle’s onboard charging capacity is equally important. Some cars are limited to lower charging rates, even if plugged into a high powered charger. For example, if your car can only accept 50kW, using a 150kW charger will not make it charge faster. This means it is always worth checking your car’s specification before planning charging stops.

Practical Examples

To give a clearer picture, let us take a 60kWh battery as an example. Charging from empty on a three pin plug might take 20 to 25 hours. Using a 7kW home wallbox, the same car would take about 8 to 10 hours. On a 22kW charger, it could take around 3 to 4 hours. A 50kW rapid charger would reach 80 per cent in around 40 minutes, and a 150kW ultra rapid charger could achieve that in just over 20 minutes. These figures show how the type of charger dramatically affects how quickly you can get back on the road.

Planning Your Charging Routine

For most EV owners, home charging covers the majority of their needs. Plugging in overnight ensures a full battery each morning, and with the average UK driver covering less than 30 miles per day, daily top ups are usually short. Public rapid charging becomes more important when travelling long distances or when you cannot access home charging. By planning ahead and knowing the approximate charging times, you can build charging stops into longer journeys without disruption.

Final Thoughts

How long it takes to charge an electric car depends on where and how you charge, as well as the size and capabilities of your vehicle’s battery. While a full charge at home may take several hours, rapid and ultra rapid chargers provide a much faster option when you need to get back on the road quickly. The key is to match your charging habits to your driving needs, making use of home, workplace, and public charging in a way that is cost effective and convenient. As infrastructure continues to expand across the UK, charging times are set to become shorter and more accessible for everyone making the switch to electric vehicles.