How Long Does It Take To Charge An EV

How long does it take to charge an EV? If you are considering purchasing an EV, you might find yourself asking that question.

Keeping your electric vehicle charged is as much an art as a science. Many factors play into how long it will take to get a full or partial charge, and knowing this will significantly improve your EV driving experience. No one wants to get caught short without enough charge to reach home or a public charging station.

The better you understand how your car charges — at home or on the go — the easier your life gets. You’ll waste less time waiting, feel more confident on the road, and avoid the stress of realizing you're too low to make it to the next charger. Home Level 2 chargers can help in charging times, but it’s not about memorizing numbers — it’s about knowing what to expect and planning around it.

This guide will examine what factors affect your EV’s charging times and what home EV chargers will help you get an efficient, fast charge.

Your EV's Charging Time Depends on Three Key Factors

Charging an electric car isn’t one-size-fits-all; 30 minutes for one vehicle might take 12 hours for another. As a rule of thumb, there are three basic things to consider when determining the charging time for your electric vehicle:

Battery size (kWh capacity):

Not all EVs have the same battery size and capacity. Battery size is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is a reading of how much energy your battery can store. You can liken it to how big your gas tank is; the bigger the tank, the more fuel you can add, and the further you can go. It’s the same with your EV battery. The more capacity the battery has, the more charge it can take. Depending on the type of charger you’re using, it can, in theory, take longer for a larger capacity battery to charge up than a smaller capacity battery.

Charger type (Level 1, 2, or DC fast charging):

Level 1: Your Basic Outlet

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet, just like the one that powers your TV. You get about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour, which could mean 24 hours or more for a full charge if your battery is close to empty. It’s slow, but it’s super accessible. If you only drive a few miles each day, it could be a good option; however, for most EV owners, this method is reserved for emergency use or as a portable option.

Cost Insight:

You’re usually paying your home’s regular electricity rate, which on average ranges around 10 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) although this can be highly variable upon location.

Pro Tip: Some utilities have time-of-use plans with cheaper off-peak rates, so charging while you sleep can save you extra cash.

Level 2: Faster Home Setup

Level 2 charging steps up to a 240-volt supply, preferably hardwired into your electrical panel. It’s anywhere from 5 to 10 times faster than Level 1, getting most EVs to a full charge in about 4 to 10 hours. Plug in for the night and wake up to a fully charged battery.

Cost Insight:

Electricity rates are still similar to Level 1, but you’ll need a home charging station with professional installation which on average costs $1,500+.
Some EV owners see monthly charging bills that stay relatively low—especially compared to gas costs—because the rate per kWh is often cheaper than paying at a public station.

Pro Tip: The speed you get at Level 2 can vary based on your EV battery, weather conditions, and the amperage of your electrical panel. Some can dish out up to 11.5 kW, while others might top out at 7.2 kW. Either way, it’s much faster than Level 1.

Check out this guide for the best level 2 chargers.

Level 3: Public Fast Charging

Level 3, also known as DC Fast Charging, takes you from low to about 80% charged in 20 to 40 minutes—sometimes even less. That’s a big deal if you’re on a road trip or strapped for time. You’ll find these chargers at stations along highways, shopping centers, or commercial spots, not usually at your house.

Cost Insight:

DC Fast Charging often has a higher rate and might come with extra fees per session or per minute.
You could pay $10 to $30 for a charge from near-empty to around 80%, depending on your battery size and the station’s pricing structure although some EVs offer free charging within their networks for a certain period of time following the purchase of a vehicle.

Pro Tip: Charging beyond 80% at a Level 3 station can slow down a bit to protect your battery’s health, so many drivers unplug at 80% and hit the road.

Charging Times for Popular Electric Vehicles

Charging times vary by model. Below are examples of some of the most popular EVs on the road today:

Top Tier Tesla Model 3:

The Tesla Model 3 is among the most popular and affordable electric vehicles. This sedan continues to grow in popularity:

Size: Battery Size: 57-82 kWh
Level 1:Level 1 Charging Time: 30-40 hours
Level 2: Level 2 Charging Time: 6-10 hours
DC: DC Fast Charging Time (Public): 20-30 minutes

Entry-Level Nissan Leaf:

You often see the Nissan Leaf being driven as a commuter vehicle and general around-town driving. Here is a breakdown of charging times:

Battery Size: 40-60 kWh
Level 1 Charging Time: 20-35 hours
Level 2 Charging Time: 5-8 hours
DC Fast Charging Time (Public): 40 minutes

Entry-Level Chevy Bolt:

The Chevy Bolt is a hatchback that debuted in 2016 and is often priced well under $30,000. It was named the 2017 North American Car of the Year. Here are some specifications:

Size: Battery Size: 65 kWh
Level 1: Level 1 Charging Time: 40+ hours
Level 2: Level 2 Charging Time: 7-9 hours
DC: DC Fast Charging Time (Public): 35-40 minutes

Medium-Tier Ford Mustang Mach-E:

Don’t want to give up your muscle car.The Ford Mustang Mach-E is the original muscle car reimagined The following are the speeds at which you can charge your EV:

Size: Battery Size: 68-88 kWh
Level 1: Level 1 Charging Time: 30-45 hours
Level 2: Level 2 Charging Time: 8-11 hours
DC: DC Fast Charging Time (Public): 35-45 minutes

These are typical examples of EVs on the road today. Your electric vehicle likely falls into one of these categories.

Things That Can Affect Charging Time

Battery Size: Bigger battery = more time to fill up.
Weather: Extreme cold or heat can slow charging, as your car might condition the battery for optimal charging speeds.
State of Charge: The last 20% can take longer, especially on Level 3 chargers that ramp down to avoid over-stressing the battery.

So, Which Charger Is Right for You?

Level 1: Perfect for folks who drive only a few miles a day and can trickle-charge overnight without stress.
Level 2: A good fit if you want something faster for daily charging at home. You’ll get a full battery by morning without waiting a whole day.
Level 3: Your go-to if you’re out on the road and need to charge fast. It’s the priciest option, but it saves you a ton of time.

So how long does it take to charge an EV?

Depending on the charger level, anywhere from nearly a day (Level 1) to under an hour (Level 3). Level 2 is the sweet spot for many drivers looking for a quick and convenient home-charging experience. And remember, costs will vary, so keep an eye on electricity rates, public station fees, and time-of-use savings. This resource provides an in-depth overview on the best time to charge in order to optimize savings. That way, you’ll spend less time staring at the charger and more time enjoying the drive.

For more helpful resources on EV charging costs, check out these helpful resources:

Cost to Install a Tesla Charger at Home
Cost to Install a Level 2 Charger at Home
EV vs. Gas - The True Cost to Charge an EV
EV Tax Credits, Rebates and Incentives Available in Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania

Level 2 Charger Installation With ChargerPro

If you are ready to bring level 2 charging to your home, ChargerPro can help! We offer fast, reliable, expert installation at an affordable flat rate transparent price. Chat with one of our pros or get an instant price today!