How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

Knowing how long it takes to charge an electric car is crucial for current and prospective Cary area EV owners. Electric car charging times can vary based on several factors, including the type of vehicle, battery capacity, and the charging method used. 

As electric vehicles become more popular, knowing the details about charging times and options can help you better plan your daily routines and long-distance trips. Whether you’re commuting around Morrisville or embarking on a road trip, understanding the nuances of electric car charging can make owning an EV more convenient and enjoyable. Join Hendrick Cadillac Cary as we explore electric car charging times and options to help you switch to an EV stress-free.

Electric Car Charging Options in Cary 

• Level 1 Charging: Domestic 110V/120V Outlet

Your new EV will come with a Level 1 charger. Most drivers keep this in the vehicle as a backup, rather than using it as a sole charging method. Level 1 chargers provide an estimated four miles of range per charging hour.

• Installed Brand-Approved Level 2 Domestic Charging

Level 2 (240V+) chargers must be professionally installed and can charge your EV much faster than level 1 chargers. Level 2 chargers provide an estimated 24 miles of range per charging hour.

• Level 2 Public Charging

Level 2 public charging stations are more and more common around Apex and Durham, and they provide similar charging speeds to level 2 home chargers. You can often find them at major retailers like Walgreens, Kohl’s, and Whole Foods, as well as at universities, hotels, and parking garages.

• Level 3 Rapid Charging

Some public chargers offer 150 kW rapid charging, and these can power up your EV faster than any other charging method. However, they’re usually only available along major highways and freeways and cannot be installed at home. Level 3 chargers provide up to 60 to 100 miles of range per twenty minutes of charging.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Car Charging Time

For plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the charging time is generally shorter compared to full electric cars due to their smaller battery sizes. When considering how long it takes to charge an electric car that is a PHEV, you can expect the following:

• Level 1 Chargers: Charging a PHEV with a standard household outlet typically takes around 3–7 hours.
• Level 2 Chargers: Using a Level 2 charger can reduce the electric car charging time for a PHEV to 1–4 hours.

These shorter charging times make PHEVs a convenient option for drivers who need the flexibility of electric and gasoline power.

Typical Public Charging Electric Car Charging Time

So, how long is a fully electric car charging time? Most home chargers provide 3.7 kW or 7 kW charging. In contrast, public stations offer more powerful options: 22 kW charging, 43-50 kW rapid charging, and 150 kW rapid charging. Depending on your vehicle, this means you could achieve a full charge (0-100%) in about an hour with rapid charging. Alternatively, it might take 4, 6, or even 11 hours to fully charge your vehicle, depending on the charging method and your car’s battery capacity.

Find Your Electric Vehicle at Hendrick Cadillac Cary

Are you ready to drive into the future? At Hendrick Cadillac Cary, we offer a wide selection of electric vehicles that cater to your needs. Our team can help you further understand how long it takes to charge an electric car and provide insights into the most efficient charging options for your lifestyle. Our convenient shopping tools can help you with everything from trading in your current vehicle to applying for financing. 

Explore our inventory and find the right electric vehicle for you. Visit us today and take the first step towards a greener, more efficient driving experience.