The time it takes to charge an electric car varies greatly, depending on the charger type and the car's battery capacity.
Different charging levels offer varying speeds:
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Level 1 Charging: This is the slowest method, using a standard 120V household outlet. It typically adds 2-5 miles of range per hour. For a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), a full charge can take 40-50 hours. For a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), expect 5-6 hours.
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Level 2 Charging: This uses a 240V outlet (similar to what a clothes dryer uses). Level 2 chargers add 10-20 miles of range per hour. PHEVs can fully charge in 1-2 hours, while BEVs take 4-10 hours.
Here's a summary table:
| Charger Level | Typical Power Output | Estimated BEV Charge Time (Empty to Full) | Estimated Electric Range per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 1 kW | 40-50 hours | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 7 kW - 19 kW | 4-10 hours | 10-20 miles |
It's important to note that these are estimates. The actual charging time depends on factors such as the car's battery size, the charger's power output, and the battery's state of charge. Also, charging speed may decrease as the battery reaches full capacity.
