How many kWh to charge an electric vehicle?
31 mar 2025
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How many kWh does it take to charge an electric car?
The popularity of electric vehicles keeps rising, and one question comes up again and again: how many kWh are needed to charge an electric car? To understand this, you first need to distinguish between kW (kilowatt), which measures charging power, and kWh (kilowatt-hour), which measures the amount of energy consumed or stored in the battery. The kWh unit is essential for estimating your battery capacity, charging time, and the overall cost.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know: average EV consumption, the differences between slow and fast charging, the impact on your electricity bill, and best practices to optimize your charges. In 2025 and beyond, understanding how kWh works will help you embrace electric mobility with confidence.
How many kWh for a full charge?
Charging depends on the type of station
The number of kWh needed for a full charge mainly depends on your battery's capacity. However, the power of the charging station plays a major role in how long that charge will take.
Home charging
Standard outlet (2.3 kW): Plugging your car into a regular household socket is the slowest solution. For a 40 to 60 kWh battery, expect 10 to 20 hours for a full charge.
Wallbox (7.4 kW): With a dedicated wall-mounted charger, charging time drops to 6-8 hours. This is a favorite option for those who plug in their car overnight.
Average cost: In France, residential electricity costs around €0.25/kWh. So, fully charging a 60 kWh battery costs about €15 (60 × €0.25).
Public charging
Accelerated charger (22 kW): You can fully charge a mid-sized EV in 2 to 3 hours—perfect for shopping or grabbing a bite while your car powers up.
Fast charger (50 kW): Often found on major roads, these stations recharge a 50 to 60 kWh battery in around 1 hour.
Ultra-fast charger (150–400 kW): High-power stations like Electra’s allow you to get 80% charge in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your battery and your car’s max charging capacity.
In short, the same amount of kWh can be delivered more or less quickly depending on charging power. But the total energy in kWh required for a full charge depends mainly on your battery size and vehicle consumption.
These costs are estimates based on a €0.25/kWh rate, which can vary depending on your operator, region, or time of day (peak vs. off-peak hours).
How much does charging cost based on the method?
Home charging: what does it add to your electric bill?
In a typical French household, daily electricity use is around 13 to 16 kWh. Charging a 60 kWh battery is roughly the equivalent of 3 to 4 days’ worth of household electricity.
To keep costs down, charge during off-peak hours (usually from 8 PM to 8 AM), when rates can drop to €0.20/kWh or less depending on your plan. Scheduling nighttime charges can save several cents per kWh, which adds up to tens of euros per year.
Public charging: how is it billed?
Public charging stations offer different pricing models:
Per kWh: Rates range from €0.30 to €0.69/kWh, depending on the provider and station power. A full charge at a fast charger may be more expensive than at home, but still cheaper than a tank of fuel for the same distance.
Per minute: Some ultra-fast chargers combine a per-minute cost with a session fee, encouraging drivers to free up the station quickly.
Subscription models: Some networks offer monthly plans with reduced kWh rates. If you frequently use the same stations, this can be cost-effective.
Charging with Electra: fast, easy, and efficient
For those who want speed and simplicity, Electra offers ultra-fast charging stations up to 400 kW. You can recover 80% battery in just 15 to 30 minutes, even with large-capacity batteries. Here's what makes it stand out:
Transparent, competitive pricing: With a subscription, the rate can go as low as €0.29/kWh, which is highly competitive for that level of charging speed.
Smooth experience: The Electra app lets you locate the nearest station, reserve a charger, and pay effortlessly.
Strategic locations: Electra stations are placed on major roads, close to shops and restaurants—perfect for a quick break while you charge.
Thanks to this model, you get fast, stress-free charging at a controlled cost. No more waiting in long lines for a few kWh!
How to optimize your charge and reduce kWh consumption
Best practices to save energy
Use off-peak hours: Charging at night is cheaper and eases pressure on the daytime grid.
Drive efficiently: Avoid hard acceleration and anticipate braking to maximize energy recovery. Every kWh saved extends your range and cuts your bill.
Precondition your car: In winter, preheat the cabin while still plugged in to save battery energy during your drive.
Why choose ultra-fast charging with Electra?
Save time: Ultra-fast chargers (150 kW to 400 kW) restore most of your battery in just 15 to 30 minutes—perfect for road trips or quick pit stops.
Easy access: Electra stations are located on main routes, near amenities. While your car charges, grab a coffee or do some shopping.
Intuitive app: The Electra app guides you in real time—find the nearest available charger, book your time slot, and monitor charging progress. Everything is designed to be seamless and stress-free.
What is the average kWh consumption of an electric car?
Each electric vehicle comes with a battery, and its capacity is measured in kWh. The higher this number, the greater the range. For instance:
A small city car may have a 27 kWh battery.
A family sedan or electric SUV can easily go beyond 70 kWh.
Average EV consumption generally ranges between 15 and 20 kWh/100 km. Here are some examples:
Dacia Spring (27 kWh): Offers around 230 km range, ideal for urban driving with low energy use.
Tesla Model 3 (57 kWh): Delivers about 450 km range, with an efficient 15 kWh/100 km on mixed routes.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (77 kWh): Around 500 km range, perfect for long-distance drivers who want fewer charging stops.
Remember: battery size isn’t everything. Energy efficiency and driving style also have a major impact on how many kWh you actually consume. Two cars with similar batteries can have very different ranges depending on how they use energy.
Want to go further?
Download the Electra app to find the nearest ultra-fast charging station.
Subscribe if you plan to charge regularly on the Electra network.
Adopt smart driving habits to maximize every kWh and enjoy a smooth, fast, and easy charging experience.
With Electra, charging becomes child’s play: less waiting, lower costs, and the confidence of driving toward a cleaner, more responsible future!