The charging speed varies significantly between different types of chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) based primarily on their voltage, power output, and connector type.
Overview of Charger Types and Their Speeds
Level 1 Charging
- Uses a standard residential 120V AC outlet.
- Provides the slowest charging speed: typically 1 kW power output.
- Charging a battery electric vehicle (BEV) from empty to 80% can take 40-50+ hours. For plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), it takes about 5-6 hours.
- Adds roughly 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging.
Level 2 Charging
- Uses 208-240V AC electrical service, common at homes, workplaces, and public charging stations.
- Power output ranges from 7 kW to 19 kW.
- Can charge a BEV to 80% in about 4-10 hours and a PHEV in 1-2 hours.
- Adds approximately 10-20 miles of range per hour, depending on the vehicle model; all-electric cars commonly gain 22+ miles/hr, while PHEVs add around 12-15 miles/hr.
- Level 2 is about 19 times faster than Level 1 charging due to higher power delivery.
Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC or Level 3)
- Uses high-voltage DC supply (400V to 1000V DC) with power output ranging from 50 kW up to 350 kW.
- Can charge a BEV from empty to 80% in 20 minutes to 1 hour, providing 180-240 miles of range per hour of charging, making it the fastest method for EVs.
- Generally not available for PHEVs.
Additional Charging Methods (Primarily for Smaller Devices)
- Wired charging with fast adapters (e.g., USB-PD, Qualcomm Quick Charge) can significantly reduce charging times for devices compared to standard adapters. Fast wired charging can reduce 0%-50% charge times to around 30-34 minutes. Wireless charging is slower by comparison.
Summary Table of EV Charging Speeds
| Charger Type | Voltage | Power Output | BEV Charge Time (0-80%) | PHEV Charge Time (0-80%) | Estimated Range Added per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (AC) | 120 V AC | ~1 kW | 40-50+ hours | 5-6 hours | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 (AC) | 208-240 V AC | 7 kW – 19 kW | 4-10 hours | 1-2 hours | 10-20 miles |
| DC Fast Charging | 400-1000 V DC | 50 kW – 350 kW | 20 min – 1 hour | N/A | 180-240 miles |
The charging speed depends not only on the charger type but also on factors such as the vehicle’s charge acceptance rate, charging cable quality, and device compatibility. Higher power output chargers and high-quality cables generally yield faster charging.
In conclusion, charging speed improves dramatically from Level 1 through Level 3 chargers, with Level 1 being best suited for overnight home charging, Level 2 for faster home/workplace or public charging sessions, and DC fast charging for rapid top-ups during longer trips.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-charging-speed-vary-between-different-types-of-chargers/
