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Calculate your EV's charging time in 3 steps! Learn the simple formula & factors impacting charging speed.
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How to calculate the charging time of an electric vehicle? The use of electric cars, or EVs, is growing in popularity. But a lot of individuals have concerns over charging times, especially if they're unfamiliar with EVs. When a motorist has filled up an ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle for years, filling up an EV can seem like an extremely daunting process. Well, different EV models have varied battery sizes, which may have different charging speeds. These factors all affect how long it takes to charge an EV. The particular type you use, the charging infrastructure you utilize, temperature and battery condition, and whether you're charging in the winter or not can have a direct impact on the charging time. Besides, you may use an EV charging calculator to determine the accurate duration of time. 4 Major Factors Affecting the Charging Time 1. Battery Capacity The quantity of energy that an EV's battery can hold is referred to as its battery capacity. It is commonly expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The longer an electric vehicle can go between charges, the larger its battery capacity. Also, note that the battery capacity of electric vehicle models differs. Some have lesser capacities, often between 30 and 40 kWh, while others have bigger capacities, often reaching 100 kWh. So, it will take longer for a larger battery to fully recharge, particularly if lower-power charging outlets are being used. However, it is possible to achieve higher-capacity batteries without substantially raising their weight or size. Why? Because of advancements in battery technology that have improved energy density. 2. Charging Power The pace at which energy is moved from the grid to the battery of an EV is referred to as the charging power of the station. It is a key factor in figuring out how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle. A basic Level 1 charger uses a conventional household outlet and can supply up to 1-2 kW of charging power. Since it is the slowest charging option, it is ideal for charging overnight or if a car is left parked for a long time.
On the other hand, level 2 charging offers a higher charging power. Depending on the charging station, it can range from 3.3 kW to 22 kW. Public charging stations mostly offer Level 2 charging, which can significantly shorten charging periods when compared to Level 1. The highest charging power is provided by Level 3 charging, also referred to as DC fast charging, which may reach up to 350 kW. DC fast charging stations are commonly located beside roads or at commercial charging stations. They are perfect for long- distance travel since they can quickly and substantially boost an EV's battery capacity. 3. Charging Efficiency The charging efficiency of EV charging is a crucial aspect in the world of sustainable transportation. It refers to the effectiveness and speed at which an EV’s battery can be charged. The overall range, convenience, and environmental effects of electric vehicles are all heavily affected by the charging efficiency. Efficiency is determined by comparing the energy used during the charging process to the amount of energy delivered from the charging station to the electric vehicle's battery. The higher the charging efficiency, the less energy is wasted, making the process more economical and eco-friendly. Further, in contrast to charging from a high SOC to a full charge, charging an EV battery from a low SOC to a high SOC is typically more efficient. This is because when the battery gets closer to its maximum capacity, the charging process slows down, and overall efficiency declines. Moreover, the temperature of the battery and the ambient temperature can also impact charging efficiency. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can affect the battery’s performance and reduce charging efficiency. Even though contemporary EVs' battery management systems are made to diminish these effects, temperature is still a factor to be taken into account when charging an EV. 4. Charging Station Depending on the kind of charging station you use, your EV's charging speed will fluctuate. For example, the bp pulse150 has a 150kWh charge capacity. Up to 100 miles of range may be charged with a bp pulse 150kw charger in about 15 minutes. Whereas, the bp pulse50 can charge up to 40 miles of range in around 15 minutes. It
is frequently available at motorway forecourts and is ideal if you're stopping for a break on the go. Brief Guide to Calculating the Charging Time 1. Determine the Battery Capacity (kWh) The first step is to find the battery capacity of your EV. Usually, you may find this information by looking up the make and model of the car online or in the handbook. 2. Identify the Charging Power (kW) The capacity of the charging station and the suitability of the EV determine the charging power. Typical charge ranges consist of: Level 1: Standard household outlet (120V) - typically ranges from 1.4 kW to 1.9 kW. Level 2: Home or public charging station (240V) - usually ranges from 3.3 kW to 19.2 kW. Level 3: Fast charging station (DC Fast Charging) - can range from 50 kW to over 350 kW. 3. Consider Charging Efficiency You must take into account that most EVs have a charging efficiency of between 90 and 95%. Energy losses that occur throughout the charging process are taken into consideration. 4. Apply the Formula Use the following formula to calculate the charging time: Charging Time (hours) = Battery Capacity (kWh) / (Charging Power (kW) * Charging Efficiency) Bottom Line To maximize the convenience of having an electric vehicle and plan trips effectively, it is necessary to calculate the charging time of an EV. You can predict how long it will take to recharge your electric vehicle by knowing its battery capacity, charging power,
and efficiency. For further assistance, you can also use an EV charging time calculator from Clean Calcs.