⚡ How Long Will It Take to Charge My EV at Home?

One of the advantages of an electric vehicle (EV) is the option to charge it at home, rather than buying petrol at a petrol station. This is often named as an important advantage of an EV by many interested in making the switch from a petrol/diesel car to an electric vehicle. For many, one of the most important advantages of having an EV is the extra convenience offered by the option of charging the EV at home. For new EV owners, the question ‘What’s the best way to charge my EV at home?’ is one of the most common, and the question ‘How long will it take to charge my EV at home?’ is also quite common. The answer to how long an EV battery will take to charge is a complex one. A number of variables must be considered, such as the type of charger used, the battery capacity of the EV, and the ability of the EV to accept a charge.

Types of Home EV Chargers

But how fast an EV can charge at home depends on what kind of charging station you decide to install in your home. There are two levels of home EV chargers, what I would call Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 1 Chargers:

These chargers work with a 230-volt outlet (the same kind of plug as a dryer, or any other home appliance). The main advantage of Level 1 chargers is that they take zero installation — you can plug your vehicle into any outlet in the garage or carport. The cool part is that you’ll be waiting a long time. Level 1 chargers tend to have very slow charging rates — about 6.4 to 9.7 kilometers of range per hour of charging. A completely dead battery will take 20-40 hours to charge up a typical EV. These are perfect for overnight charging or ‘topping off’.

Level 2 Chargers:

A Level 2 charger requires a 230-volt supply – such as is used by large appliances such as a stove or dryer – which may require a bit of upfront investment or modification of existing home supply. They add 19 to 129 kilometers of range per hour of charging (depending on the charger and vehicle), and most EVs will recharge in 3-8 hours on a Level 2 charger. This is the solution for day-to-day driving in most cases because it is far faster than the Level 1 charger.

Factors Affecting Charging Time

• Battery capacity: The bigger the battery, the longer it will take to recharge; if nothing else has changed, an EV with a 60 kWh battery will recharge quicker than one with a 100 kWh battery.
• State of Battery Charge: Times to charge a battery also depend on how full the battery is when you start charging: charging to half full is much quicker than charging from nearly empty.
• Vehicle’s Charging Capacity: Some cars can handle higher charging speeds than others. Even if you have a fast charger, the speed can be capped by the car’s onboard charger, which can affect how quickly it fills up.
• Electricity Supply and Install Quality: You may also encounter slow charges due to poor installation quality or the electrical health of your home. The age of your system (including how many devices your electrical system powers) might not give you the power you need.

Setting Up for Efficient Home Charging

To optimize home charging:

• Driving kilometers: How many kilometers a day do you drive? Your daily kilometers can help determine whether a Level 1 charger is sufficient or if you also require a Level 2 charger.
• Professional installation: For Level 2 installations in particular, professional installation by a licensed electrician can ensure that your home EV charging station is installed to code and with the highest efficiency.
• Maintenance: Maintain your home charging station. As stated in the manufacturer’s guidelines, take good care of your home charging station. Inspect the unit on a regular basis with the following safety checklist.

Conclusion

How long it takes depends on the type of charger you have (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3), what your vehicle is capable of, and of course, the size of the battery pack: the times vary widely, from somewhat less than an hour to a full charge on a Level 3 charger, to overnight on a Level 1 charger. If you pick the right type of charger, buy, install and maintain it properly, you can make EV charging a routine part of your lifestyle, perhaps an enjoyable part of your day, like charging your cellphone – without the delays and hassles. Some EV buyers might be able to get by with Level 1 charging. But if you want to maximize your EV lifestyle, get a Level 2 charger.