When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), one of the most common concerns people have is the time it takes to charge them. We’ve all grown accustomed to the quick stop at a fuel station, where refueling takes just a few minutes. So, the idea of plugging in a car and waiting hours for it to charge can seem daunting. But do EVs really take forever to charge? Let’s break it down.
First, it’s important to understand that the time it takes to charge an EV depends on several factors, like the size of the battery, the type of charger being used, and how much charge the battery already has. Just like filling up a car’s fuel tank from empty takes longer than topping it off, an EV will invariably charge faster if it’s not starting from zero.
There are different types of chargers available for EVs, and each one delivers power at different rates. The most common options are Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging.
Level 1 charging is the slowest option, using a standard household outlet. If you plug your EV into a regular 120-volt outlet, you’re looking at around 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. For a full charge, this could take up to 24 hours, depending on the battery size. This method is really best suited for overnight charging when you don’t need your car immediately.
Level 2 chargers are a significant step-up. These are the chargers most EV owners have installed at home or find at some public charging stations. They use a 240-volt outlet, similar to what you’d use for a dryer or an oven, and can add around 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. This means you can fully charge an EV with a medium-sized battery in about two to eight hours. It’s perfect for charging your car while shopping at a mall or during the workday if your workplace has charging stations.
Then there’s DC fast charging, which is the fastest option available. These chargers can give your EV a significant boost in a short amount of time—some can add up to 100 miles of range in just 20 to 30 minutes. While fast chargers are not as common as Level 2 chargers, they are gradually becoming more widespread, especially in Germany, France, and Norway.
But the truth is that, for most people, using an EV is less about waiting long to charge it; it’s more about convenience and less hassle. Plus, unlike with fossil-fuel cars, where you have to make a special trip to the gas station every time you need a refill, charging an EV can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine. You can plug it in when you get home from work, let it charge overnight, and wake up to a full battery. Or, if you’re out running errands, you can top up at a public charging station while you shop or grab a bite.
For those worried about longer road trips, planning is key. While you might need to stop to charge, modern EVs offer tools that make this easy. Most EVs come with navigation systems that can map out charging stations along your route, ensuring you’re never far from a place to plug in. And as EVs become widespread in Nigeria, fast-charging networks will be developed , and the time you spend waiting to get your car charged will become shorter and shorter.
The idea that EVs take forever to charge is more myth than reality. Yes, charging can take longer than refueling a traditional car, but it’s not the inconvenience many imagine. With the right charger and a bit of planning, charging an EV can fit easily into your life. Plus, as technology continues to improve, charging times are only going to get faster.
So, do EVs take forever to charge? Not at all. In fact, once you’ve experienced the convenience of waking up to a fully charged car each morning, you might find yourself wondering why you ever worried about it in the first place.
By the way, if you are in Abuja and your EV needs charging, drop by EVEC at No. 7 Hombori Street, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, and get your little beauty charged.
