How long is the charging time for electric cars?
Charging time for electric cars - a key topic for anyone thinking about switching to electric vehicles or who already owns an electric car. In this article, we take a look at the various factors that influence charging time and clarify what you should bear in mind when charging electric cars, light commercial vehicles and electric trucks.
The charging time of electric cars depends on several factors: the battery capacity, the charging power (kW) and the type of charging station. An average electric car with a battery capacity of 50 kWh requires around 20 to 25 hours for a full charge at a household socket (2.3 kW). At a wallbox with 11 kW, the charging time is reduced to around 4 to 5 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can use a fast charging station, which reduces the charging time to 30 to 45 minutes for 80% of the battery capacity.
Light commercial vehicles, such as electric delivery vans, generally have larger batteries that are designed for a longer range. The charging time for these electric vehicles is correspondingly longer. A typical commercial vehicle with a 70 kWh battery requires around 7 to 8 hours for a full charge at a wallbox (11 kW). At fast charging stations (50 kW), the charging time can be reduced to around 1 to 1.5 hours.
An electric commercial vehicle from Flux Mobility with a battery capacity of over 110 kWh can store even more energy and therefore has a greater range, among other things. The charging time for fast charging is approx. 15 minutes for a range of 100 km. Standard charging takes around 4 hours.
Electric trucks used for freight transportation have even larger battery capacities, often in the range of 200 to 300 kWh or more. These electric vehicles can take more than 20 hours to charge on a standard charge (11 kW). The use of fast charging stations (150 kW or more) is therefore particularly important here in order to reduce charging times to an acceptable level. Even with this high charging power, the charging time can still be between 2 and 4 hours.
Standard charging involves charging with low to medium charging power (2.3 to 22 kW), which usually takes place overnight or during long downtimes. Fast charging, on the other hand, uses higher charging capacities (50 kW and more) and makes it possible to charge the battery of an electric car in a relatively short time. While fast charging is particularly practical on long journeys or when under time pressure, it is not recommended as a regular charging option due to the higher load on the battery.
In addition to the charging power and battery capacity, the outside temperature, the state of charge of the battery and the efficiency of the charger also influence the charging time of electric cars. Cold temperatures in particular can extend the charging time, as the battery needs to be warmed up before charging. In addition, batteries charge more slowly when they are almost empty or almost full, which can also affect the effective charging time.
The charging time for electric cars varies considerably depending on the vehicle type, battery capacity and charging infrastructure. While standard overnight charging is sufficient for most cars, light commercial vehicles and trucks require a more powerful infrastructure and optimized charging times. Fast charging stations offer a practical solution on the road, but should be used with caution. Careful planning and choosing the right charging strategy can make electric mobility more efficient and convenient.
