Recharging Time for Electric Cars

Charging your electric car at a rapid charging station is one thing, but charging it at a Level 2 station is quite another. Since we’re not talking about the same power, it’s obviously not the same charging time. So you need to take this into account, especially if time is on your side!

Time is your ally in the recharging process. The vast majority of electric vehicles can be fully recharged in the space of 8 to 10 hours – in other words, a good night’s sleep! However, there are a number of factors that can influence the time it takes to fully recharge, and this can have an impact on your day-to-day life.

RECHARGING TIME FOR AN ELECTRIC CAR: WHAT INFLUENCES IT?

Various factors influence the charging time and speed of your electric vehicle.

Charging station power (kW)

The more powerful a charging station, the faster it can recharge. So it’s certain that if you charge your electric vehicle at a Circuit Électrique commercial public charging station,for exqample, a so-called fast charging station, the charging time will be much shorter than when you’re at home. On a fast charging station, a full charge takes minutes, not hours. So your stop is relatively quick. However, it’s strongly advised not to charge your electric vehicle’s battery beyond 80% when using a commercial charging station. Instead, use the opportunity to make more frequent, but shorter, stops. It’s good for you, and good for your electric vehicle!

Battery charge level

This is simply a question of logic: the emptier your battery, the longer it will take to recharge. By the same token, an almost-full battery will take less time to recharge than an almost-empty one. If you’ve just returned from a day on the road, chances are your EV will need several hours to refuel at your home station!

Battery temperature

The speed at which electrons move between the terminal and the battery is at its best between 16 and 24°C. Outside this temperature range, recharging takes longer, which means that a warmer battery can recharge faster than a colder one. The difference is particularly noticeable on a fast-charging station. Similarly, extreme temperatures, hot or cold, can affect battery performance and therefore recharge time. Not surprisingly, in winter, when the weather is very cold, recharging takes longer.

Vehicle Preheating

When you’re at home, for example, preheating allows you to reach the battery’s best operating range while it’s still plugged in. You kill two birds with one stone! However, it can certainly have an impact, albeit slight, on the recharging time of your electric vehicle, since your battery will then be under strain.

On-board charger power (kWh)

The on-board charger tells the EV how much power it can charge at a Level 2 charging station. You won’t be able to ask for this equipment to be modified on the vehicle, as this is determined by the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally targets a recharge time equivalent to a night’s sleep (8 to 10 hours) on an empty battery. With the exception of typical commercial vehicles with large batteries, total recharging time rarely exceeds 10h.

Battery capacity

Electric vehicles with larger-capacity batteries will generally take longer to recharge than a vehicle with a smaller-capacity battery. So it’s normal for the F-150 Lightning to take almost 12h to recharge at a Level 2 station, while your IONIQ5 only needs about 8h to fill up!

Charge management

Some electric vehicles offer charge management features that enable drivers to regulate charging speed to optimize battery life or save energy. This gives you greater control over the charging of your electric vehicle, while enabling you to collect and monitor your vehicle’s consumption data.

Yes, there are many factors that can influence the recharging time of your electric vehicle. All it takes is a little planning on your part, and it’s done!

Do you have an EV in mind and would like to know how long it takes to recharge? We invite you to consult our recharging time chart.

If you need a home charging station, you’ve come to the right place! Visit our store today and choose the charging station that’s right for you! If you’re not sure, take a look at our charging station comparison guide or contact one of our experts at BEQ Technology. We’ll be delighted to help!