The popularity of electric vehicles is constantly growing, and more and more people are interested in investing in one of them. Even though these have been around for quite some time, people still have multiple questions and doubts about how they work.
We know they are eco-friendly, which is one of the main factors contributing to their popularity. However, how long does it take to charge an electric car? How convenient is it considering limited charging stations? You need to obtain this information to decide whether you should go with this investment, which is why we will tell you everything you need to know.
How long does it take?
We understand that this is the information you seek, but we cannot provide you with an accurate answer. It simply depends on several factors, everything from the make and model of the car your purchase to the battery and power source. We will discuss each of these in detail later on, but the bottom line is that you have to conduct research and consider numerous things since this time can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 20 hours, if not more.
Different charging levels
First things first, you need to know that there are three different levels of charging. Level 1 is the slowest, while Level 3 is the fastest one. Level 1 uses the traditional outlets in your home, the 120-volt ones. Now, depending on the battery your vehicle has, this can take a lot of time. For example, if we are talking about 100-mile one, it will take up to 20 hours to fully charge it.
Next, there is Level 2, which uses 240-volt outlets. Since these are used for stoves and dryers, most houses nowadays have them as well. If you don’t have it, you should hire professionals to install a charging station at your home. Yes, this is another expense, but there are several benefits, and you can learn about them on applegarth.co.uk.
Lastly, there is the DC Fast Charging, or Level 3. This one lets you charge the vehicle’s battery in around half an hour. However, this one is only available in public charging stations, meaning that you cannot purchase it and install it at home.
How often is the battery charged?
Clearly, this is another factor that affects the charging time, but many people forget to consider it. Generally speaking, one usually doesn’t wait for the battery to go dead to charge it. Instead, they top it off when necessary to prolong its lifespan. Therefore, you can save a significant amount of time if you recharge the battery frequently.
Battery size
The next thing you have to consider is the battery capacity. Naturally, different cars come with different batteries, which is why it is essential to inspect this feature before making a purchase. A general rule is the higher the capacity is, the more time it needs. You need to do some calculations before choosing an electric car to decide which one is the best for you.
Charging rate
Moreover, you need to think about the charging rate of your vehicle and the station as well. Every car comes with a limited rate, and even if you have a powerful station at home, you won’t be able to use it to its full capacity. The same rule applies to the station rates. It doesn’t matter if your car has a great rate if the station cannot match it. Charging will still take some time. Due to this reason, it is our advice to inspect the charging rates of the vehicle and the station you want to install at home. Both of these require a significant investment, so you should have a detailed plan to ensure you make the best decisions possible.
Weather conditions
Lastly, the weather in your area can have an effect on the time necessary to fully charge the battery of your electric vehicle. Both hot and cold temperatures can affect the vehicle’s thermal management system, that is, its efficiency. Naturally, when this occurs, the charging time increases. This is especially true when using rapid stations, so make sure to add this information to the list of things to consider when choosing the right vehicle.
What is the cheapest method?
Charging the car’s battery in 30 minutes sounds great, but it is also a costly service. Sure, you can use it occasionally, but there is a more convenient and cost-effective way. Obviously, we are talking about home stations. As already mentioned, you can easily find a company that can provide you with the right charging station that meets your requirements. Now, many people wonder whether they should go with this investment. Well, if you want to own an electric car, you probably should. Yes, there are many public stations you can use, but these can prove quite costly after some time.
On the other hand, when you have one of these installed at your home, you will pay for this expense via monthly utility bills. Generally speaking, electricity rates are significantly lower during the night, and this is usually the time most owners charge their vehicles. Yes, your bills will increase, but after a while, you will see that this expense is still lower than the cost of gas. Search for low-cost power plans and TXU energy rates since they do not include “tricks” that raise your bill unexpectedly.
Most people aren’t very fond of the idea that they need to recharge the car to drive it around. Yes, this is a significant change, but it won’t take long for it to become a habit. Plus, let’s be honest. Surely you do not spend every minute of every day in the car. It means that there is more than enough time to top off the battery every day or every few days.
Wrapping up
To sum up, these are essential things you need to know about this subject. As you can see, we cannot provide you with an answer to the questions regarding the necessary charging time because several factors can impact it. However, it is crucial to consider all of these and include them in your overall budget before making this purchase.