How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

There are a whole lot of electric vehicles out there, including the popular Nissan LEAF. The benefits of driving electric vehicles, or as they’re sometimes called, “EVs,” far outweigh the drawbacks for many Los Angeles drivers. However, some prospective EV buyers and lessees still wonder to themselves, “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” Honestly, that depends on the EV battery, as well as the type and level of EV charging you’re using in Los Angeles. With that said, let’s dive into the three main types of EV charging — domestic charging, rapiddomestic charging, and public charging — and how your choice of each will ultimately determine your electric vehicle charging time.

Electric Car Charging Time by Charging Type

1. Domestic Outlet Home Charging (Standard Outlet): A regular grounded (three-prong) 110V/120V charging outlet (Level 1 charging) usually charges an electric car in around 24 hours or more. This makes it a good option for overnight charging top-offs.
2. Installed Brand-Approved Domestic Charging: Level 2 charging is typically professionally installed, and is what most Huntington Park drivers choose due to its faster speed. What’s the average electric car charging time with Level 2 charging, which uses rapid (usually 240V+) chargers? Hours rather than days. It’s not unheard of to obtain an 80% charge in around 30-45 minutes with DC fast charging, but that extra 20% will take longer as there’s a diminishing rate of charging speed.
3. Public Charging: You can charge on-the-go in Downey at parking garages, malls, hotels, and even apartment buildings. You’ll often find charging stations at large national chains. These charging stations do vary in type and speed, but Level 2 charging is common.

Plug-in hybrids generally take between 1-4 hours to fully charge. Why? Plug-in hybrid vehicles do not rely solely on electricity as an energy source! They generally have both an all-electric range and a combined gasoline and electricity range.

Typical Public Charging Electric Car Charging Time

Most home chargers offer 3.7 kW or 7 kW charging. Public stations, on the other hand, offer 22 kW charging, 43-50 kW rapid charging, and 150 kW rapid charging. As a result, for some applicable vehicles, you could foreseeably get a full charge in about an hour. Otherwise, it could take 4 hours, 6 hours, or up to around 11 hours for a full charge. 

Your Next Nissan LEAF EV Awaits at Nissan of Downtown L.A.!

Looking to purchase or lease an EV in Los Angeles? We’ve got plenty available here at Nissan of Downtown L.A.! Give us a call at 213-536-4782 if you have any questions about our vehicles, then browse our new inventory and new vehicle specials for additional savings.