Five minutes, 30 minutes or overnight? If you are wondering how long it takes to charge an electric car, the honest answer is: it depends on the car, the battery and the charge point.
A rapid stop can add a useful amount of energy during a coffee break, while a lower-powered AC charger may work quietly for several hours as you sleep, work or shop. Once you understand a few simple numbers, choosing the right charger becomes much easier.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
As a broad guide, charging can take from around 10 minutes to reach 80% on a suitable ultra-rapid charger to 12–15 hours for a full charge on a low-power connection. Most everyday charging sits somewhere between those two extremes.
| Charger power | Where it is commonly used | Indicative charging time |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3.7kW | Long stays and low-power charging | About 12–15 hours for a full charge |
| 3.7–8kW | Home, workplace and overnight charging | About 5.5–11 hours for a full charge |
| 8–49kW | Workplace and destination charging | About 1–5 hours for a full charge |
| 50–149kW | Rapid public charging | About 15–60 minutes to 80% |
| 150kW and above | Ultra-rapid public charging | About 10–60 minutes to 80% |
The important word is “indicative”. The number on the charger describes its maximum potential output. Your car decides how much of that power it can accept at any moment.
First, understand kW and kWh
These two measurements look similar, but they describe different things:
- kW (kilowatts) measures power: the rate at which a charger can deliver energy.
- kWh (kilowatt-hours) measures energy: the amount a battery can store or a charging session delivers.
Think of the battery as a container and the charger as the flow used to fill it. A larger battery can store more energy, while a higher-powered charger may fill it more quickly—provided the vehicle can accept that power.
A useful example: charging a 75kWh EV
The Energy Saving Trust publishes the following indicative charging times for a 75kWh battery starting at approximately 20%:
| Charge point | Indicative time |
|---|---|
| 7.4kW AC | About 10 hours |
| 11kW AC | About 6 hours 45 minutes |
| 22kW AC | About 4 hours 30 minutes |
| 50kW DC | About 1 hour 20 minutes |
| 120kW DC | About 33 minutes |
| 150kW DC | About 27 minutes |
| 240kW DC | About 17 minutes |
| 350kW DC | About 11 minutes |
There is an important catch: connecting a car to a 350kW charger does not mean the car will charge at 350kW. If the vehicle can accept a maximum of 150kW DC, it will request no more than its own safe limit—and often less as the battery fills.
Your EV controls the charging speed
Every electric car has maximum AC and DC charging rates. A 22kW AC public charge point may sound much faster than a 7kW unit, but a car with an 11kW onboard AC charger will still be limited to roughly 11kW.
The same principle applies to DC charging. The charge point and vehicle communicate throughout the session, and the vehicle’s battery management system controls the power it accepts.
Before choosing a charger, check your car’s maximum AC and DC rates, connector type and current battery level. That helps you avoid paying or waiting for power your car cannot use.
Why charging times are usually quoted from 10% to 80%
Electric cars do not normally charge at their peak rate for an entire session. During rapid DC charging, the car continually adjusts the power to protect the battery. The rate usually reduces as the state of charge rises, particularly as the battery approaches 80% and above.
That is why manufacturers commonly advertise a 10–80% charging time rather than zero to 100%. On a long journey, two shorter charging stops can sometimes be more time-efficient than waiting for one battery to reach 100%.
Why does a 150kW charger not always deliver 150kW?
The advertised rating is the charger’s maximum potential output, not a promise of constant power. The UK Government’s charging infrastructure guidance confirms that the delivered power can be lower for several reasons.
- Your vehicle’s limit: the car cannot accept more AC or DC power than it was designed to handle.
- Battery state of charge: charging usually slows as the battery fills.
- Battery temperature: a very cold or hot battery may accept less power while the car protects it.
- The charging curve: power rises and falls during a session rather than remaining perfectly constant.
- Shared or managed power: a site may distribute available power between several vehicles.
- Charger or grid conditions: the equipment or local supply may temporarily limit output.
Seeing 80kW on a charger labelled 150kW does not automatically mean there is a fault. It can simply be the appropriate rate for your car and battery at that point in the session.
Cold weather can increase EV charging time
Lithium-ion batteries perform best within a suitable temperature range. In colder conditions, an EV may restrict charging power until the battery warms up.
Some vehicles include battery preconditioning. On compatible models, selecting a rapid charging stop in the car’s navigation system can prepare the battery before arrival. Check your vehicle handbook for the correct method, as features vary between models.
The fastest charger is not always the best charger
Think about how long you will already be parked:
- Overnight at home or a hotel: a 7kW or 11kW AC charger may be perfectly suitable.
- A few hours at work, shopping or visiting a destination: AC charging can add useful energy while the car is parked.
- A short break on a long journey: a compatible rapid or ultra-rapid DC charger is usually the better fit.
Good EV charging is not about choosing the biggest number every time. It is about matching the charger to your car, your battery level and the time you plan to stay.
How to estimate your EV charging time
For a quick estimate, use this simple calculation:
Energy needed (kWh) ÷ charging power (kW) = approximate charging time in hours
If you need to add 40kWh:
- At 7kW: 40 ÷ 7 = about 5 hours 43 minutes.
- At 50kW: 40 ÷ 50 = about 48 minutes.
- At 150kW: 40 ÷ 150 = about 16 minutes.
These are theoretical minimums. Charging losses and the vehicle’s changing power curve mean a real session will usually take longer.
Charging time is not always waiting time
Moving from petrol or diesel to electric changes the rhythm of refuelling. Instead of making a dedicated stop every time, you can often charge while sleeping, working, shopping, eating or taking a planned break.
For everyday driving, the most useful question may not be “How long does a full charge take?” but “How much energy do I need for my next journey, and where will the car already be parked?”
Find the right EV charger with ONEEV
Whether you need a destination charger for a longer stay or rapid charging during a journey, clear information before you arrive makes electric driving simpler.
With the ONEEV app, drivers can find public charging locations across the UK and Ireland, check live availability and pricing where provided, and start, stop and securely pay for compatible charging sessions from one app.
Search. Charge. Pay in App. Explore.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?
A typical 7kW home charge point may take roughly six to twelve hours, depending on battery size, starting charge level and the vehicle’s onboard AC limit. Many drivers charge overnight rather than waiting for an empty-to-full session.
How long does rapid EV charging take?
A suitable rapid or ultra-rapid charger can often charge an EV to 80% in approximately 10 to 60 minutes. The result depends on the vehicle, battery temperature, starting level and charging curve.
Does a higher-kW charger always charge an EV faster?
No. Charging is limited by the lowest relevant capability in the chain. A car with a 100kW maximum DC rate cannot normally take 150kW simply because it is connected to a 150kW charger.
Why does EV charging slow down after 80%?
The vehicle reduces charging power as the battery becomes fuller to manage temperature, voltage and battery health. The exact point and rate of slowdown vary by model.
Can cold weather make charging slower?
Yes. A cold battery may accept less power until it reaches a suitable temperature. Battery preconditioning can help on vehicles that support it.
