One of the obstacles for gas-powered car owners who want to change to electric motors (EVs) is the amount of time required to recharge an electric vehicle. While drivers who have EVs can say that they do not mind the charge time, it’s difficult to convince potential converts to alter their driving and charging habits. The reality is that charging time is dependent on a myriad of elements. Let’s examine the length of time it will take to fully charge your electric vehicle and how electric car charging could be the best fit for the individual driver.
How Much Time Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?
Every item used in charging an EV determines how long it takes to charge the vehicle. The charging station, its power output and the capacity of the vehicle’s charger, the capacity of battery state of the charge, and much more all have a role to play in the length of time required to charge an electric vehicle. With smart charging for EVs, the equation gets even more complicated by smart charging, which allows the user to choose when and how long the vehicle is charged. Explore the various aspects that affect charging time in the following article:
Charging Station
Depending on the energy source that powers an EV may take days or even minutes to substantially charge the battery. The charging stations for EVs are generally classified as either levels 2 or 3. However, an outlet in your home can charge your electric vehicle (albeit very slow). The typical at-home outlet (sometimes called a “level 1” charger) takes approximately an hour to charge an EV.
Level 2 chargers cut downtime dramatically: They can provide between 15 and 25 miles of range every hour. This means that most EVs can be charged at night or during the typical working day. They’re a great choice to carry around at home or work.
Level 3 is the point where speed is really increased, and there’s a variety of power outputs for Level 3 chargers. They use direct current (DC) power and will cost more than charging stations that do not and are therefore installed within charge infrastructures accessible to the public. The level 3 chargers can fill up a battery in just 30 minutes, and they’re already built to produce more power than the current battery technology. The future is bright for a speedy charging time.
The capacity of EV Battery
All EV batteries are not made in the same way. There’s an enormous difference in the possibilities of miles ranges of various electric vehicles. Certain cheaper EVs offer enough power to satisfy most people’s requirements, whereas premium models have a range that matches or surpass traditional gas-powered cars.
One caveat: the bigger the battery, the longer it will take to charge. But the good thing is that as the capacity of batteries increases, so does the need to develop quicker charging solutions. We are now at a different element in charging time: the charger’s capacity.
EV Charger Capacity
While the charging station supplies electricity to the vehicle, however, it’s in fact, a charger that is attached to the battery in the EV, which transforms power into batteries. A large battery equipped with a small battery charger (both expressed in kWh) will take a long time to charge, regardless of the power source used at the charger. This is why high-end EVs with large batteries are usually equipped with battery chargers onboard that are quick to receive and convert the power source from the power source.
Other Factors
Variables such as temperature, time of day, and charging capacity also determine the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle. Extremely low (and extremely extreme) temperatures can affect the charging time. Also, when there is more traffic and the resulting toll on power grids, it could take longer to fill up based on the time of day.
Additionally, many EV manufacturers suggest maintaining your battery within the best battery range to ensure the maximum life of your battery. This implies that charging up to the maximum capacity is not usually required and is often not needed. This may help to reduce the charging time if a particular area is not required.
Charge an EV to suit Your Demands
Each of the various elements that contribute to EV charging times raises the question of what you want from your electric vehicle? As we said, most owners of an electric vehicle don’t mind the length of time required to charge. In reality, many even enjoy the latest fueling method.
Consider this; if you don’t want to run to the station following work fighting with other vehicles, and fiddling with the dirty pump handles, you can connect your vehicle at home and charge it when your power costs are at their lowest.
Furthermore, you can configure your vehicle to charge according to your daily requirements, so you’ll be able to save money by purchasing only the items you require. If you’re behind, connect your car to the office and allow it to run while you’re working, and then let it take you home after your work is finished.
The last qualm that some drivers face is road trips. In the event that drivers believe they’ll use their electric vehicle to travel for longer periods, it is sensible to buy accordingly. With EV ranges expanding rapidly and onboard chargers being developed to work with larger batteries, charging for the road can take longer than an automobile powered by gas.
Plus, you don’t need to sit in the waiting room at the pump; instead, relax, go to the bathroom, and grab snacks as the charger does the job. The most appealing thing is that charging your EV is much less expensive than filling up a tank of gas!
