The Average Time It Takes To Charge An Electric Car: A Comparison of Different Chargers

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and cost savings. However, charging an electric car can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with the different types of chargers available. In this article, we will explore the average hours it takes to charge an electric car using various chargers and compare their charging speeds.

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Types of Chargers

  • Normal 10A Charger

  • Single Phase 32A Charger

  • Three Phase 32A Charger

• Charging Time Comparison

  • Normal 10A Charger vs. Single Phase 32A Charger

  • Normal 10A Charger vs. Three Phase 32A Charger

  • Single Phase 32A Charger vs. Three Phase 32A Charger

• Average km/hour of Charge Comparison

• Conclusion

• FAQs

Types of Chargers

Before we dive into the comparison, let's take a closer look at the different types of chargers available.

Normal 10A Charger

The normal 10A charger is the most common type of charger that comes with an electric car. It is also known as a Level 1 charger and can be plugged into a standard household outlet. This charger typically provides around 2.4 kW of power and takes around 25-35 hours to fully charge an electric car.

Single Phase 32A Charger

The single-phase 32A charger is a Level 2 charger that can be installed at home or in public charging stations. This charger provides around 7.2 kW of power and can fully charge an electric car in around 8-12 hours.

Three Phase 32A Charger

The three-phase 32A charger is also a Level 2 charger that can be installed at home or in public charging stations. This charger provides around 22 kW of power and can fully charge an electric car in around 2-4 hours.

Charging Time Comparison

Now that we've covered the different types of chargers, let's compare their charging times

Charger Type	Charge Time	Average km/hour of charge
Normal 10A Charger	30h	10km/h
Single Phase 32A	10h	30km/h
Three Phase 32A	3h	80km/h

Average km/hour of Charge Comparison

Apart from charging time, it is also important to consider the average km/hour of charge that each charger provides. This metric helps you understand how far you can travel with one hour of charging.

Normal 10A Charger

The normal 10A charger provides an average of around 10 km/hour of charge.

Single Phase 32A Charger

The single-phase 32A charger provides an average of around 30 km/hour of charge.

Three Phase

The three-phase 32A charger provides an average of around 80 km/hour of charge. This is significantly higher than the other two chargers and can be beneficial for those who frequently travel long distances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the charging time and average km/hour of charge provided by different chargers play a crucial role in deciding which charger to use for your electric car. The normal 10A charger is the slowest and provides the lowest average km/hour of charge, while the three-phase 32A charger is the fastest and provides the highest average km/hour of charge. However, it is important to note that the availability of a three-phase power supply may be limited in some areas.

FAQs

1. Can I use a three-phase 32A charger at home?

• It depends on whether your home has a three-phase power supply. If it does not, you may need to upgrade your electrical system.

1. How much does it cost to install a Level 2 charger at home?

• The cost of installation can vary depending on various factors such as the type of charger, your home's electrical system, and the installation company. It is recommended to get a quote from a professional installer.

1. Can I use a Level 2 charger in a public charging station?

• Yes, Level 2 chargers can be installed in public charging stations.

1. How often should I charge my electric car?

• It depends on your driving habits and the range of your electric car. It is recommended to charge your electric car whenever the battery level falls below 20-30%.

1. Can I charge my electric car with a normal household outlet?

• Yes, you can use a normal household outlet with the normal 10A charger that comes with your electric car, but it will take longer to charge compared to other types of chargers.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that while the charging times and average km/hour of charge provided by different chargers have been discussed in this article, most electric vehicles come equipped with an 11kW AC onboard charger. This charger can charge the vehicle much faster than the normal 10A charger that comes with the car, but slower than the Level 2 chargers discussed in this article. However, the charging speed and km/hour of charge can vary depending on the specific make and model of the electric vehicle.