How long does rapid charging take?
The time a rapid charge takes decides what you can do while you wait: a coffee, a look round the shops or a proper walk. Here’s how to estimate it for your car, why the number on the charger isn’t the whole answer, and how to make the most of the time.
The short answer: most electric cars take roughly 20 to 50 minutes to go from nearly empty to about 80% on a rapid charger. Cars with bigger batteries or slower charging take longer, and cars built for very fast charging can do it in under 20 minutes on an ultra-rapid unit.
Estimate your charging time
Pick the closest match to your car, or enter its figures. You’ll find the battery size and the top rapid charging speed (in kW, sometimes called DC charging) in your car’s handbook or on the maker’s website.
A rough guide, not a promise. Every car charges differently, so treat it as a starting point and allow a few minutes either way.
You charge at the lower of two speeds
A charger’s kW rating is the most it can supply, not what your car will take. Every car has its own top speed for rapid charging, and you only ever get the lower of the two. A car that tops out at 50 kW charges no faster on a 350 kW ultra-rapid unit than on a 50 kW one, while a car that can take 200 kW is held back on a 50 kW charger.
Some rapid units with two cables also split their power when two cars plug in together, so the second car may get less than the full rating. If a site has several chargers, a free unit to yourself is often quicker.
Charging is fastest when the battery is low
Your car doesn’t charge at one steady speed. It charges fastest when the battery is fairly empty, slows gradually through the middle, then slows sharply as it gets near full to protect the battery. That’s why times are usually quoted to 80%: going from 80% to 100% can take as long as everything before it.
So arriving with a low battery and leaving at around 80% gets you the most miles for each minute plugged in. Two short stops on a long drive are often quicker overall than one long stop to 100%.
Cold weather slows it down
Batteries take charge more slowly when they’re cold, so a winter morning charge can take noticeably longer than the same charge in summer. Many cars can warm the battery on the way, often called preconditioning, and some do it automatically when you set a rapid charger as your destination in the car’s own sat nav. Your handbook will say whether yours does. After a long motorway run the battery is usually warm already.
Getting a quicker stop
- Arrive with a lowish battery, ideally below 30%, so you start on the fastest part of the charge.
- Choose a charger that matches your car. More kW than your car can take won’t help, so leave the fastest bays for cars that can use them.
- Let the battery warm up first if your car can, especially in winter.
- Stop when you have enough to reach your next stop or home, rather than waiting for 100%.
What fits in your charging time
Every charger page on Watts Around has a timer. Pick 20, 40, 60 or 90+ minutes and it marks what you can walk to, enjoy and get back from in that time, with 5 minutes spare.
- About 20 minutes: a coffee to go or a quick shop near the charger.
- About 40 minutes: a sit-down coffee, a browse round the shops or a short stroll.
- About an hour: a small museum, a park or a wander round the town centre.
- 90 minutes or more: a proper meal, a bigger attraction or a longer walk.
Whatever you choose, be back by the time your car has the charge you need. Our charging etiquette guide covers the rest.
Common questions
Why is my car charging more slowly than the charger’s rating?
The charger’s kW figure is the most it can supply. Your car sets its own limit, which depends on its battery, how full it is and how warm it is. Some units also share their power between two cars plugged in at once. You get whichever limit is lowest.
How long does it take to rapid charge to 100%?
Much longer than to 80%. Charging slows right down near the top, so the last 20% can take about as long as everything before it. Unless you need every mile, stopping at around 80% saves time and frees the bay for the next driver.
Is rapid charging bad for my battery?
Rapid charging on journeys is normal use, and electric cars are built for it. The car controls the charging speed to protect the battery. Many drivers do most of their charging more slowly at home or work and use rapid chargers for longer trips.
What’s the difference between kW and kWh?
kW is speed: how fast power flows into the battery. kWh is amount: how much energy the battery holds. Divide the kWh you need by the average kW you get and you have the time in hours.
Do I have to stay with my car while it charges?
No. You can lock it and go, as long as you’re back by the time it has the charge you need. Most networks’ apps can tell you when charging slows or stops.