How long does it take to charge electric cars?
Charging time for electric cars – a central topic for anyone considering switching to electric vehicles or who already owns an electric car. In this article, we take a look at the various factors that influence the 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 about 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 about 4 to 5 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can use a rapid charging station, which shortens the charging time to 30 to 45 minutes for 80% of the battery capacity.
Light commercial vehicles, such as electric vans, usually have larger batteries 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 rapid 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 longer range, among other things. The charging time for rapid charging is approx. 15 minutes for a range of 100 km. Standard charging takes approximately 4 hours.
Electric trucks used for freight transport have even larger battery capacities, often in the range of 200 to 300 kWh or more. The charging time for these electric vehicles can exceed 20 hours with standard charging (11 kW). Therefore, the use of fast charging stations (150 kW or more) is 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 idle periods. Fast charging, on the other hand, uses higher charging powers (50 kW and more) and makes it possible to charge an electric car's battery in a relatively short time. While fast charging is particularly practical on long journeys or when time is short, it is not recommended as a regular charging option due to the higher stress 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. Particularly cold temperatures can extend the charging time, as the battery must 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 of electric cars varies considerably depending on the vehicle type, battery capacity and charging infrastructure. While a standard overnight charge is sufficient for most passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and trucks require a more powerful infrastructure and optimized charging times. Fast charging stations offer a practical solution on the go, but should be used with caution. Careful planning and choosing the right charging strategy can make electromobility more efficient and convenient.
