How Long to Charge an Electric Car?
Apr 8, 2025
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Electric vehicles are gaining popularity, but one question keeps coming up: “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” The answer depends on several factors, including charging station power, battery capacity, connector type, and even outside temperature. Understanding these elements will help you choose the charging method best suited to your daily routine or long-distance travel. In this guide, we break down charging times and share smart tips to help you save time—while preserving your battery and your wallet.
Charging Time by Type of Charging Station
To answer “How long does it take to charge an electric car?”, it’s essential to understand the different types of chargers available. Each one offers different charging speeds, costs, and benefits.
Ultra-Fast Charging (150 kW – 400 kW, Electra)
Ultra-fast charging stations are the gold standard for minimizing charging time. At Electra, we offer charging power up to 400 kW, which allows you to recover 80% of your battery in just 15 to 30 minutes.
Why so fast? High power delivery (150–400 kW) floods your battery with energy in record time—provided your car supports this level of power (we’ll explain more below).
Where to find them? Electra stations are strategically located along major urban and suburban routes to serve drivers on the move.
How to access them? Use the Electra app to locate the nearest available charger, book a time slot if needed, and track your session in real-time.
Who is it for? Perfect for long road trips or drivers who want to minimize stops—whether for business travel, holidays, or just saving time.
Ultra-fast charging is the most efficient solution for quickly topping up and getting back on the road with peace of mind.
Fast Charging (50 kW – 400 kW)
Many public stations offer fast charging options, starting at 50 kW and going up to 400 kW.
Estimated time: 30 to 60 minutes to reach 80% charge, depending on power output and vehicle compatibility.
Where? Urban areas, outskirts, and some highway rest areas.
Cost: Usually higher per kWh than slow or home charging, but the time saved is a huge plus for busy drivers.
Home Wallbox Charging (7.4 kW – 22 kW)
Many EV owners opt for a wallbox at home to make charging more convenient.
Estimated time: 4 to 10 hours for a full charge, depending on the wallbox’s power. For example, at 7.4 kW, a 50 kWh battery charges in about 7 hours—perfect for overnight.
Benefits:
You can schedule charging during off-peak hours (cheaper rates).
May qualify for government subsidies (depending on region).
Ultimate convenience—charge from the comfort of your home.
Best for: Drivers who park at home overnight and want to start each day fully charged—no stress.
Standard Public Charging (7 – 22 kW)
Found in city centers, parking lots, malls, workplaces, or hotels.
Estimated time: 2 to 8 hours depending on station power and vehicle specs.
Typical use: While you’re at a restaurant, cinema, or working a full day, your car charges quietly in the background.
Access: This may require a badge or app. Some networks offer subscriptions to reduce per-kWh rates and simplify use.
Domestic Socket Charging (Slow, 2.3 kW)
At the other end of the spectrum, a standard domestic outlet (about 2.3 kW) is the slowest way to charge.
Estimated time: 20 to 30 hours to fully charge a standard EV with a ~50 kWh battery.
Best for: Occasional or backup use only. If you don’t drive much, it can work. For regular drivers, it’s impractical.
Cost: Charging at home is usually cheaper per kWh than public stations, but the slow speed makes this a last-resort solution.
How to Optimize Your Charging Time
Technology is advancing quickly, but there are already smart ways to reduce the time spent at charging stations and get the most from your car.
Why Choose Electra for Fast Charging?
Ultra-fast chargers: With speeds up to 400 kW, Electra is one of the most powerful networks in France.
Smooth experience: Our app makes it easy to find a station, reserve a slot, and pay—no more worries about busy stations or incompatible badges.
Strategic locations: Electra stations are placed on key urban and suburban roads to support everyday driving and long trips.
Peace of mind: Know where, when, and how to charge—stress-free and in just a few clicks.
In short, choosing Electra means choosing fast, practical, and accessible charging that fits your lifestyle.
Avoid These Charging Mistakes
Don’t wait until the battery is empty: Starting at 0% adds unnecessary time. Aim to plug in around 20–30% charge.
Stop at 80% when possible: Charging from 80% to 100% is slower and puts more strain on the battery. For quick top-ups, stopping at 80% is faster and healthier for the battery.
Use Battery Preconditioning for Faster Charging
More and more EVs now come with battery preconditioning systems.
How it works: Before reaching a charger, your car warms (or cools) the battery to its optimal charging temperature.
Benefit: Charging begins faster and stays stable, reducing the total charging time.
How to use it: Usually activated via your GPS or the carmaker’s app, by setting the charger as your destination.
What Factors Affect Charging Time?
You already know charging power and battery size matter—but here are the other key variables.
Vehicle’s Maximum Charging Power
Just because a charger can deliver 150 kW doesn’t mean your car can handle it.
Example:
Dacia Spring: Small 27 kWh battery, limited to 30 kW → Charging may take longer than expected.
Tesla Model Y: 75 kWh battery, supports up to 150 kW → Despite its size, it charges quickly on a compatible station.
Always check your car’s max charging speed (in kW) to estimate how long a charge will take.
Charger Power Output
Slow (home outlet): ~2.3 kW → 20–30 hours for 50 kWh.
Fast (50–350 kW): Up to 80% in 20–60 minutes.
Important: Even if a charger offers 300 kW if your car is limited to 50 or 100 kW, your charging speed will be capped. It's the match between the charger and the car that determines speed.
Battery State of Charge
Partial charge (20–80%): This range charges fastest. Charging slows down as the battery approaches full to protect it from overheating.
Full charge (100%): The final 20% takes longer.
Tips:
If you need a full 100% charge before a long trip, it’s best to finish charging slowly at home.
For daily use, 80% is more than enough.
What’s the Bottom Line?
So how long does it take to charge an electric car? Anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 hours, depending on:
The charging station’s power
Your vehicle’s charging capacity
Your current battery level
The charging target (80% vs 100%)
Want to save time? Combine a home wallbox for overnight charging with Electra’s ultra-fast stations for road trips or busy days.
Take Control of Your Charging with Electra
Download the app to quickly find a nearby ultra-fast station
Reserve your slot and pay in just a few taps—no need for extra cards or hassle
Plan smarter routes with preconditioning support, if your car allows it
Explore More
Turn on notifications in the Electra app to stay up to date on new features and stations
Check out our guides on charging costs, home installation subsidies, and more
Become a partner and install Electra chargers to offer ultra-fast service to your customers
At Electra, we’re here to simplify EV charging and speed up the shift toward cleaner mobility. With powerful stations, a fast-growing network, and an intuitive app, charging no longer has to be a concern. Just drive, plug in, and enjoy the ride.