When considering the shift to an electric vehicle, one of the most important questions is how long does it take to charge an electric car? Understanding electric car charging time is essential for planning your daily routines and long trips. The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle can vary based on the type of charger used, the capacity of the vehicle’s battery, and your driving habits.
As electric vehicles gain popularity in Apex and beyond, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the different charging options available. This guide from Hendrick Dodge Cary will help you navigate the various aspects of electric car charging and provide valuable insights to ensure you get the most out of your EV experience.
Electric Car Charging Options in Cary
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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.
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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 stations are more and more common around Carrboro and Chapel Hill, 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.
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
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer a unique blend of electric and gasoline power, with generally shorter charging times due to smaller battery sizes. When thinking about how long it takes to charge an electric car that is a PHEV, you can expect:
- 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 Dodge Cary
Ready to join the electric vehicle revolution? At Hendrick Dodge 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 calculating your monthly EV payment.
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.
