How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Charging an electric car can take anywhere from under 30 minutes to over 24 hours, depending significantly on the battery size, its current state of charge, and the type of charger used. For most UK drivers, understanding these variables is key to efficient and cost-effective electric vehicle (EV) ownership.

Fuse Energy helps make home EV charging convenient and cost-effective. By leveraging Fuse's dual-rate variable tariffs, you can charge your electric vehicle during off-peak hours, optimising costs and making your energy work harder for you. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding electric car charging times

The basics of EV charging

Electric vehicle (EV) charging involves replenishing the battery with electricity. This process is not always linear; charging speed can fluctuate throughout a session. The goal is to integrate EV charging into daily routines, much like charging a mobile phone, to avoid inconvenience.

Key factors influencing charging speed

The duration of an EV charge is influenced by several factors. The battery's capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), directly impacts how much energy it can store and thus how long it takes to fill. A larger battery will naturally take longer to charge than a smaller one, given the same power input.

The current state of charge (SoC) also plays a significant role. Charging is typically faster when the battery is at a lower SoC and slows down considerably as it approaches full. This is particularly true for rapid direct current (DC) charging, where manufacturers often quote 10% to 80% charging times rather than 0% to 100% to protect the battery and optimise efficiency. The power output of the charger, measured in kilowatts (kW), is another critical factor. A higher kW rating means more electricity can be delivered to the car in a shorter time. Finally, ambient temperature can affect charging speed, with extreme cold or heat potentially slowing the process.

Types of electric vehicle chargers

Electric vehicle chargers are categorised by their power output and whether they deliver alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Understanding these types is essential for predicting charging times and choosing the right charger for your needs.

Slow AC charging

Slow AC chargers are typically found in homes and workplaces. They use the standard single-phase electricity supply common in UK households. A common example is a 3-pin plug, which offers around 2.3kW and can add approximately 8-10 miles of range per hour. While slow, this method is suitable for overnight charging or when the car is parked for extended periods.

Fast AC charging

Fast AC chargers are the most common type of dedicated home charging point, often referred to as a wallbox. A 7kW home wallbox charger can add approximately 25 miles of range per hour to an electric car, making it ideal for overnight charging where most EVs can be fully charged in 6-10 hours. Some public and workplace chargers also fall into this category, offering up to 22kW, though 22kW chargers require a three-phase electricity supply, which is rare in UK homes.

Rapid DC charging

Rapid DC chargers deliver power directly to the car's battery, bypassing the onboard AC/DC converter. These are typically found at public charging stations, such as motorway service areas and dedicated charging hubs. Rapid DC chargers (50kW+) can typically charge an EV battery from 10% to 80% in 30-60 minutes, depending on the vehicle and charger power. This speed makes them suitable for longer journeys where a quick top-up is needed.

Ultra-Rapid DC charging

Ultra-Rapid DC chargers represent the fastest charging speeds available, often delivering 100kW, 150kW, or even 350kW. These can significantly reduce charging times for compatible vehicles, sometimes achieving an 80% charge in as little as 15-30 minutes. However, not all EVs can accept these high power outputs, and the charging speed will be limited by the car's maximum acceptance rate.

Typical charging durations for UK drivers

The reality of EV charging for UK drivers often involves a mix of home and public charging, tailored to individual lifestyles and driving habits.

Home charging scenarios

Most electric vehicle charging (around 80%) occurs at home or the workplace. For many, installing a dedicated home wallbox charger is the most convenient option. A 7kW charger allows drivers to replenish their battery overnight, ensuring a full charge each morning. For example, a typical EV with a 60kWh battery would take around 8-9 hours to fully charge from empty with a 7kW charger. This fits seamlessly into most daily routines, eliminating the need for frequent stops at public charging points. You can learn more about installing a home charger in our guide to EV charger installation.

Public charging scenarios

Public charging is generally used for longer journeys or when home charging isn't an option. Fast AC public chargers (7-22kW) are common in destinations like supermarkets, car parks, and leisure centres. These are suitable for topping up while you're occupied for a few hours. For quicker turnarounds, rapid and Ultra-Rapid DC chargers are found along major road networks. These can provide a substantial boost in a short time, allowing drivers to continue their journey with minimal delay.

Charging an electric car on the go

Managing charging on the go means planning. Apps and in-car navigation systems often provide real-time information on charger availability and speed. While public charging can be more expensive than home charging, it offers flexibility for unexpected trips or when daily mileage exceeds what home charging can comfortably cover. The goal is to use public charging strategically, focusing on rapid options for speed when time is critical, and Fast AC options for convenience when parked for longer.

Optimising your EV charging for cost and convenience

Making the most of your EV charging involves more than just understanding speeds; it's about smart management to save money and reduce hassle.

Leveraging dual-rate tariffs

One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of charging an electric car is to use a dual-rate electricity tariff. These tariffs offer cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours, typically overnight. By scheduling your EV to charge during these periods, you can significantly lower your running costs. This strategy is particularly beneficial for home charging, where your car can be plugged in for several hours. Find out more about what a dual-rate tariff is.

The role of smart charging

Smart charging technology allows you to schedule and monitor your EV's charging sessions efficiently. This can be done through your car's onboard system, a dedicated wallbox app, or your energy supplier's app. Smart charging can automatically initiate charging when electricity is cheapest or when renewable energy generation is high, further optimising costs and environmental impact. It also allows you to set desired charge levels and departure times, ensuring your car is ready when you need it without overcharging.

Maximising battery health

While rapid charging is convenient, frequent use can put more strain on an EV battery. Most manufacturers recommend limiting rapid charging to 80% SoC, as the charging rate slows significantly beyond this point to protect the battery. For daily use, slower AC charging at home is generally gentler on the battery and helps maintain its long-term health. Regularly charging to 100% is fine for AC charging, but for DC rapid charging, it's best reserved for when you truly need the full range for a long journey.

Managing your charging with the Fuse app

Fuse Energy empowers UK EV owners to take control of their charging, transforming it from a chore into a strategic advantage.

Real-time control and scheduling

The Fuse app provides real-time control and visibility over your home EV charging. You can monitor your current charge status and track energy consumption. By connecting your compatible EV charger through the app, you enable it to support eligible dual-rate variable tariff usage patterns, helping you optimise charging times for cost savings. Specific charging schedules are often managed via your EV's onboard system or the charger's dedicated app, leveraging the tariff benefits enabled by Fuse.

Cost optimisation features

Fuse's dual-rate variable tariffs are designed to enable significant cost savings by allowing electric vehicle owners to charge during cheaper off-peak hours. The app integrates seamlessly with these tariffs, helping you visualise and manage your energy usage to minimise costs. With transparent data at your fingertips, you can make informed decisions about when and how to charge, making your energy budget go further.

24/7 support for peace of mind

We understand that navigating electric vehicle ownership can sometimes raise questions. That's why Fuse offers 24/7 human customer support to assist with any charging-related queries. Whether you need help understanding your tariff, optimising your charging schedule, or troubleshooting an issue, our team is always available to provide peace of mind for electric vehicle owners.

Conclusion

Understanding how long it takes to charge an electric car involves considering battery size, state of charge, and charger type. While rapid chargers offer quick top-ups on the go, home charging with a 7kW wallbox remains the most common and convenient method for UK drivers. By leveraging dual-rate tariffs and smart charging technology, you can optimise both the cost and convenience of owning an EV. Fuse Energy provides the tools and support to make this process effortless, giving you the 'power to play with' your energy consumption and enjoy the full benefits of electric vehicle ownership.

Ready to take control of your EV charging costs? Switch to Fuse Energy today and start optimising your home charging with our dual-rate variable tariffs. Our simple online sign-up process takes just minutes, and our 24/7 human support team is always on hand to help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy abundant by clicking here.