When filling up vehicles, whether with gas or charging the battery, there isn’t a definitive answer for how long it takes or how often you have to do it. There are multiple variables such as how far your drive, how big your gas tank is and how much it costs to fill up, how much power your electric car battery capacity is, what kind of charging station you have, and how often you top up, etc. We may not be able to pinpoint the exact charging time, but there is something we can say with certainty, and that is that electric vehicles are rising in popularity and will continue to, especially with these nutso fuel costs.
Being an electric car owner is easier than it’s ever been. Well, sort of. It’s easier because more automakers, such as Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, and others, produce electric vehicles. There are more options, but they are also way cheaper than initially. We used to only associate electric vehicles with the OG Tesla, like the Tesla Model 3.
On the other hand, it’s not easier to be an EV owner because, #truthbomb, they are hard to come by. However, we like you, so we’re letting you in on a secret. We have an inventory of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids worth bragging about, so you can own one today! Bonus, if you live in certain provinces, you are no longer required to pay PST when purchasing a used electric vehicle.
It’s a no-brainer that driving an electric vehicle will save you in fuel costs, even if having a charger at your house increases your electrical bill. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how long it takes for EV charging.
Factors That Contribute to Charging Time
Although a few factors determine the charging speed, the two main ones are the power source and your vehicle’s car charging capacity. As much as it would be great to just pull up to fast-charging stations and stand at the “pump” like gas stations, get a full charge and then be on your way in five minutes, that’s just not possible. That doesn’t mean it won’t be in the future, but for now, the charging rate is much slower than pumping gas, so if you’re planning a long road trip, remember to factor in the distance an hour of charging can get you and plan your route.
Types Of Power Sources
Level 1
Starting with the slowest charging point is Level 1. Level 1 is a standard household outlet, and EV owners use this for their home charging at the beginning or until they realize how slow it really is. On average, every 20 hours that the vehicle’s battery is plugged in, it adds 200kms. Let’s be honest, that’s not great; well, it’s terrible unless you only do short commutes and can constantly top it up.
Level 2
The most common power source for a home charger is a Level 2, which is anywhere from three to seven times faster than a Level 1. Big, like massive difference as far as EV chargers are concerned. A Level 2 is the same as a home dryer or stove outlet and requires an electrician to come and install it to be used as a charge point at your home. Homes typically have 30amp, but a 40amp is recommended with a minimum of 240 volts for charging EV batteries.
Level 3 (DC fast-charging)
The one every electric vehicle owner would like to have is a Level 3, known as a DC fast charging station (DCFCs). The unfortunate thing is that it’s not compatible with every EV, and they are expensive and hard to find outside of public charging stations. These DC fast chargers use high voltage and provide a direct current to the battery pack. According to KBB.com, 80% of drivers can charge their electric car to 80% in 30-minutes with a Level 3 fast charger. Ugh, if only that were standard for EVs, though. Don’t be too discouraged; Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Tesla all offer a Level 3 charging system. Plus, there are third-party manufacturers such as Electrify America and SparkCharge that sell fast-charging stations.
Keep in mind that even rapid charging stations decrease in speed below 20% and above 80% battery capacity. Why? Great question! It protects the battery to ensure it doesn’t get overworked and overheat.
In addition to the power source, a few factors that impact the charging speed are battery size and weather. You’re probably thinking, how does weather affect it? Simply put, lower temperatures can slow down the charging speed, while hot weather can affect the car’s thermal management system impacting its efficiency.
We understand this article may seem daunting from a charging perspective, but trust us, EV is the way to go. Check out our inventory and learn about the different EV types and the capabilities of each one. Other than having EV inventory that includes BMWs, Chevrolet Bolts, Nissan Leaf and more, shopping at FFUN Cars is at your convenience from the comfort of your home or wherever you are, or in-store. Switching from a gas-powered vehicle to an EV is not a problem; we will happily take your current vehicle as a trade-in or just buy it off you. See what it’s worth right here, and while you’re at it, get approved in two minutes without impacting your credit score. Tell us a better way to buy a car! We’ll wait.
