Electric Cars: How Long Do You Need to Charge Them?

Key Takeaways:

• Electric cars power their wheels through an onboard charger which converts AC electricity to DC and is powered by a traction battery.
• Typical modern cars have an internal combustion engine and liquid fuel components such as a fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank.
• Charging times vary depending on the level of charging- Level 1 (slowest) requires 2-3 days, Level 2 (mid-level) in 4-10 hours, and Level 3 (fastest) takes 20 minutes to 1 hour.
• Factors such as temperature, time of day, and desired charge capacity can also affect charging time.

Thinking of getting an electric vehicle? Learn more about the charging process from our experts at Cutter Mazda Waipahu in Waipahu, HI. From cars to SUVs, there’s a wide range of options out on the market – but what sets electric vehicles apart? Discover why EV is your top choice and how it works when you power up!

Electric Cars Versus Typical Modern Cars

An electric vehicle has an electric motor. It uses a large traction battery to power the electric motor that drives its wheels.

Typical modern cars have an internal combustion engine. This heat engine takes advantage of fuel combustion in a specialized chamber to create an efficient and effective flow cycle, where the air is used as the oxidizing agent.

An electric vehicle needs to be connected to charging equipment. An onboard charger takes the incoming alternative current (AC) electricity supplied via the charge port and converts it to direct current (DC) power for charging the traction battery. It communicates with the charging equipment and monitors battery characteristics: voltage, temperature, and state of charge while charging the pack. Since it is electrically powered, this vehicle releases no exhaust from a tailpipe. On the other hand, typical modern cars contain usual liquid fuel components, such as a fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank.

Owners of non-electric vehicles are used to their driving and fueling routine. One big issue here, however, is the time consumed in having these vehicles charged. Owners of electric cars have already adapted their charging time which does not cause them problems; a big adjustment is to be measured for consumers who are about to buy an electric car.

How Long Do You Need to Charge Electric Vehicles?

Rather than doing the same old fueling routine for your modern car, one option is to convert it to an electric vehicle.

Charging Site

People who own electric vehicles or even prospective buyers may find it hard to look for charging stations simply because they are not all the same. They come into different levels. In addition to that, there are also other confusions just as sorting out different battery types and plug sizes.

Where do you charge your electric vehicle? There must be a specific place where electric vehicle owners are comfortable. As mentioned, charging sites differ in their levels which refer to their charging speed, cost (purchase and installation), and the infrastructure required to sustain the system). Each level’s precise metrics will vary according to vehicle, provider, and infrastructure.

Level 1

The slowest and the simplest is level 1. It provides charging through a regular household 120-volt (120V) AC outlet. Level 1 chargers can take two to three days or 40-50 hours to charge a battery electric vehicle from unfilled and 5-6 hours to charge a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from unfilled. Though it is the slowest, it is also the cheapest because they are just like your average household outlet.

Level 2

The next level is Level 2. This level is the most common. You may find them in your workplaces, public areas, and individual homes. This equipment charges through 240V (residential) or 208V (commercial) electrical service. This level can charge a battery electric vehicle from unfilled in 4-10 hours and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle from unfilled in 1-2 hours. Level 2’s charging speed is practical enough for most users, while being affordable and only requiring those infrastructures that are found almost anywhere.

Level 3

The fastest speed is direct current fast charging (DCFC) equipment, or Level 3. It enables speedy charging along heavy-traffic halls at connected stations. DCFC equipment can charge a battery electric vehicle up to 80 percent in just 20 minutes to 1 hour. This kind of fast charging requires high-end infrastructure that is not always seen in residential areas.

Which Charging Level is Appropriate for You?

For most owners of electric vehicles, the best bet is to install a level 2 charger. Take a pit stop at any level 2 charger – experience rapid power to get your electric vehicle on its way. Don’t worry; you’ll be ready for the road in no time.

The speed of a level 3 site allows owners to charge within the same amount of time it would to fill a full gas tank.

Electric Vehicle Battery Capacity

Not all electric vehicle batteries are created equal. Some lower-cost electric vehicles have enough range for most drivers’ daily needs, while other luxury models boast a range that rivals or exceeds many traditional gas-powered cars. If the battery is large, it takes more time to charge. As the demand for creating faster charging solutions increases, the battery capacity also increases electric vehicle charger capacity.

While the charging station delivers power to the electric vehicles, a charger attached to the electric battery-operated vehicle converts the power to the battery. A large battery fitted with a small battery charger would take a long time to charge regardless of the power source at the charging site. That is why luxury electric vehicles with large batteries are generally paired with onboard battery chargers that quickly receive and convert the power from the power station.

Other Factors

Other factors like temperature, time of day, and desired charge capacity also determine how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle. Temperature extremes can have a considerable impact on charge time, with both high and low temperatures resulting in prolonged times. Also, many electric vehicle manufacturers recommend keeping your battery in an optimal battery range to maximize life. Charging to full capacity is rarely required-save time and only charge as much as necessary.

All of these should be well-thought-out when owning an electric vehicle. Expensive or not, the bottom line is, are you patient enough to wait for your car to charge so it brings you to your desired destination?

Electric Cars at Cutter Mazda Waipahu

Cutter Mazda Waipahu in Waipahu, HI, is committed to offering the latest, eco-friendly technologies for car buyers and leasing customers. Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, as they are a great way for drivers to reduce emissions and save money on fuel costs. For more information, contact us at (808) 564-9900.

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