How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

Electric car charging times vary depending on the model you’ve chosen and on the type of charging station that you’ve decided to use—but across the board, these charging times are getting better every year. So, how long does it take to charge an electric car today? EVs that can regain up to 50% or even 80% of a full charge in less than 30 minutes are increasingly common.

Models like the BMW i4, the BMW iX, the Mercedes-Benz EQS, and the Porsche Taycan all rank as some of the fastest-charging EVs available at the time of this writing, and each of these models is available at a Rusnak dealership in greater Pasadena!

What Are the Fastest Electric Car Charging Times?

If you need to recharge an electric vehicle in a hurry, look for a Level 3 or DC Fast Charging station in your area—there are plenty of these near Pasadena and Thousand Oaks.

Level 3 DC Fast Charging stations offer the best electric vehicle charging times, and when used with the following models, they empower you to get back on the road quickly:

• 2022 BMW i4: Charge a 200kW battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 31 minutes
• 2022 BMW iX: Charge a 200kW battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 35 minutes
• 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS: Add 186 miles of range in just 15 minutes (200 kW battery)
• 2022 Porsche Taycan: Charge a 270 kW battery from 5% to 80% in just 23 minutes

EV Charging Times: A Note on “Range Anxiety”

Should you buy an electric car? For many drivers, “range anxiety” is most applicable where road trips and other long-distance drives are concerned. Rest assured that any of these models will allow you to drive for hours at a time without interruptions.

When you finally plug your vehicle in to recharge, you’ll have time to get up, stretch, grab a bite to eat, and use the restroom. By the time you’re finished, your vehicle should be charged up and ready to get back on the road.

Know Your Options: How Long Does it Take to Charge an EV?

As we noted from the outset, drivers who need to charge an electric car will have several options to consider. Here’s what every potential EV owner needs to know:

1. Level 1, Domestic Outlet Charging: With a regular, grounded, three-prong 110/120V outlet, you can expect EV charging times of 24 hours or more. While this might be helpful in some emergencies, Level 1 Charging isn’t recommended for daily use.
2. Level 2, Brand-Approved Domestic Charging: Most manufacturers will offer to install wallboxes that you can use to charge your vehicle more quickly at home. Expect to spend several hours achieving a full charge, or plan on leaving your vehicle plugged in overnight. 
3. Level 2, Public Charging: Level 2 Public Charging Stations are more common than Level 3 DC Fast Charging stations, and they offer charging speeds that are comparable to those you’d enjoy with an approved wallbox at home. You can find many Level 2 charging stations at department stores, grocery stores, and other locations across the Pasadena and Westlake Village areas.
4. Level 3, DC Fast Public Charging: For the most rapid charge, search for a Level 3 Charging Station or a DC Fast Charging Station. These options will usually be able to bring your vehicle up to 80% or full within a single hour. However, it’s not usually the best idea to rely on these chargers at all times; batteries that mostly utilize Level 2 Charging tend to offer the most longevity.

Charging a plug-in hybrid vehicle is usually much quicker than charging an electric vehicle, for reasons that may be obvious: PHEVs are equipped with smaller batteries designed to work alongside gas engines, and these models can operate on gasoline alone when necessary.

Find Your Electric Vehicle at a Rusnak Dealership Near Pasadena!

No matter what kind of electric vehicle you’d like to drive home, our team would love to help you get started. Contact us to take one of our new hybrid or electric vehicles for a test drive at your convenience.