Electric vehicle (EV) charging times have been a hot topic in the automotive industry as manufacturers strive to reduce charging times closer to the five minutes needed to fill a tank of gasoline. However, the fastest-charging EVs aren’t necessarily the ones with the highest peak charging power. Efficiency plays a crucial role in determining which EVs charge quickly. This article explores the nuances of EV charging, focusing on 10-80% charge times as a benchmark for fast charging.
Benchmark for EV Road-Trip Charging
- The industry standard for fast charging is typically the 10-80% charge time, which represents the portion of the battery pack that can be charged most quickly.
- Peak charge power can be misleading, and efficiency in utilizing energy stored in the battery pack is essential for fast charging.
- Despite claims of EVs charging a certain number of miles in minutes, real-world road trip scenarios depend on the 10-80% charge time.
Importance of Charge Connectors
- U.S. highway fast-chargers are typically 150-kw or 350-kw for CCS, while Tesla Superchargers allow up to 250 kw.
- Choosing a charge connector that matches or exceeds the required power is crucial to optimize charging speed while on the road.
Fastest-Charging EVs
- To qualify for the fastest-charging EVs list, models that charge from 10-80% in less than 30 minutes are included.
- EVs such as the Lucid Air, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Porsche Taycan, and Kia EV6 are among the fastest-charging models, with charging times under 20 minutes.
EVs that Miss the Fastest-Charging Cut
- Some EVs from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Tesla, GMC, Chevy, Ford, Rivian, and GM Ultium models take longer than 30 minutes to charge from 10-80%.
- Despite innovative features, the Tesla Cybertruck does not make the fastest-charging cut due to its charging time exceeding 35 minutes.
In conclusion, while the automotive industry is making strides in reducing EV charging times, efficiency and the 10-80% charge time remain crucial factors in determining which EVs are the fastest chargers for road trips. By considering these factors, consumers can choose EVs that offer faster charging times and a seamless driving experience.