How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

If you’re one of the many Philadelphia drivers who are looking to purchase an electric vehicle, you might have concerns around electric car charging times. The great thing about electric vehicles is that they can be charged using different types of plugs, so you have a few different options when it’s time to replenish your battery. So, how long does it take to charge an electric car? Depending on the method you choose, it could take as long as a day or as little as an hour—but keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and that precise electric car charging times will vary depending on the model under consideration.

What are My Electric Car Charging Options?

1. Domestic Outlet Home Charging (Regular Outlet): The method many Turnersville drivers use is a grounded three-prong outlet that you have in your home. This is called Level 1 charging. However, it takes much longer to achieve a full charge using this method. This is ideal for overnight charging, or if you want to add a little extra power to your car before the next day. With Level 1 charging, you can expect it to take around 24 hours to fully charge your vehicle.
2. Installed Brand-Approved Domestic Charging: The next is Level 2 Charging, which is installed by a professional, and charges quicker than a traditional three-prong outlet. This method is often 240V+, providing plenty of charging power. In most cases, you can get up to an 80% charge in around forty minutes. The last 20% will take longer with this method, as the charging speed is diminishing. 
3. Public Charging: If you’re out and about around Sewell, and need to charge your EV, you can often find charging stations at many of the most popular stores, such as Walgreens or Kohl’s. This provides you with Level 2 charging speeds to increase efficiency. These charging stations are usually powered by renewable energy, either from wind turbines or solar panels. 

When you purchase a BMW electric vehicle, you’ll enjoy complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America charging stations for up to two years after your purchase!

Typical Domestic Charging Electric Car Charging Time

When answering the question, “how long does it take to charge an electric car?”, you’ll see it depends on the type of charger you use:

• Level 1 EV charging often takes around a day to fully replenish a battery.
• You can often get a full charge in eight to twelve hours with Level 2 DC charging.
• Level 3 DC Fast Charging can fully recharge an electric vehicle in around an hour or less. However, slower charging speeds are better for your battery over the long term. For this reason, most people intermix daytime “top-off” charging with overnight charging.

If you’re considering a BMW EV, you should know that the BMW iX can charge from 0–100% in ten hours and fifteen minutes with Level 2 charging. With level 3 charging, that same feat can be accomplished in 40 minutes.

If you’re one of the many Turnersville drivers who own a plug-in hybrid, you might get even quicker electric car charging times. For these types of vehicles, you can often receive a full charge in around 1-4 hours. Plug-in hybrids use the electric battery for stop and go city driving, while the gas engine kicks in for longer highway drives.

Typical Public Charging Electric Car Charging Time

The typical home charging station provides 3.7 kW or 7 kW charging. Public stations offer quicker Level 2 or Level 3 charging, providing you with 22 kW charging, 43-50 kW rapid charging, and 150 kW rapid charging. Depending on which vehicle you own, you could get a full charge (0-100%) in an hour or so. On the other hand, it could take 4 hours, 6 hours, or 11 hours for a full charge. 

Buy Your Electric Vehicle at BMW of Turnersville!

Now that you know more about electric car charging times, come check out our selection of electric vehicles available at BMW of Turnersville today! Browse our electric vehicle inventory, and apply for financing online to start the buying process! Be sure to use our new vehicle specials to save on your next purchase near Williamstown!