How long does it take to charge an electric car (EV)?

How long it takes to charge an electric car (EV) depends on several factors, like the size of your battery, the type of charger you’re using, and the battery’s State of Charge (SoC). For some drivers, the easiest way to guarantee maximum range every day is to plug in your vehicle overnight.

However, one of the most popular ways to support long-term battery health and efficiency is to charge little and often.

We’ll break down charging times by location and charger type, and shed light on what factors impact charging speed. Keep in mind that charging times can vary, but these estimates can keep you on track as you build a charging routine that fits into your everyday life. 

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Hyundai INSTER charging outside a building

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • How long it takes to charge an electric car at home 
  • How long it takes to charge an electric car in public 
  • The different types of EV chargers 
  • Factors that impact electric car charging speed 
The open charging socket of Hyundai IONIQ 9 electric SUV with charging cable.

Charging time calculation

This equation calculates the rough charging time for an electric car: 

Battery size (kWh) / Charging power (kW) = Charging time (hours) 

However, charging time depends on many factors, so it is important to keep in mind that this is an estimate. 

How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?

For drivers using a standard 7kW to 7.4kW wallbox charger at home, a full charge can take several hours. Charging times can vary depending on multiple factors, like the size of your car’s battery and the State of Charge. For example, larger batteries can take longer to reach a full charge, while charging a battery from 75% to 80% will naturally be faster than charging from 10% to 80%.

There are a few ways to incorporate charging into your daily routine without changing the flow of your day:
  1. Hyundai TUCSON charging on a home driveway.

    Home Charging

    Top up your car overnight while you sleep. This can also be a good way to take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs if these apply to you.

  2. nnn

    Public Charging

    Look for public charging stations at supermarkets and shopping centres and plug in while you’re doing your regular shopping.

  3. Hyundai TUCSON parked, charging in the street.

    Workplace Charging

    Use workplace charging stations if your employer offers these, and top up your battery while you work.

    How long does it take to charge an electric car in public?

    Charging an EV in public can take minutes to hours, depending on the type of charger you choose. The regular or ‘fast’ chargers you’ll find at most public charging stations can range from 7kW to 22kW, which makes them ideal for top-ups while you run errands.

    In contrast, rapid or ultra-rapid chargers can range from 50kW to 350kW and above. Under certain conditions, these types of chargers can take roughly 30-60 minutes to fill your battery. However, it is worth noting that this time can also vary, and not all EVs are compatible with rapid charging systems, so it is always worth checking the specifications of your electric car before planning to use charging stations supplying power above 7.4kW. 

    As with at-home charging, the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle varies according to battery size, state of charge, charger type, and even the weather conditions where you are.
    The Hyundai IONIQ 5 getting charged on a public parking area.

    Fast vs rapid vs ultra rapid EV chargers

    As the names suggest, not all public chargers will top up your battery at the same speed.

    While faster charging usually comes with a higher price tag, it can be worth visiting rapid charging stations for quick top-ups on long road trips. While rapid and ultra-rapid chargers won’t damage battery health when used occasionally, for everyday use, it’s recommended to stick with regular charging. 
    1. Hyundai IONIQ 5 charging at an IONITY charge point.

      Fast public chargers

      Fast public chargers provide around 22kW of power, though not all EVs are compatible with them, so it is worth checking your vehicle's specifications if you plan to use them.

    2. Hyundai IONIQ 6 charging.

      Rapid chargers

      Rapid chargers generally provide around 50kW to 100kW of power, taking an hour or two to top up your battery.

    3. Hyundai IONIQ 5 charging at an IONITY charge point.

      Ultra-rapid chargers

      Ultra-rapid chargers can typically supply over 100kW, and are designed for convenient, fast charging on long journeys. 

      Different types of EV chargers

      The type of charger you use has a significant impact on efficiency, and how long it takes to charge your car overall.
      1. Charging cable domestic socket.

        3-pin plug chargers

        While a standard 3-pin plug charger can technically be used to charge an electric vehicle, this should only be used as a fall-back solution. Standard plugs provide a much lower power supply and are not designed for high-power loads over sustained periods, which can make them inefficient to use when charging an EV.
      1. 1
      1. Ohme wall charger.

        7kW chargers

        A dedicated 7kW or 7.4kW home wallbox charger offers a much faster charging time when compared to a standard plug socket. At-home charging generally takes several hours, with times varying significantly based on different factors. Specifically designed for EV charging, at-home wallbox units include built-in safety features for load balancing and circuit protection, providing a safe and efficient way to charge at home.
        Home charging
      1. 1

      Factors that impact electric car charging speed

      Charging time isn’t just impacted by the type of charger you use. By understanding other factors that can affect EV charging times, you can schedule your charging for the most efficient times and maintain battery health for longer periods.
      1. State of charge of battery from 20-80%

        Existing charge within the battery

        Also known as the State of Charge (SoC), this is a key factor in how long it takes to charge an electric car. 

        EV batteries slow as they approach maximum capacity. Many drivers prefer to keep their battery at around 80% for day-to-day use.
      2. EV battery

        Battery size

        Just like it takes longer to fill a larger fuel tank, it takes longer to fill a large battery, and for similar reasons. Essentially, larger batteries store more energy (measured in kWh) than smaller batteries.
      3. Close-up of a person plugging a charging cable into the Hyundai IONIQ 6 N charging port.

        The temperature

        Cold weather can slow charging times, as it can be harder to heat the battery to an ideal operating temperature. Hot weather can also be an issue, with charging speeds regulated to avoid overheating. Electric vehicles are designed to manage these safely and efficiently.

        Explore our electrified range

        Switching to an electric car is much easier when you understand the logistics behind charging, and how this can fit into your everyday lifestyle. From convenient options like home charging to on-the-go options at supermarkets and service stations, electric driving can fit seamlessly into your routine.
         
        If you’re looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle, explore Hyundai’s full EV range and discover models to suit your lifestyle. Whether you prefer the streamlined IONIQ 6, the compact INSTER, or the spacious IONIQ 9 there’s a Hyundai vehicle suited for your needs.
        1. Hyundai All-new INSTER

          INSTER

          From £23,755

          • Main Features
          • Up to 49 kWh battery capacity
          • Up to 229 miles electric range (with 15" alloy wheels)*
          • Top speed 93 mph***
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        2. Hyundai IONIQ 5

          IONIQ 5

          From £40,695

          • Main Features
          • Up to 84 kWh battery capacity
          • Up to 354 miles electric range*
          • Top speed 114 mph
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        3. IONIQ 6

          IONIQ 6

          From £47,050

          • Main Features
          • Up to 77.4 kWh battery capacity
          • Up to 338 miles electric range*
          • 18-36 minutes to recharge (10 to 80%)**
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        4. KONA Electric

          KONA Electric

          From £35,000

          • Main Features
          • Up to 65.4 kWh battery capacity
          • Up to 319 miles electric range*
          • Acceleration 0 to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds with 17” wheels.
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        5. Hyundai IONIQ 9

          All-new IONIQ 9

          From £64,995

          • Main Features
          • Up to 110.3 kWh battery capacity
          • Up to 385 miles electric range*
          • Braked towing power of 1600kg RWD & 2500kg AWD
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        6. Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

          IONIQ 5 N

          From £65,800

          • Main features
          • Up to 84 kWh battery capacity
          • Up to 278 miles electric range*
          • Top speed 161 mph
          Explore
        7. Hyundai IONIQ 6 N

          All-new IONIQ 6 N

          From £65,800

          • Main features
          • Up to 84 kWh battery capacity
          • Up to 302 miles electric range*
          • Top speed 160 mph
          Explore

          *Maximum range according to WLTP combined cycle. Specification dependent. Actual range will vary depending on factors including road conditions, outdoor temperature, driving style, use of climate control and battery condition.

          **350kW ultra-fast charger required for quickest charge times - chargers are currently available on selected arterial routes – see Charge myHyundai map for details. Not currently available in Northern Ireland.

          Hyundai test data for comparison purposes. Actual time will vary and is dependent on several factors including battery temperature, condition and age, ambient temperature and the power provided by the charger. Charge time increases in cold weather and if battery temperature activates safeguarding technology.

          In optimal conditions, the latest IONIQ 5 is capable of accepting power at up to 260kW and IONIQ 6 at 239kW.

          ***Figures quoted are for the 49 kWh long-range battery only.

          Learn more about electric cars.

          Want to know more about electric vehicles? Get in touch with your local retailer or explore our EV cost calculator.
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