Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with many new EVs offering more miles per charge than people typically drive in a week. However, charging speeds are a growing concern, especially for longer trips. This leads to the question of how long it takes to charge an electric car. The charging speed depends on various factors such as the charger type, the vehicle, and even the weather. Understanding the basics of charging speeds can make the process less mysterious.
**EV Charging Speed Overview**
Charging speeds can be compared to gas pumps, where the size of the hose and nozzle determine the flow of fuel or electrons. Volts represent the pressure pushing electrons through the circuit, while amps indicate the number of electrons flowing. Home chargers with higher amp ratings charge faster than lower-amperage chargers. Public chargers advertise kilowatts (kW) as a measure of charging speed, with DC fast chargers offering rates of up to 350 kW and Level 1 chargers offering around 2.3 kW.
**Charging Levels**
Electric vehicle charging is categorized into three levels, with Level 1 being the slowest and requiring a standard household outlet. Level 1 charging can be painfully slow, providing only 3-5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 charging typically requires 100-amp 240-volt wiring and can replenish up to 30 miles of range per hour. DC fast charging offers the fastest speeds, providing up to 20 miles of range per minute in some cases, enabling EVs to recover from 10% to 80% battery in under half an hour.
**How Temperature Affects EV Charging Speeds**
Weather conditions, particularly cold temperatures, can significantly impact an EV’s range and charging speed. Cold weather slows down charging due to both chemical reactions and the vehicle’s software and protection systems. Charging an EV in extreme cold can cause damage, such as lithium plating, so it is advisable to avoid fast charging in these conditions. Some EVs feature battery thermal conditioning systems or pre-heaters to prepare the battery for safe charging in cold weather.
**800-Volt Architecture**
800-volt architecture in electric vehicles increases charging speeds by providing higher pressure to push electricity through the circuit, resulting in faster charging times. Vehicles with 800-volt architecture tend to be more efficient, offering more miles per kilowatt-hour. The system requires less current, enabling lighter vehicles with greater regenerative braking capabilities. As more vehicles adopt 800-volt architecture, charging times are expected to improve across the board.