CHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHARGE AN EV?

Electric vehicles (EVs) like the Ford Mustang Mach E are becoming increasingly popular. But, even though you no longer have to “gas up” your electric vehicle, you still have to make sure it remains charged. A question that often gets asked is “How long does it take to re-charge an EV?  The answer to than is like asking how long does it take to cook an egg? Depending on a number of different variables, the answer varies greatly.

Therefore, if you plan on buying and using an EV as your daily transportation option, it’s really important to understand what determines how long it takes to actually charge your particular EV.

EVs can be equipped with different types of charging systems which are based on charging power that is measured in kilowatts (kW). While AC charging at Level 1 (120V) or Level 2 (240V) ranges from 1.8 to 10 kW, Level 3 ranges from 50 to 350kW. The most common charges used today are Level 1 chargers. These chargers are designed with what can be basically described as a standard 120-volt three-prong plug. According to J.D. Power, if you rely on a Level 1 charger, you will probably need to charge your EV on a nightly basis or throughout the day.

Level 2 charging, on the other hand, utilizes a similar plug to that of a clothes dryer or refrigerator. J.D. Power reports that Level 2 charging is faster than Level 1 charging and provides 25-30 miles of driving range per hour too. For example, an 8-hour overnight charge will provide you with 200 miles or more of driving range.

Level 3 charging, also known as DC Fast Charging, is typically available in public and commercial spaces like rest stops, shopping centers, and office parks. Use Level 3 charging and J.D. Power says that you can expect 125 miles of added range in about thirty minutes, or 250 miles in about an hour.

 

CHARGING YOUR EV WHEN YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME

What do you need to do when your EV starts running out of charge and you aren’t near your homebase charging system? First, you need to find a public charging station. Fortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are nearly 30,000 public charging stations throughout the country. These stations should be easy to find. Simply use an app like PlugShare to find an EV charging station near you, or use the linked app in your vehicle’s automotive head unit guidance system (sometimes called the infotainment system). Bear in mind, however, that charging your vehicle at a public stations may include a fee you need to pay.

 

EXTEND YOUR EV’S BATTERY LIFE

According to Motortrend, it is possible to extend the life of an EV’s battery. Motortrend states that doing things like minimizing an EV’s exposure to high and low temperatures can help to extend the life of its battery. Motortrend also recommends resisting the urge to plug in all night every night because it could have a negative impact on the battery too.

According to Motortrend , you should avoid making a habit out of fast charging.  While fast charging is convenient and can be helpful if done from time to time, it can have a negative impact on your battery’s life.

 

OWNING AN EV IS A LIFESTYLE CHOICE

Ultimately, owning an EV is a lifestyle choice. Your daily and weekly vehicle maintenance routine will be different and determining how long it will take to charge your EV depends largely on what type of EV you purchase, your driving pattern and how you charge it.

 

 For more information and access to helpful videos, visit https://www.motorbiscuit.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-charge-an-ev/ and check out the article written by Sarah Brennan on November 17, 2020 for MotorBiscuit.