How Long Does It Take to Charge a Car on a Road Trip?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a road trip with your electric car but unsure about how long it will take to charge? The answer is not straightforward as there are several factors that can impact the charging time. In this article, we will discuss these factors and give you an estimate of how long it may take to charge your car on a road trip.

Factors that Affect Charging Time

Battery Size: The size of your car’s battery is the most significant factor that affects charging time. The larger the battery capacity, the longer it takes to charge. For example, if you have a 60 kWh battery and a 7 kW charger, it will take approximately 8-9 hours to charge from empty to full.

Charging Speed: The speed at which you can charge your car depends on the charger’s power output and your car’s maximum charging rate. Most electric cars today can accept up to 50 kW of power, while some newer models can handle up to 150 kW or more. If you use a 50 kW charger with a 50 kW capable EV, it will take around an hour to reach an 80% charge.

Starting Charge Level: The starting charge level of your car’s battery also affects the charging time. If you start with a low battery level, it will take longer to reach a full charge than if you start with a higher battery level.

Temperature: Temperature plays an important role in determining how quickly your car charges. Batteries charge more efficiently when they are at moderate temperatures between 10°C and 30°C. If the temperature is too hot or too cold outside, it may affect how quickly your car charges.

Charging Time Estimates

Below are some estimates for how long it may take to charge your electric car based on different scenarios:

Road Trip Scenario 1:

Starting Charge Level: 10%
Battery Size: 60 kWh
Charging Speed: 50 kW
Temperature: 20°C

Estimated Charging Time:
– 80% charge: 45-50 minutes
– Full charge: 8-9 hours

Road Trip Scenario 2:

Starting Charge Level: 30%
Battery Size: 75 kWh
Charging Speed: 100 kW
Temperature: 25°C

Estimated Charging Time:
– 80% charge: 30-35 minutes
– Full charge: around two hours

Road Trip Scenario 3:

Starting Charge Level: 50%
Battery Size: 90 kWh
Charging Speed:150 kW
Temperature:10°C

Estimated Charging Time:
-80% charge :25 -30 minutes
-Full charge :around an hour

Tips to Reduce Charging Time

  • Plan your route and charging stops ahead of time to ensure you have access to fast chargers
  • Avoid letting your battery level drop too low before charging
  • Park in the shade or a cooler area to avoid overheating your battery
  • Use a high-power charger whenever possible to reduce charging time

Conclusion:

The time it takes to charge your electric car during a road trip depends on various factors such as battery size, charging speed, starting charge level, and temperature. However, with proper planning and following the tips mentioned above, you can easily reduce your charging time and make the most of your electric car on long road trips.