How long does it take to charge?

EV drivers get asked this a lot. Short answer: it depends. Longer answer: with a few rules of thumb, you can estimate it pretty well.

Overnight charging, nice and steady

Many higher‑end EVs come with larger batteries for extra range, plus on‑board chargers rated at 11 or 22 kW. On a home wallbox, that’s usually enough to reach 100% by morning. Smaller EVs often pair smaller batteries with 3.7 or 7.4 kW on‑board chargers. The power’s lower, but so is the capacity — so a normal overnight charge still gets you back to full.

Rapid charging: 20 minutes to 1 hour

Rapid charging focuses on the 20–80% window because it’s the sweet spot for speed. Premium models with modern battery tech can take 150 kW or more from high‑power chargers and hit 80% in under 30 minutes. More affordable cars typically peak around 50–100 kW, so the same 20–80% takes roughly 35–40 minutes.

Why is it slower in winter?

Cold weather catches newcomers out. A cold battery is reluctant to accept charge. Around freezing, it can take a while — a long motorway run or some preheating — to warm the pack to roughly 30°C. Once it’s up to temperature, those 150 kW‑plus speeds are back on the table.

Charging slows above 80%

Another surprise is how long the last 20% takes. From about 80% state of charge, every EV tapers hard — regardless of price or battery size — to protect longevity. The battery management system reduces power to avoid overheating and cell damage.