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The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on several factors. The charging rate of the charger type used plays an important role, as standard 110V home chargers, professionally installed units, and public fast chargers all work at different speeds.
The vehicle’s battery capacity and maximum charge rate will also impact the overall charge time. For many electric vehicles—like select models of the Nissan LEAF—using a quick charge station will provide up to an 80% charge in under an hour. [[3487]][[1316]]
While timing how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle might seem complex, this guide can simplify the process. Below, we break down the various factors that influence how long it potentially takes to charge an electric vehicle’s battery.
Factors Contributing to Electric Vehicle Charging Speeds
Several factors affect how fast an electric vehicle charges, which means there is no one universal answer. Nevertheless, the speed of the charging system used, the electric vehicle's battery capacity, and environmental factors like temperature will impact the overall charging time.
1. Charging System
Whether you’re charging up at home or a public fast charging station, it’s important to remember that each charger will power your vehicle at a different rate. In general, higher-level chargers will provide expedited charging times. [[1316]]
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 charging is for at-home charging, and most electric vehicles come complete with a basic Level 1 charging cable. These cables draw power from a common 120-volt outlet, adding 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. Based on a 40 kWh battery, the estimated time needed to charge an electric vehicle using a Level 1 charger ranges from 28 hours to more than 2 days. [[1316]]
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 chargers are utilized in homes and at public charging stations, but professional installation is required for residential Level 2 charging. These units draw power from a 240-volt outlet, adding 10 to 25 miles of range per hour of charging. As a result, Level 2 charging requires much less time than Level 1 charging to charge an electric vehicle from empty to full. A 40 kWh battery will fully charge in 7.5 hours. [[3530]][[4]][[3487]]
Fast Charging
Public fast charging stations use direct current (DC) power for expedited charging and are only compatible with certain electric vehicles, including select models of the Nissan LEAF. Based on a 40 kWh battery, a 50 kWh fast charger can replenish 80% of an electric vehicle’s charge in approximately 40 minutes. A 100 kWh fast charger will charge a 62 kWh battery to 80% in approximately 45 minutes.[[1316]][[3487]]
2. Battery Capacity
An electric vehicle’s battery capacity also affects how long it will take to charge. In general, batteries with smaller capacities will take less time to charge, while batteries with larger capacities will take longer.[[1316]]
However, increased capacity batteries provide more range and require fewer charges.
3. Maximum Vehicle Charge Rate
In the same way that there are limitations based on the specific charge point’s rate, each vehicle’s maximum charge rate accepted, impacts the speed at which it can receive power. An electric vehicle will only charge at speeds up to its maximum charge rate, regardless of the charger used.
4. Environmental Factors
Outside temperatures can also impact how quickly an electric vehicle will take to charge, as batteries are sensitive to severe heat and cold. To avoid damaging the battery, an electric vehicle’s battery management system will automatically slow down charging when extreme high or low temperatures are detected. [[1316]]
Top-Up Charging
Many drivers in the US have probably used the phrase “top off” meaning they are going to fill-up with gas even though they aren’t close to hitting empty. Well, in other English-speaking countries like the UK, they often use the phrase “top up” instead. “Top up” has since been adopted by the electric vehicle community to mean charging their vehicle even when it isn’t at risk of running out of battery.
A large portion of electric vehicle owners tend to top up while their vehicle is parked for an extended period, like with at-home charging units. The benefits of top-up charging are apparent, rather than finding a charging station while on the road or going through daily activities, a vehicle can charge during idle time. There is no rush for it to charge immediately or quickly and it is an easy and convenient way to guarantee that an EV will never be low on charge.
However, topping up shouldn’t become an everyday habit. It is widely accepted that an EV battery operates best when it has a charge of over 20% but below 80%, so topping up may not be getting the most out of a vehicle.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Nissan LEAF?
Multiple factors determine how long it will take to charge your particular Nissan LEAF. And, with the 6.6 kW onboard charger and the Quick Charge Port available on select models, there are many ways to charge.[[1316]]
Interested in learning more about how the technology used in the Nissan LEAF increases its battery life? Explore the Nissan LEAF’s range and battery.
Ready to power up your own electric vehicle? Discover more innovative features and benefits of the Nissan LEAF and Nissan ARIYA.
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