How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

If you have ever wondered, “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” you’re in the right place! Electric car charging times vary by make, model, and the different plugs and ports around Kirkland. There is no one answer to the question, “how long does it take to charge an electric car?” But Honda of Kirkland explains the three main types of EV charging below and how your choice determines your electric car charging time. Read on to learn more, and feel free to contact us with any questions or are ready to shop for an electric or hybrid vehicle!

Electric Car Charging Times by Type

1. Domestic Outlet Home Charging (Regular Outlet): A standard grounded (three-prong) 110V/120V charging outlet is called Level 1. It doesn’t offer a fast charging time, but it works for topping off some of the charge you used commuting to Redmond. Level 1 charging typically takes about 24 hours or more to get a full charge. 
2. Installed Brand-Approved Domestic Charging: The next type of charging is Level 2 and must be professionally installed. Level 2 charging uses rapid 240V+ chargers made for your specific car brand. It provides significantly faster charging times than a regular grounded household outlet. DC fast chargers (as opposed to AC ones) are common, and typically you can achieve an 80% charge in half an hour to forty minutes. But the extra 20% takes longer because there’s a diminishing rate of charging speed.
3. Public Charging: You can charge your EV while you’re out and about around Woodinville, in parking garages, shopping malls, and even hotels and apartment buildings. Some big-name national stores like Walgreens and Kohls provide charging stations, and more are added daily. Public charging stations vary in electric car charging times but often provide level 2 charging stations. Some public chargers even have emissions-free renewable energy charging from solar panels or wind turbines!

Typical Public Charging Electric Car Charging Times

Most at-home chargers provide 3.7 kW or 7 kW charging, while public charging stations offer 22 kW charging, 43-50 kW rapid charging, and 150 kW rapid charging. That means you could get a full charge (0-100%) in about an hour. But, it could also take four to six hours or longer for a full charge depending on the type of charger. 

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Charging Times

If you drive a plug-in hybrid around Seattle, your charging times could be much faster. It typically takes between one to four hours to charge a plug-in hybrid fully. That’s because plug-in hybrid vehicles don’t rely only on electricity as an energy source. They use electricity for a short time and then switch over to gasoline power when necessary. 

Find Your Next Electric Vehicle at Honda of Kirkland

Now that we’ve answered the question, “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” are you ready to find the perfect new electric vehicle or hybrid for your needs? Check out the Honda CR-V hybrid! Browse our new EV inventory from the comfort of home or at the dealership. You can also apply for financing online. Contact us and let us know how we can help.