Factors that influence electric vehicle charging time
Published on 29 February 2024 by Catarina Costa
- Electric Mobility
- Energy Efficiency
The time required to charge an electric vehicle varies depending on several factors. The two main ones are battery capacity and charging power, but other aspects also matter.
Battery capacity
Battery capacity represents the amount of energy stored, measured in kWh. The larger the capacity, the longer a full charge will take, assuming the same charging power.
Charging power
Charging power depends on the contracted power, the vehicle’s onboard charger and the external charger. The charging speed will always be determined by the most limited element in the system.
Practical example
With contracted power of 7.4 kW, an 11 kW vehicle charger, a 22 kW wallbox and a 40 kWh battery, the effective power is 7.4 kW. Total charging time will be around 5.4 hours.
Other factors
Ambient temperature, time of day, state of charge, cable and connector type, smart charge management and regular vehicle use directly influence the process.
Enbiente tip
A smart charger allows scheduling, avoids consumption peaks and helps protect the battery. At Enbiente, we provide residential, business and public solutions, with certified installation and technical support.
