Electric car charging times: a complete guide to fast and home charging

If you are considering purchasing an electric car or have already chosen one, one of the first questions you may have asked yourself is: "How long does it take to charge it?". Understanding electric car charging times is not just a technical issue, but an aspect that profoundly influences daily habits, travel planning, and energy cost management. In short, knowing how long it takes to charge is essential to fully enjoy the benefits of electric vehicles, without surprises. 

What do electric car charging times depend on?

Electric car charging times vary from model to model and depend on a range of factors, each of which contributes to determining how quickly the car's battery will go from zero to one hundred (or, more realistically, from 20% to 80%).

1. Battery capacity and charging speed

The battery capacity, expressed in kWh, indicates how much energy it can store. The higher it is, the longer it will take to complete the car battery charge. For example, a 60 kWh battery will take longer to charge than a 40 kWh battery, at the same power.

2. Electric charging power for cars and vehicle limits

The power of an Ev charger is equally crucial. If the car accepts a maximum of 11 kW in AC, connecting it to a wallbox of 22 kW will not make it charge faster. The same applies to DC fast charging: a car compatible with 100 kW will not take advantage of a station rated at 350 kW.

3. Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC): which has more impact

Charging in alternating current (AC), which is typical of home wallboxes, is slower but suitable for electric car charging overnight. DC fast charging, however, is offered by public fast charging stations: more expensive but much faster.

4. Initial charge level and battery temperature

The actual charging time also depends on the initial state of the battery. Charging from 10% to 80% takes less time (and puts less stress on the battery) compared to a full charge. Temperature also affects this: at low temperatures, the process is slower.

5. Efficiency of car battery charging systems and losses

Not all the energy drawn from the grid ends up in the battery. Some is lost as heat or through inefficiencies. These losses can affect both the times and costs of electric car charging.

Charging methods compared: home, public, and ultra-fast

There is not just one way to charge an electric car. Each solution has different characteristics in terms of speed, costs, and convenience.

Charging the electric car with a Schuko plug: times and limits

The classic home plug is convenient but slow: about 2.3 kW of power. This means that for a 50 kWh battery, it takes over 20 hours. It is not a recommended solution for daily use, but it can be useful in emergencies.

Home wallbox: the ideal solution for charging electric cars at home

A wallbox installed in the garage or in a private parking space offers a power between 3.7 and 22 kW. With 7.4 kW, for example, you can charge a 50 kWh battery in about 7 hours: perfect for overnight.

Public AC stations: electric car charging in the city

They offer powers from 11 to 22 kW, ideal for prolonged stops (e.g. supermarkets, shopping malls). Charging in 2-4 hours is possible, but it always depends on the power the car can accept.

Fast charging and Tesla charging times at DC stations

For example, Tesla cars can charge up to 250 kW with Superchargers: in about 20 minutes you can reach 80%. But other brands also offer excellent performance, such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 or Kia EV6. Tesla charging times are now a benchmark in the industry.

Ultra Fast Charging: when it takes just a few minutes to charge

Some Ultra Fast stations exceed 300 kW. They are ideal for long trips, but not all cars support this power. Additionally, the local electrical grid must be adequate.

Estimated charging duration for cars for each type of solution

For a 40 kWh battery, charging times range from over 18 hours with a home plug to about 20 minutes with ultra-fast charging. A 60 kWh battery may require from 25 hours with a Schuko plug up to about 25 minutes with a DC station of over 150 kW. Batteries at 80 kWh charge in over 10 hours with a 7.4 kW wallbox or in 30 minutes with ultra-fast charging.

How to calculate the charging time of an electric car

Basic formula to estimate car battery charging

The formula is simple: Charging time (h) = Battery capacity (kWh) / Effective power (kW)

For example, a 60 kWh battery with a 7.4 kW Ev charger will take about 8 hours.

Practical examples with various electric charging powers

• With 3.7 kW: over 16 hours

• With 11 kW: about 5.5 hours

• With 150 kW: less than 30 minutes

Difference between rated power and available power

The actual power also depends on the home network, other consumption, and the capacity of the public infrastructure. The wallbox can be dynamically adjusted to avoid overloads.

Electric cars and limits of the home electric system

Many systems have a contractual power of 3 kW. To charge the electric car more efficiently, it is advisable to increase the available power or install a dynamic load management system.

Strategies to reduce electric car charging times

Choosing the right charger for each type of residence

The choice of electric car charging system must consider the living context and usage habits.

Switching to three-phase: more power for charging car batteries

With a three-phase system, you can reach up to 22 kW. An ideal solution for those with large batteries or multiple vehicles to charge.

Using smart charging and planning charging times

Many wallbox allow scheduling of charging at the most convenient times, reducing costs and improving sustainability.

Integration with photovoltaics for efficient charging

Charging the electric car with solar energy helps to lower costs and increase energy autonomy.

Optimizing charging times at public stations

Using dedicated apps and platforms, you can find the nearest and available charging station, reducing downtime and waits.

Slow, fast, and ultra-fast charging: when it really pays off

Slow electric car charging is ideal for home overnight use. Fast charging is perfect for short stops in the city, while ultra-fast charging is the best solution during long trips. However, it is not always necessary: it all depends on the range and your driving style.

FAQ - Electric car charging times

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

It depends on the battery and power. With a 7.4 kW wallbox, it takes 6–10 hours. With DC fast charging, just 20–30 minutes.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

At home, about 0.20–0.30 €/kWh. A full charge of 50 kWh costs 10–15 €. On the road, the cost can rise to 25–40 €.

How many kW do I need at home to charge an electric car?

At least 6 kW for decent charging. With 3 kW it is possible, but it takes much longer.

Which electric car charges the fastest?

Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, and Porsche Taycan thanks to the 800V architecture: it takes less than 20 minutes to reach 80%.

Understanding electric car charging times is essential to making the most of the sustainable mobility experience. Choosing the most suitable solution – wallbox, public charging station, or smart charging – allows you to optimize electric car charging, save time, and improve overall efficiency. Today, charging an electric car is becoming increasingly simple, fast, and sustainable.