How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Car?
If you’re new to electric vehicles (EVs), you’ve probably wondered: “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” Charging an electric vehicle varies based on the type of charger, the vehicle’s battery capacity, and your charging method. At Star GMC of Quakertown, we’ll guide you through the process, so you can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of driving either a GMC Sierra EV or a Hummer EV SUV.
Different EVs come with various battery packs that have distinct charging times. Sounds complicated, but there are really just three main types of EV charging—domestic charging, rapid domestic charging, and public charging. Read on to learn more about charging an electric vehicle.
View Inventory Contact UsElectric Car Charging Options in Allentown
Level 1 Charging: Domestic 110V/120V Outlet
Your new EV will come with a Level 1 charger. Most drivers keep this in the vehicle as a backup, rather than using it as a sole charging method. Level 1 chargers provide an estimated four miles of range per charging hour.
Installed Brand-Approved Level 2 Domestic Charging
Level 2 (240V+) chargers must be professionally installed and can charge your EV much faster than Level 1 chargers. Level 2 chargers provide an estimated 24 miles of range per charging hour.
Level 2 Public Charging
Level 2 public charging stations are more and more common around Lehigh Valley and Lansdale, and they provide similar charging speeds to Level 2 home chargers. You can often find them at major retailers like Walgreens, Kohl’s, and Whole Foods, as well as at universities, hotels, and parking garages.
Level 3 Rapid Charging
Some public chargers offer 150 kW rapid charging, and these can power up your EV faster than any other charging method. However, they’re usually only available along major highways and freeways and cannot be installed at home. Level 3 chargers provide up to 60 to 100 miles of range per twenty minutes of charging.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Car Charging Time
Do you drive a plug-in hybrid? If so, your charging times could be significantly shorter. Typically, these vehicles take between 1 to 4 hours to fully charge. Why is this? Plug-in hybrid vehicles don’t rely solely on electricity; they use a combination of electric power and gasoline. Often, they operate on electric power for short distances or at lower speeds before switching to gasoline.
Typical Public Charging Electric Car Charging Time
Most home chargers provide 3.7 kW or 7 kW charging. In contrast, public stations offer more powerful options: 22 kW charging, 43-50 kW rapid charging, and 150 kW rapid charging. Depending on your vehicle, this means you could achieve a full charge (0-100%) in about an hour with rapid charging. Alternatively, it might take 4, 6, or even 11 hours to fully charge your vehicle, depending on the charging method and your car’s battery capacity.
Embrace the EV Lifestyle at Star GMC of Quakertown
Still wondering how long it takes to charge an electric car? Visit us in Quakertown today to explore our selection of electric vehicles or if you have any questions about charging an electric vehicle. Our team will guide you through everything you need to know to enjoy the benefits of EV ownership. Contact us today to schedule a test drive or to speak with an EV expert!