posted 25th January 2024
Introduction:
Refueling with petrol or diesel usually means a quick stop at the gas station, but charging an electric car has evolved significantly in the past decade. While the exact charging duration varies, advancements in public charging infrastructure are making it increasingly comparable to traditional refueling times. Understanding these charging speeds is crucial for both prospective electric vehicle (EV) buyers and new EV owners planning their journeys.
Electric Car Charging Speeds:
To calculate the time it takes to charge an electric car, one can use the formula: Battery size (kWh) ÷ Charger power (kW) = Charging time (hours). Different EVs with varying battery sizes demonstrate the spectrum of charging speeds.
A Renault Zoe with a 52kWh battery takes just over an hour to charge using a typical 50kW rapid charger.
The Kia e-Niro, featuring a 64kWh battery, can be charged in about an hour and a half.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range, equipped with a 70kWh battery, requires around an hour and three quarters. Tesla's Supercharger network provides approximately 172 miles of charge in just 15 minutes.
Charging at Home:
Home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective option for EV owners. Using a domestic three-pin plug socket is suitable for occasional use, but a dedicated wall box delivers faster and safer charging. There are many prominent providers in the UK, offering wall boxes with power outputs ranging from 3.6kW to 22kW. Charging times for a Renault Zoe, for example, range from less than 7 hours to less than 2 hours, depending on the power output. Compare your options using our comparison tool. https://www.electrx.uk/home-ev-charging
Public Charging:
With around 15,000 electric car charging locations and 23,500 devices in the UK, the public charging network is expanding rapidly. Charging speeds at these locations vary:
Non-rapid charging: Typically 6-12 hours.
Rapid charging: Typically 20-60 minutes.
Ultra-rapid charging: Typically 20-25 minutes, reaching 100kW to 350kW.
Tesla Supercharger: Typically under 40 minutes, with the V3 Superchargers offering a rate of 1,000 miles added per hour.
Factors Affecting Charging Time:
External factors, such as weather conditions and battery health, can influence charging times. Cold weather and extreme heat may reduce the range and slow down charging. Renault has developed tools for calculating charging times under various conditions.
Conclusion:
While charging an electric car takes longer than refueling with traditional fuels, advancements in charging infrastructure, combined with home charging convenience, make the process more feasible. Planning ahead and utilizing home charging can enhance the convenience of running an EV, potentially surpassing the convenience of internal combustion engine vehicles