10 Things to Know About Electric Car Charging Times

Introduction

One of the most discussed and crucial aspects for potential buyers is charging time. Let’s discover the ten things to know for those who want to approach the world of electric vehicles.

Average Charging Time for Electric Cars

Most electric cars can be charged in about 6-12 hours using a Mode 2 home charger (7-22 kW). However, with the use of direct current (DC) fast charging stations, this time can be reduced to about 30 minutes to reach at least 80% of the battery capacity.

Below are the types of charging stations you can find on the Atlante network:

• Quick Charging: with power up to 22 kW, indicative charging time 2 hours or more.
• Fast Charging: with power between 60 kW and 150 kW, indicative charging time 30 to 60 minutes.
• Ultra-Fast Charging: with power up to 300 kW, indicative charging time 15-20 minutes.

Factors Influencing Charging Times

Several factors can influence an electric car charging time, including:

• Battery Capacity: Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), it indicates how much energy the battery can store. The larger the battery capacity, the more energy it can hold and the longer it takes to fully charge. For example, a 60 kWh battery will take longer to charge than a 40 kWh battery if the charging power is the same.
• Charging Station Power: Measured in kilowatts (kW), it represents the speed at which energy can be transferred to the battery. Charging points can range from 3.7 kW (slow charging) to over 350 kW (ultra-fast charging). A more powerful charging station significantly reduces charging times. For instance, a 50 kW station will charge a 50 kWh battery in about an hour, while a 22 kW station will take longer.
• External Temperature: Affects both battery performance and charging times. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric cars, operate optimally at moderate temperatures (around 20-25°C). Very low temperatures, below 0°C, slow down the internal chemistry of the battery. Conversely, high temperatures can force the battery management system to reduce charging power to prevent overheating. In both cases, the result is an increase in the required charging time. However, newer electric cars have preheating and climate control systems to ensure optimal battery operation even in extreme temperatures.
• Battery State of Charge at the Start of Charging: Refers to the percentage of charge already present in the battery. When the battery is nearly empty, it can accept more power and charge more quickly. However, as it approaches 100%, the charging speed tends to progressively decrease to limit degradation effects. Additionally, a degraded battery may not be able to charge as quickly as a new battery.
• Charging Station Efficiency: Represents the percentage of energy that actually goes into the battery during charging. A small portion of the energy drawn from the electrical grid is lost as heat and due to system inefficiencies. In fast and ultra-fast charging, a more efficient charger reduces these losses, thereby reducing actual charging times. The charger’s efficiency is proportional to the maximum power it can deliver, ranging from a minimum of 90% to about 96%. An efficient station benefits both the customer, by providing faster charging, and Atlante, by minimizing operational costs.

Fast Charging vs. Normal Charging: Which to Choose?

Fast Charging: Ideal for those who need to recharge quickly, taking advantage of the charging time to perform a daily activity (lunch break, gym workout, shopping, grocery shopping). Ultra-fast charging is the perfect solution for quickly recharging during a trip and is particularly appreciated by EV drivers on medium to long-distance journeys.

Normal Charging: Although slower, it is ideal for so-called “destination” charging, which involves extended stops during which the car is not in use. This type of charging is commonly found at long-term parking lots, hotels, offices, and residential complexes.

Emerging Technologies to Reduce Charging Times

The technology for charging Electric Vehicles (EVs) has been evolving rapidly in recent years, becoming a global phenomenon. Research and Development activities are particularly focused on:

• Developing New Battery Chemistries: This includes the improvement of existing batteries and the development of new ones. Lithium, for example, is a key element in the development of new technologies such as solid-state batteries.
• Increasing Charging Station Power: This involves the development of charging stations with higher power outputs, which is also in line with the electrification of heavy transport vehicles.

These innovations are still in development but could revolutionize the way we charge electric cars in the coming years.

Home Charging: Pros and Cons

Charging your car at home offers great convenience. A home charger allows you to recharge most batteries overnight. However, driving an electric car is sustainable even without a home charging solution. Especially when traveling away from home or needing to charge on the go, electric vehicle drivers can rely on public fast or ultra-fast charging.

ADriving Habits and Impact on Charging Time

Driving habits directly influence the frequency and duration of necessary charges. City driving can reduce the need for frequent charges due to energy recovery during braking, while long highway trips may require more frequent charging. Here are some factors that concretely affect the battery life of your electric vehicle:

• Sudden and Repeated Accelerations: When you accelerate rapidly, the electric motor requires a large amount of energy in a short period. This high energy consumption quickly reduces the remaining battery capacity, decreasing the vehicle’s range. Driving smoothly and progressively helps conserve energy and improve efficiency.
• Constant High Speed: Driving at high speeds on highways increases aerodynamic resistance, requiring the motor to use more energy to maintain speed. Electric cars are generally more efficient at moderate speeds (around 60-80 km/h). Maintaining high speed for long periods reduces the battery charge more quickly.
• Sudden Braking: Sudden braking reduces the opportunity to use the regenerative braking system, which recovers some of the kinetic energy during deceleration and reintegrates it into the battery. If you brake abruptly instead of decelerating gradually, you miss the chance to regenerate energy, thus reducing the range.
• Intensive Use of Air Conditioning or Heating: Intensive use of air conditioning or heating while driving, especially in extreme conditions (scorching heat or severe cold), can consume a significant portion of the battery charge, reducing the energy available for propulsion.

Planning Charging Stops for Long Trips

For long trips, it is essential to plan charging stops. Knowing the locations of fast charging stations along the route can prevent delays and ensure a stress-free journey. Many electric vehicles offer navigation tools that include charging route planning.

How Many kW to Charge an Electric Car

Charging stations are not all the same. The efficiency and speed of charging can vary depending on the provider and the technology used. We can distinguish three types of charging stations:

• 350 kW Stations: In this case, charging times are reduced to just a few tens of minutes.
• 50 kW Stations: Here, charging times are around an hour.
• Home Wallboxes (7-22 kW): Charging times range from a minimum of 5 hours to a maximum of 12 hours.

Charging Costs and Times

IThe cost of charging usually varies based on the type of charging station used, with higher rates for high-power charging. The final price can also vary depending on the service provider (eMSP). Therefore, it is important to compare the rates offered by different mobility apps.

The Future of Charging Times

With the development of new technologies and the expansion of infrastructure, electric car charging times will continue to decrease. By 2030, it is expected that it will be possible to fully charge an electric vehicle in less than 10 minutes, making electric cars even more practical and accessible.

Conclusion

Understanding the charging times of electric cars is crucial for those considering the purchase of an electric vehicle. Although charging times are still longer compared to refueling an internal combustion engine car, continuous technological improvements and the availability of increasingly accessible infrastructure with additional services not only make charging faster but also help build a new routine. The time spent charging can be used for various daily activities, a work call, or simply a refreshing break.