EV Charging Time: Complete Guide

How long does it take to charge an electric car? This question is top of mind for future EV owners. Tesla Model Y, Peugeot e-208, Renault Zoé, BMW i4… each model has its own charging specs. This guide provides detailed tables and calculation methods to help you anticipate your charging time based on your EV and the type of charger used.

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The 3 Factors That Determine Charging Time

Calculating EV charging time comes down to a simple equation. Three main variables determine how long it takes:

Battery capacity (kWh): A Renault Twingo EV has 22 kWh, a Peugeot e-208 has 50 kWh, and a Tesla Model Y can hold 75 kWh. The larger the battery, the longer the charge time.
Charger power (kW): From standard home outlets (2.3 kW) to ultra-fast highway chargers (350 kW), power determines how quickly energy flows into your battery.
Onboard charger: This regulates the actual power intake. For example, a Renault Zoé supports up to 22 kW AC, while a Tesla Model 3 can handle up to 250 kW DC.

Charging Time Formula

The basic formula is:

Time (hours) = Battery Capacity (kWh) ÷ Charger Power (kW)

Example: Peugeot e-208 (50 kWh) on a 7.4 kW wallbox → 50 ÷ 7.4 = ~6.7 hours.

Reference Tables by Popular Models

City and Compact EVs

Model	Battery	3.7 kW	7.4 kW	11 kW	50 kW (DC)	100 kW (DC)
Abarth 500e	42 kWh	6h52	3h26	2h19	31min	22min
Alpine A290	52 kWh	8h30	4h15	2h52	38min	23min
BYD Dolphin	64.6 kWh	9h53	4h56	3h19	44min	31min
Peugeot e-208	50 kWh	8h10	4h05	2h45	36min	25min
Renault Zoé	52 kWh	4h15	2h10	1h20	45min	30min

Sedans and SUVs

Model	Battery	3.7 kW	7.4 kW	11 kW	50 kW (DC)	100 kW (DC)
Tesla Model Y	75 kWh	12h16	6h08	4h08	54min	27min
BMW i4 eDrive40	81 kWh	13h16	6h38	4h28	58min	30min
Mercedes EQA	66 kWh	10h45	5h20	3h35	47min	32min

If your vehicle isn’t listed, use the tables below based on battery capacity.

Charging Time from 20% to 80%

Capacity	2.3 kW	7.4 kW	11 kW	22 kW	50 kW	100 kW	150 kW
30 kWh	7h50	2h25	1h40	50min	22min	11min	7min
40 kWh	10h25	3h15	2h10	1h05	29min	14min	10min
50 kWh	13h00	4h05	2h45	1h20	36min	18min	12min
70 kWh	18h15	5h40	3h50	1h55	50min	25min	17min
75 kWh	19h35	6h05	4h05	2h05	54min	27min	18min
90 kWh	23h30	7h20	4h55	2h25	1h05	32min	22min
120 kWh	31h20	9h45	6h35	3h15	1h26	43min	29min

Full Charging Time (0% to 100%)

Capacity	7.4 kW	11 kW	22 kW	50 kW	100 kW	150 kW
50 kWh	6h45	4h32	2h16	1h00	30min	20min
75 kWh	10h08	6h49	3h25	1h30	45min	30min
90 kWh	12h10	8h11	4h05	1h48	54min	36min

The 4 EV Charging Modes

Slow home charging (2.3–3.7 kW): Ideal for light urban drivers. Recharge overnight using a standard or reinforced outlet.
Standard home charging (7–11 kW): The perfect balance. Recover 20–80% overnight with a wallbox.
Public charging (11–22 kW): Great for shopping centers, offices, and parking lots. Recover 200–300 km in a few hours.
Fast charging (50–400 kW): Ideal for long trips. Recover 80% in 20–40 minutes. More expensive (€0.40–0.79/kWh) but eliminates range anxiety.

Electra offers ultra-fast stations up to 400 kW with transparent pricing. Recover 80% in under 20 minutes on compatible vehicles.

Why Charging Speed Varies

Tesla Model Y (75 kWh) on 100 kW charger:

The curve is never linear. Here is what happens in your vehicle based on time of use:

10–80%: ~30 min at max power
80–100%: ~30 min at reduced power

Charging slows after 80% to protect battery cells. Temperature also affects speed—cold requires warming, heat requires cooling. Modern EVs (Tesla, BMW, Mercedes, Renault, Peugeot, VW) include automatic preconditioning.

Some stations split power between vehicles. Electra designs its stations to avoid this and ensure full advertised power.

Real Example: Paris–Lyon in a Tesla Model Y

470 km trip, starting at 90% (425 km range). After 350 km, stop in Mâcon with 15% left. A 150 kW Electra charger boosts to 70% in 20 minutes, adding 250 km. Cost: 20 minutes and €15—perfect for a break.

How to Charge Efficiently

Charge between 20–80% for daily use. It’s faster and preserves battery health. Save 100% for long trips. Most EVs let you set a charge limit—use 80% by default.

Useful Apps and Tools

ABRP and Electra’s app calculate your needs based on your EV model, weather, and driving style. Electra’s app also lets you reserve charging slots.

EV Charging FAQ

Why does my car charge slower in winter? Cold reduces lithium-ion efficiency. The system warms cells before full charging.
Why does my 22 kW wallbox only charge at 11 kW? Your car limits intake. Renault Zoé accepts 22 kW, Tesla Model 3 only 11 kW AC.
Can I reserve a charger in advance? Most networks don’t offer this. Electra does via its mobile app.
EV vs. plug-in hybrid? Hybrids have smaller batteries (8–20 kWh) and charge faster. A Prius (8.8 kWh) charges in 2.5h vs. 8h for a 50 kWh EV.
Charging cost by type?
- Home: €7–12 for 300 km (€0.15/kWh off-peak)
- Public: €15–20 for 300 km (€0.25–0.45/kWh)
- Fast: €25–35 for 300 km (€0.40–0.79/kWh)Electra offers transparent and often lower rates.
Can I leave my car plugged in for days? Yes—modern systems stop at the set limit. Avoid 100% for extended periods.
Range vs. charging time? More range = bigger battery = longer charge. A 300 km city car (50 kWh) charges in 4h on 11 kW, vs. 7h for a 500 km SUV (90 kWh).

Key Takeaways

Mastering charging times means adapting to a new mobility rhythm. Your EV charges while you sleep, work, or shop.

Success comes down to three principles: anticipate your range needs, charge based on usage, and trust technology. You’ll find managing EV energy is no more demanding than a gas car.