Estimate how long it takes to charge an electric car from a starting state of charge to a target state of charge. Enter battery capacity, current charge percentage, target charge percentage, charger power in kilowatts and charging efficiency, and the calculator returns charging time in hours and minutes.
The same method works for a slow household socket, a 7.4 kW home wallbox, an 11 kW or 22 kW three-phase AC charger and a DC fast charger, as long as you enter the lower of the charger power and the car's accepted power.
Formula for EV charging time
Energy required equals battery capacity multiplied by the change in state of charge, divided by 100. Energy drawn from the wall equals energy required divided by charging efficiency expressed as a fraction. Time equals energy drawn from the wall divided by charger power. Multiply hours by 60 to convert to minutes.
AC vs DC charging time
AC home charging is rate-limited by either the supply or the onboard charger, whichever is lower. A 7.4 kW single-phase wallbox typically tops out at 7.4 kW for the whole session. DC fast charging delivers much higher power but tapers above 80 percent state of charge, so calculators that assume a flat rate overestimate speed near full charge.
Why 80 percent is a common DC target
DC fast charging slows above 80 percent state of charge because the battery management system reduces current to protect the cells. The last 20 percent can take as long as the first 60 percent in some vehicles. Most road-trip planning targets 80 percent for that reason, then continues to the next stop.
Realistic charger power ranges
Household sockets deliver around 2 to 2.4 kW. Single-phase home wallboxes deliver 7 to 7.4 kW. Three-phase wallboxes deliver 11 or 22 kW in markets that support it. Public DC chargers run at 50, 150 or 350 kW, with the actual rate capped by whichever is lower between the charger and the car's accepted power.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to charge an EV?
An average 60 kWh EV needs about 8 hours from 20 to 80 percent on a 7.4 kW wallbox, about 30 minutes on a 150 kW DC charger between the same percentages, and over 20 hours on a household socket.
Why isn't fast charging linear?
The battery management system reduces current above 80 percent to protect the cells. The taper is normal and prolongs battery life.
Does charging efficiency affect time?
Yes. Lower efficiency means more energy must be pulled from the wall to reach the same battery state, which lengthens charging time at a fixed charger power.
Can I charge from a household socket?
Yes, but slowly. A 2.4 kW socket fills a 60 kWh battery from empty in about 25 to 30 hours including losses.
How fast is a 7.4 kW wallbox?
About 10 to 13 hours from empty for a 60 kWh battery. Most owners only ever charge from 20 to 80 percent, which takes around 5 to 6 hours.
How fast is DC fast charging?
Between 18 and 35 minutes from 10 to 80 percent on a typical 150 kW charger, depending on the car's accepted rate and the battery's state.
Does temperature affect charging time?
Yes. Cold batteries accept less current until they warm up. Preconditioning while driving to a fast charger shortens the session noticeably.
What is preconditioning?
Preconditioning warms the battery to an optimal temperature before a fast-charge session, allowing the car to accept higher current sooner.