As more drivers transition to electric vehicles (EVs), one of the most common questions is: How long does it take to charge? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of charger, your vehicle’s battery, and even the weather. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about EV charging speeds—so you can spend more time on the road and less time waiting. 

 

Understanding the Charging Levels 

Let’s start with the basics. EV chargers are typically grouped into three categories: 

Level 1 – Slow Charging 

  • Power Source: Standard 3-pin plug 
  • Speed: 4–6 miles of range per hour 
  • Best For: Occasional or overnight top-ups, low-mileage drivers 
  • Use Case: Plugging in at home without a dedicated charger 

Level 2 – Fast Charging (Home & Destination Charging) 

  • Power Source: 7kW–22kW charger (most home wallboxes are 7kW in the UK) 
  • Speed: 15–30 miles of range per hour 
  • Best For: Daily home use or longer stops at public chargers 
  • Use Case: Charging overnight or while parked for several hours 

DC Fast Charging (Ultra-Rapid Charging) 

  • Power Source: 50kW–350kW public chargers 
  • Speed: 60–200+ miles of range in 20–30 minutes 
  • Best For: Long-distance travel and quick top-ups 
  • Use Case: Motorway service stations, fast-charging networks 

 

What Affects Charging Speed? 

  1. Battery Size
    Larger batteries (measured in kWh) take longer to charge—but they also offer longer range. A Tesla Model Y (75kWh) will take longer to charge than a Mini Electric (33kWh). 
  1. State of Charge (SOC)
    Charging slows down as the battery approaches 100%. That’s why rapid chargers are most efficient when topping up from 10% to 80%. 
  1. Charging Limitations of the Vehicle
    Your EV has a maximum charging rate. Even if the charger supports 150kW, your car may only accept 50kW. 
  1. Ambient Temperature
    Batteries charge more slowly in cold weather. Some EVs use pre-conditioning to warm the battery before charging. 
  1. Charger Condition & Network Load
    Public chargers can vary in performance. Sharing power with other users or using older infrastructure may reduce charging speed.