What is the charging time for an electric car?

Electric vehicle charging times: a few examples

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle? Of course, there is no simple and unambiguous answer to this question. Indeed, it can range from a few minutes to several hours. Let's take a look at this with a few specific examples.

In the case of Renault ZOE, whose batteries are almost empty, a full charge from conventional electrical outlet power of 2,3 kW takes more than 30 hours. Daily partial recharging under the same conditions throughout the night increases the range by approximately 100 km. 

Also at home if you have a system Green’Up , you reduce the charging time by about 50%. Understandably, a full charge takes only 16 hours. And overnight charging (8 hours) now gives you an extra 180 km of range. 

Otherwise, setting at home a charging station or wall box , the charging time for the same electric vehicle can be significantly reduced. For example, with an 11 kW system, charging the Renault ZOE takes just under 5 hours.

Installing an electric car charging station

Finally, the CCS socket allows you to charge in less than 1,5 hours on fast charging stations with a power of 50 kW. Terminals of this type are usually found at motorway stations.

What determines the charging time of an electric vehicle?

As you can see, charging times for an electric vehicle can vary greatly depending on the charging system used, be it public or private. But, as you might expect, there are many other factors that come into play.

Automotive equipment and accessories

More than an electric vehicle model, it is its technical specifications that set orders of magnitude and limits. First, there are batteries. Obviously, the more Battery capacity (expressed in kWh), the longer it takes to fully charge.

Equipment and accessories for charging electric vehicles should also be considered. On- charger board for example sets the maximum power on any AC recharge.

Thus, when connected to a terminal that produces 22 kW of AC, your car will only receive 11 kW if that is the maximum allowed for its charger. When charging with direct current, the on-board charger does not intervene. The only limitation is the charging station. 

However, this is also due to socket (s) installed on your electric vehicle , And connecting cables to the terminal, or more generally to the power grid.

There are several standards. CCS standard equipment is what allows the use of ultra-fast charging stations, for example, on motorways. Type 2 cables allow you to charge them at most other public charging stations.

Power grid and external charging system

The various examples given in the case of the Renault ZOE clearly show the importance of the charging system to which the vehicle is connected.

Depending on whether you connect Do you classic electrical outlet , private or public charger station or even an ultra-fast terminal on the highway, the charging time of an electric vehicle will be very different.

Finally, even further downstream, general electrical installation also imposes a limitation on the power supplied and therefore on the time of incompressible charging. It's the same with the electricity it subscribes to electricity supplier contract.

These two points should be checked especially before setting up a home charging station. A professional installer of the IZI by EDF network can carry out this analysis and advise you.

How to properly manage charging time on a daily basis?

Thus, depending on all of the above items, the charging time for your electric vehicle can vary significantly. But depending on how you use your electric car, your needs will not be the same either.

First of all, it’s important find the least restrictive, easiest and most economical way charging your electric car in your specific context .

If you are fortunate enough to be able to recharge in your company's parking lot during business hours, this is probably the best solution.

Otherwise, you should probably consider о setting up a charging station at home ... This system can significantly reduce the charging time of your electric vehicle. Then you can rest in peace before heading out the next morning with recharged batteries.