How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle: The Impact of Charging at Night vs. Daytime
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular as a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. One of the most frequently asked questions about EVs is: 'How long does it take to charge an EV, and does the time vary depending on whether I charge at night or during the day?' This article aims to provide a detailed exploration of these questions and related factors.
Typical EV Charging Scenarios
When charging an EV at home, drivers often opt to plug their vehicle in overnight while sleeping. This approach is convenient and allows for a complete charge in around 8 hours, which is typically sufficient for daily commuting and light driving needs.
During longer trips spanning more than 150 miles round trip, drivers may utilize fast chargers, such as Tesla's Supercharger. At these stations, a 15 to 20-minute stop is common, which includes time for refueling, visiting the restroom, and checking emails or making calls. The goal is to recharge enough battery capacity to reach the next charging station while leaving about 60 miles (or roughly 20% of the battery) as a buffer.
Factors Influencing Charging Time
Charge Rate and Battery Capacity
The time it takes to charge an EV depends on several factors, including the vehicle's maximum charge rate and the battery pack's capacity. For instance, a typical home charge using a 120-volt, 15-amp outlet can take days to reach a fully charged state. In contrast, a 220-volt outlet with 30 to 60 amps can significantly reduce this time. The writer of this article uses a Juicebox charger from FPL, which can add about 32 miles of range per hour at 40 amps.
It is important to note that the actual charging rate often becomes limited by the available sockets and plugs. Upgrading from a 120-volt to a 220-volt outlet can dramatically reduce charging time. For example, the Juicebox charger, when connected to a 50-amp breaker, can add around 32 miles of range per hour. If the breaker is upgraded to 60 amps, the charging rate could increase to 48 amps.
Charge Efficiency and Battery Management
It's crucial to understand that EVs are designed to charge more efficiently at lower battery percentages. Charging from 20% to 60% takes less time than going from 20% to 100%. This is similar to charging a cell phone, which charges faster at lower percentages. To extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, it's best to minimize charging periods below 20% and above 80%. However, this aspect is less of an issue on long trips where the battery can be mostly empty before recharging.
Charging Cost and Time vs. Time of Day
The time of day you choose to charge can have both practical and financial implications. During off-peak hours, charging costs are lower, which can be a significant factor for those on a tight budget.
The writer of this article uses FPL's EVolution home charging option, which includes unlimited off-peak charging for a fixed monthly fee of $31. In winter, off-peak charging is between 10 AM and 6 PM, and 10 PM to 6 AM. During summer, the off-peak period is from 9 PM to noon. Weekends and holidays are off-peak 24 hours a day. This arrangement is more cost-effective than paying per kilowatt-hour (kWh) charged, which would average around $60 to $70 per month.
Situations may arise where a full charge to 100% is necessary, such as when the charger is far from the final destination. However, this is usually more common when driving locally and may be followed by a drive that uses up the charge. In other cases, the 20% buffer is sufficient for local driving needs.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Charging an EV can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the vehicle's specifications, available charging infrastructure, and the cost of electricity. Importantly, the time of day you choose to charge, particularly during off-peak hours, can significantly impact both the cost and convenience of charging.
Drivers looking to minimize charges should consider charging during off-peak hours, which are typically nighttime for many utility providers. By understanding the factors that influence charging time and cost, EV owners can make informed decisions to optimize their driving experience and maintain the longevity of their batteries.