How Long Does It Take to Charge a Car Up? EV & Battery Charging Times

Understanding how long does it take to charge a car up is a question with varied answers, depending significantly on the type of car and the charging method. For electric vehicles (EVs), charging times range from minutes at a rapid DC fast charger to many hours on a standard household outlet. Conversely, recharging a conventional 12V car battery, whether after a jump start or using a dedicated charger, also involves different timeframes based on the battery’s condition and the charger’s output. This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of charging durations for both scenarios, exploring the key factors that influence these times to give you a clear understanding.

Understanding the Two Types of “Charging a Car”

The phrase “charging a car up” can refer to two distinct processes, each with its own set of considerations and timeframes. It’s crucial to differentiate between them to accurately determine expected charging durations:

Charging an Electric Vehicle (EV): This involves replenishing the high-voltage battery pack that powers the vehicle’s electric motor. EV charging is akin to refueling a gasoline car, but instead of liquid fuel, you’re supplying electricity. The time required for this varies greatly based on the charging infrastructure and the vehicle’s specifications.
Charging a Conventional 12V Car Battery: This applies to gasoline-powered and hybrid vehicles that use a small 12-volt lead-acid battery to start the engine and power auxiliary electronics. When this battery dies, it needs to be recharged or jump-started. The duration here depends on the battery’s discharge level and the charger’s amperage.

Given the potential ambiguity, this article will address both scenarios to provide a complete answer to how long does it take to charge a car up.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle (EV)?

The time it takes to charge an electric car is influenced by several critical factors, primarily the size of its battery, the charging level (power output of the charger), and the vehicle’s onboard charging capabilities.

Key Factors Influencing EV Charging Time

Battery Capacity (kWh): Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), this represents how much energy the battery can store. A larger battery takes longer to charge fully, assuming a constant charging rate. For example, a 60 kWh battery will take twice as long as a 30 kWh battery to gain the same amount of charge at the same power level.
Charger Power Output (kW): This is the rate at which electricity is delivered to the car. Higher kilowatt (kW) ratings mean faster charging. Chargers are categorized into different levels based on their power output.
Vehicle’s Onboard Charger: EVs have an onboard AC-to-DC converter that dictates the maximum AC charging rate the car can accept. Even if you plug into a powerful Level 2 charger, the car will only charge as fast as its onboard charger allows. This usually ranges from 3.7 kW to 22 kW. For DC fast charging, the car’s battery management system determines the maximum DC input rate.
State of Charge (SOC): Charging is typically slower when the battery is nearly full (above 80%) to protect the battery and prolong its lifespan. The fastest charging often occurs when the battery is between 20% and 80% SOC.
Ambient Temperature: Extreme cold can slow down charging speeds, especially for DC fast charging, as the battery management system may limit power delivery to protect the battery. Optimal charging often occurs in moderate temperatures.
Charging Curve: Not all chargers deliver a consistent power output throughout the entire charging session. DC fast chargers, in particular, often start at a high rate and then gradually reduce power as the battery fills up. This “charging curve” significantly impacts overall charging time.

EV Charging Levels and Estimated Times

There are three primary levels of EV charging, each offering different speeds and suitable for various situations:

1. Level 1 Charging (120V AC)

Power Output: Typically 1.4 kW to 1.9 kW. Uses a standard 120V household outlet.
Charging Speed: Very slow. Adds approximately 2-5 miles of range per hour.
Estimated Time: For a full charge (e.g., from 0% to 100%) on an average 60 kWh EV battery, this could take 30-50 hours or even longer.
Best Use: Best for overnight charging if you drive minimal daily miles, or as an emergency option. It’s often referred to as “trickle charging” for EVs. Most EVs come with a portable Level 1 charger.

2. Level 2 Charging (240V AC)

Power Output: Typically 3.7 kW to 22 kW, though most home chargers are 7-11 kW. Requires installation of a dedicated 240V circuit, similar to an electric dryer or oven.
Charging Speed: Much faster than Level 1. Adds approximately 12-80 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger’s power and the vehicle’s onboard charger capacity. A common 7.7 kW home charger adds about 25 miles per hour.
Estimated Time: For a full charge (0% to 100%) on an average 60 kWh EV battery, this typically takes 6-12 hours with a common home Level 2 charger. Public Level 2 chargers may be faster.
Best Use: Ideal for daily home charging, ensuring a full battery overnight for most commuters. Also widely available at workplaces, public parking lots, and commercial establishments. This is the most common and practical charging method for EV owners.

3. DC Fast Charging (DCFC / Level 3 Charging)

Power Output: Highly variable, from 50 kW to over 350 kW. Delivers direct current (DC) directly to the battery, bypassing the car’s onboard AC-to-DC converter.
Charging Speed: The fastest option. Adds hundreds of miles of range per hour.
Estimated Time: Instead of a full charge, DC fast charging is usually measured by how long it takes to go from a low state of charge (e.g., 10% or 20%) to 80%. This often takes 20-60 minutes for most EVs, depending on the vehicle, battery size, and charger output. For example, a modern EV might gain 150-200 miles of range in just 15-30 minutes at a 250 kW charger.
Best Use: Primarily for long road trips where quick top-ups are needed, or when time is of the essence. Less common for daily charging due to cost and potential long-term battery degradation if used excessively.

Real-World Examples (Estimates for 20-80% Charge)

Tesla Model 3 Long Range (approx. 75 kWh battery):
- Level 1: 40-60 hours (full charge)
- Level 2 (11 kW): 7-8 hours (full charge)
- DC Fast Charger (250 kW Supercharger): 20-30 minutes for 10-80% range.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (approx. 77.4 kWh battery):
- Level 1: 40-60 hours (full charge)
- Level 2 (10.9 kW): 7-8 hours (full charge)
- DC Fast Charger (350 kW): 18 minutes for 10-80% range (one of the fastest).
Nissan Leaf (approx. 62 kWh battery):
- Level 1: 30-45 hours (full charge)
- Level 2 (6.6 kW): 9-10 hours (full charge)
- DC Fast Charger (50 kW CHAdeMO): 40-60 minutes for 20-80% range.

These examples illustrate that how long does it take to charge a car up for an EV is highly variable, but for most daily use, Level 2 charging overnight is sufficient, while DC fast charging provides rapid boosts on the go.

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Conventional 12V Car Battery?

Unlike EVs, conventional gasoline and hybrid cars rely on a 12V lead-acid battery primarily for starting the engine and powering accessories when the engine is off. If this battery is drained (e.g., headlights left on), it needs to be recharged or jump-started.

Factors Influencing 12V Battery Charging Time

Battery Size (Ah): Measured in Amp-hours (Ah), this indicates the battery’s capacity. Larger batteries (higher Ah) take longer to charge. Most car batteries range from 40 Ah to 100 Ah.
State of Discharge: A deeply discharged battery (e.g., completely dead) will naturally take much longer to charge than one that is only partially drained.
Charger Output (Amps): The charging rate of your battery charger, measured in amps (A), directly affects charging time. Higher amperage chargers recharge batteries faster.
Battery Health and Age: An old or weak battery with sulfation or internal damage may not hold a charge well or may take significantly longer to charge, and might not even reach full capacity.
Ambient Temperature: Cold temperatures can reduce a battery’s ability to accept a charge efficiently, prolonging charging times.

12V Battery Charging Methods and Estimated Times

1. Jump Starting a Dead Battery

Purpose: To provide enough immediate power to start the engine, not to fully recharge the battery. The car’s alternator will then recharge the battery while driving.
Process: Connect jumper cables from a working car’s battery (or a portable jump starter) to the dead battery.
Estimated Time:
- To get the engine running: Often just 5-15 minutes of connection before attempting to start. Some recommendations suggest letting the donor car run for 5-10 minutes with cables attached to provide an initial boost.
- To recharge sufficiently for normal operation: After jump-starting, you typically need to drive the car for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow the alternator to replenish a significant portion of the battery’s charge. For deeply discharged batteries, longer driving times or a dedicated charger are needed.

2. Using a Dedicated Battery Charger (Trickle/Smart Chargers)

Dedicated chargers are designed to safely and effectively recharge a car battery to its full capacity. They come in various power outputs.

Trickle Chargers (2-4 Amps):
- Charging Speed: Very slow, designed for long-term maintenance or very gentle charging.
- Estimated Time: For a completely dead 60 Ah car battery, this could take 12-24 hours or even longer (e.g., 60 Ah / 2 Amps = 30 hours theoretical minimum, often more due to efficiency losses and charging curve).
- Best Use: Ideal for maintaining a charge on vehicles stored for extended periods, or for very gentle recharging of a deeply discharged battery. Modern “smart” trickle chargers automatically monitor the battery and switch to maintenance mode to prevent overcharging.
Standard/Mid-Range Chargers (10-15 Amps):
- Charging Speed: A good balance of speed and safety for regular recharging.
- Estimated Time: For a completely dead 60 Ah car battery, this typically takes 4-8 hours. (e.g., 60 Ah / 10 Amps = 6 hours theoretical minimum).
- Best Use: Suitable for recharging a battery that has been drained from normal use (e.g., leaving lights on). Many come with smart features to optimize charging.
Fast Chargers (20+ Amps):
- Charging Speed: Designed for quicker recharging, but must be used with caution as high currents can generate heat and potentially shorten battery life if not managed correctly.
- Estimated Time: For a completely dead 60 Ah car battery, this could take 2-4 hours.
- Best Use: When time is critical, but generally less recommended for routine use. Always ensure the charger has safety features and the battery can handle the high current.

It’s important to note that when determining how long does it take to charge a car up for a 12V battery, smart chargers often have an “automatic” mode where they determine the optimal charging rate and shut off when full, preventing overcharging.

Optimizing Charging Times and Battery Health

Whether you’re charging an EV or a conventional car battery, there are practices that can optimize charging times and extend battery life.

For Electric Vehicles:

Plan Your Charging: For daily driving, aim to keep your EV’s battery between 20% and 80%. This range is where charging is fastest and healthiest for the battery. Only charge to 100% when you need the full range for a long trip.
Utilize Public Chargers Strategically: When on a road trip, use DC fast chargers to quickly get to 80%, then rely on Level 2 or Level 1 overnight at your destination.
Precondition Your Battery: Many EVs allow you to precondition the battery while plugged in, especially in cold weather. This warms the battery to an optimal temperature for faster and more efficient charging.
Understand Your Car’s Charging Curve: Learn how your specific EV’s battery charges. Some models maintain high DC fast charging speeds longer than others.
Invest in Home Charging: A Level 2 charger at home provides convenience and ensures your car is always ready, minimizing range anxiety and reliance on public infrastructure. Visit maxmotorsmissouri.com for car care tips that can help extend the life of your vehicle’s components, including electrical systems.

For Conventional 12V Car Batteries:

Regular Driving: The best way to keep your 12V battery charged is to drive your car regularly. The alternator charges the battery whenever the engine is running. Short, frequent trips may not fully replenish the battery.
Use a Trickle Charger for Stored Vehicles: If you store your car for extended periods (weeks or months), connect it to a smart trickle charger or battery maintainer. This will keep the battery at an optimal charge level without overcharging.
Check Battery Terminals: Ensure battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Poor connections can hinder efficient charging.
Monitor Battery Health: Modern cars may show battery voltage, but a dedicated battery tester can provide a more accurate assessment of its health and capacity. If your battery is old or consistently drains quickly, it might be time for a replacement, as charging it might only provide a temporary solution.
Avoid Deep Discharges: Try to avoid letting your 12V battery go completely flat. Deep discharges can shorten the battery’s lifespan. If you frequently leave accessories on without the engine running, consider a low-voltage cut-off device.

Common Misconceptions About Charging

“Always charge to 100%”: While acceptable for 12V batteries, it’s generally not recommended for daily EV use due to battery health considerations.
“All chargers are the same”: As detailed, power output varies wildly, directly impacting how long does it take to charge a car up.
“Overcharging is always a risk”: Modern smart chargers (for both EV and 12V) have sophisticated battery management systems that prevent overcharging by tapering power or shutting off when full. However, older, simpler 12V chargers might require manual monitoring.

Ultimately, the goal is efficient and healthy charging. By understanding the factors at play and adopting smart charging habits, you can ensure your vehicle, whether electric or conventional, is always ready for the road.

Regardless of whether you own an electric vehicle or a traditional gasoline car, the question of how long does it take to charge a car up requires a nuanced answer. For electric vehicles, charging times range from mere minutes at powerful DC fast chargers to several hours using a common Level 2 home setup or even a full day with a Level 1 outlet, all dependent on battery size and charger output. For conventional 12V car batteries, a jump start might get you moving in minutes, while a dedicated battery charger could take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to restore power, influenced by the battery’s state and the charger’s amperage. Understanding these variables empowers you to make informed decisions about your car’s power needs.

Last Updated on October 10, 2025 by Cristian Steven

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