How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Car?

If you’re thinking about making the switch from gas to EV, you might wonder, “Just how long does it take to charge an electric car?” The answer is that electric car charging time varies depending on your vehicle and charger type. There are three main types of chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each has a different voltage, which translates into different speeds. For example, you could plug your car into a grounded outlet and charge your battery in days, but you could also plug your car into a DC Fast Charger station in Visalia and have a full battery in under an hour! Find out how long it takes to charge an EV for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging stations – and get more EV information at Porterville Ford!

What are My Electric Car Charging Options?

1. Level 1 (Regular Grounded Outlet): You can charge your EV in any normal grounded (three-prong) 110V/120V charging outlet to access Level 1 charging speeds. This is the most easily accessible type of charging, but it’s also the slowest. It might take days to charge an EV battery to 100%. However, this is a good option for plug-in hybrid models with smaller battery packs.
2. Level 2 (Installed Domestic Charging): Level 2 charging is faster than Level 1, and you’ll find Level 2 chargers in both public and residential settings. Most EV users around Tulare choose to install a 240V charging station in their home for convenience. While it is a higher cost up-front than a Level 1 setup, Level 2 chargers will charge a battery overnight.
3. Level 3 (Public Charging): Level 3 chargers are the fastest options of all. Because they require so much electricity, they are only found in public charging stations around Delano. You’ll find Level 3 chargers around parking garages, malls, hotels, and even apartment buildings. They may take as little as 30 minutes to bring your battery from red to green. Some stations even use emissions-free renewable energy sources, like wind and solar power.

Public vs. Home Electric Car Charging Time

How long does it take to charge an EV at home vs. at a public station? The difference in electric car charging time comes down to voltage. Home chargers range from around 3.7 kW to 7 kW of charging power. Public chargers offer anywhere from 22 kW to 150 kW at rapid charging stations. That’s why a home charging station may take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, while a public station can take less than an hour.

Find Your Next EV Near Delano

Still have questions about electric car charging time? Want to test drive a 2023 Mustang Mach-E or 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning? Feel free to contact us at Porterville Ford to learn more about the world of EV ownership, and stop by Porterville to chat in person.