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How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

One of the most common questions new EV drivers ask is “How long does it take to charge?”

People are often worried that charging takes forever. But it doesn’t.

Sure, it’s not quite as fast as filling up at a petrol station (yet). But, it’s far from an all-day affair. When you use a rapid charger, you can get a meaningful boost in the time it takes to grab a coffee or nip into a nearby shop.

It’s time to put the EV charging myths to bed. Let’s work through the truth about EV charging times, what really affects it, and how easily it can fit into your everyday life. 

Spoiler alert: It’s faster and easier than you might think.

Let’s take a look at what affects charging time

There’s no single, straight-cut answer to how long it takes to charge your electric vehicle. The time it takes to charge depends on a few key factors. 

Things like battery size, charger type, starting charge level, battery age, and environmental conditions can all impact charging times.

Battery size

Bigger, more powerful batteries (like those in long-range or high performance models) take longer to charge than smaller, more economical EV batteries.

Charger type and speed

Different EV chargers offer different charging capabilities. The power output (measured in kW) is one of the biggest factors impacting how fast your vehicle charges. A higher kW results in a faster charging experience.

Starting charge level

Charging from 10–80% is faster than going all the way to 100%. When the battery nears full capacity, the charging rate slows down as a protective measure.Charging between 80-100% can often take the same time that it takes to charge between 20-80%, doubling the time spent at a rapid charger.

We recommend keeping your EV charge level between 20–80% for improved battery health and longevity. 

Environmental conditions

Cold weather can slightly reduce the range of your EV, but only by a fraction. You'll still have plenty of mileage for your usual trips. You just might need to make an extra stop to be on the safe side during a longer journey.

Battery Pre Conditioning 

Preconditioning a battery for fast charging helps by bringing it to an optimal temperature. This allows for faster, more efficient charging with less degradation and improved safety. 

Drivers can precondition their EV battery for faster charging primarily by setting a DC fast charger as their destination in the car's navigation system, which automatically warms the battery to optimal temperatures. Alternatively, some EVs offer manual preconditioning through in-car menus or smartphone apps, or indirectly by scheduling departure times while plugged in.

Different EV charger types and how fast they charge

EV charger speeds vary significantly from slow chargers (usually 3–7kW) to ultra-rapid chargers (ranging from 75–150+ kW).

Here’s a quick breakdown of each charger type, where they’re best used, and how fast they charge:

At evyve, our network is mostly made up of Rapid and Ultra-rapid charging stations — making sure you can get back on the road as fast as possible. We also offer a range of charger types to suit different needs and locations.

How to make the most of EV charging time

One of the biggest mindset shifts with EV driving is realising that charging time doesn’t equal “waiting around” time. It’s not like when you fuel up at the petrol station and have to stay by your car until it’s done. 

You can connect the charger, start your session, and get on with your day. Here’s how charging can fit naturally into your routine.

• Grab a bite to eat or enjoy a coffee – We have a great number of charging locations near restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs — including our roll out of EV chargers at over 150 Greene King pubs across the UK.
  
  

• Take five and stretch your legs – When you’re commuting, roadtripping or running errands, taking some time to charge your EV can be your sign to stretch your legs and refresh your energy levels for the drive ahead.

• Top up while you shop – Many evyve chargers are located at retail parks so you can recharge your battery while ticking off your to-do list.

Why choose evyve?

At evyve, we care deeply about providing a safe, secure, and convenient charging network for every EV driver.  Our charging network is built with your journey in mind. 

All our sites offer rapid charging as standard, so you can top up quickly without disrupting your plans. From the speed of our chargers to the locations we choose and the support we offer, we think of everything.

We also believe charging should fit effortlessly into your daily life. That’s why our stations are placed in practical, everyday locations like retail and business parks, community hubs, and restaurants.

Plus, safety, accessibility, and ease of use are at the heart of our network. From clear signage and well-lit locations to intuitive tech and 24/7 support, we aim to make EV charging stress-free whether it’s your first or hundredth charge.

Finally, sustainability powers everything we do. Every charge you make is powered by renewable energy, and our stations help the UK move closer towards its Net Zero goals. When you charge with evyve, you’re helping make cleaner, greener choices for all.

Charging time doesn’t have to be downtime

We believe EV charging should fit into your life rather than be seen as an interruption. That’s why all of our evyve charging stations are found near places you already want to be including restaurants, coffee shops, retail parks, great amenities, and major road networks. Whether you’re topping up your battery while you run errands or charging in the middle of a big journey, our stations help you make the most of your time.

Explore the evyve map of charging stations.