How long does it take to charge an electric car at a public charging station?

How long does it take to charge an electric car at a public charging station? It’s one of the most common questions asked by those new to electric mobility, and there’s no single answer. Charging times depend onthe type of charging stationused, the vehicle’sbattery, andhow much energy you want to recharge.

It ranges from 15–20 minutes for a quick stop at a highway ultra-fast charging station to 4–6 hours for a full charge at an AC charging station AC . Understanding these differences is essential for planning your trips without any surprises.

The key difference: AC charging AC DC charging

The first concept to clarify is the distinction betweenalternating current (AC)anddirect current (DC), because everything else depends on this.

AC charging stationssupply alternating current, which is converted to direct current by the vehicle’s onboard charger. This onboard converter has a maximum power rating that varies by model, typically between7.4 and 22 kW. Even if the charging station supplies 22 kW, if the vehicle can only accept up to 11 kW, charging will occur at 11 kW. The actual charging speed is always determined by the vehicle, not the charging station. AC charging stations AC the most common in cities, parking lots, shopping centers, and office buildings.

DC charging stations, on the other hand, supply direct current directly to the battery, completely bypassing the onboard converter. This allows for the transfer of much higher power—from 50 kW up to 400 kW—drastically reducing charging times. DC charging stations DC primarily located on highways, at rest stops, and at high-traffic hubs.

AC charging stations: ideal for medium- to long-term charging

AC charging stations with power outputs rangingfrom 7.4 to 22 kWare ideal for those who know they’ll be leaving their cars parked for several hours: shopping centers, offices, hotels, and other accommodation facilities. They’re not designed for short stops, but for convenient charging while you’re busy with other things.

For a battery with an average capacity (approximately50–60 kWh, typical of most models on the market):

• 7.4 kW charging station: fully charges in about7–8 hours
• 11 kW charging station: fully charged in about5–6 hours
• 22 kW charging station: fully charges in about3–4 hours, but only if the vehicle supports this power output

An often-overlooked fact: many vehicles on the market can handle a maximumof 11 kW of AC power, even when connected to a 22 kW charging station. Checking your vehicle’s technical specifications is always the first step.

DC stations: the ideal choice for 30- to 60-minute stops

DC stations(50 to 150 kW) are ideal for quick breaks, errands, or short stops during a trip. They allow you to recharge a significant amount of range in a short amount of time, without requiring a stop lasting several hours.

For a50–60 kWh battery, the approximatechargingtimes to reachan 80% chargeare:

• 50 kW: approximately60–80 minutes
• 100 kW: approximately30–45 minutes
• 150 kW: about20–30 minutes

For larger batteries (80–100 kWh, typical of SUVs and premium sedans), charging times increase proportionally: with a 100 kW charging station and an 80 kWh battery, it takes about45–55 minutesto reach 80% charge.

Ultrafast HPC stations: a stopover on your journey

Ultrafast HPC stations(over 150 kW, up to 350–400 kW) are designed for quick stops, such as during long highway trips. In just a few minutes, you can regain hundreds of kilometers of range.

According to the latest data, these stations can recharge up to 300 km of range in 15–20 minutes, but only for vehicles with an 800V architecture and a peak charging power of 300 kW or higher (e.g., Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Porsche Taycan). For most mainstream models, actual charging times are 25–35 minutes for the same range.

Estimatedcharging times to reach an80% charge:

• 40–50 kWh battery: about15–20 minutes
• 60–70 kWh battery: about20–30 minutes
• 80–100 kWh battery: approximately25–45 minutes

The same rule applies: the vehicle’s maximum power output is always the limiting factor. A 350-kW charging station will not charge a car that supports a maximum of 100 kW at 350 kW.

Why stop at 80% instead of 100%?

Anyone who drives an electric vehicle knows that it’s betterto stop charging at 80%and set off again, rather than wait until the battery is 100% charged. The reason is technical: to protect the battery chemistry, the vehicle’s management system gradually reduces the charging power once the battery reaches 80%.

Going from 80% to 100% can take just as long as going from 10% to 80%. For long trips, the most efficient strategy is to makeshort, frequent stops, maximizing the time spent in the fastest charging zones.

Factors that affect actual lead times

The times mentioned in this article are based on ideal conditions. In real-world situations, various factors can come into play:

• Battery temperature: In cold weather, the battery charges more slowly. Many modern vehicles automatically pre-condition the battery while driving to a charging station, but not all models have this feature
• Power sharing: During peak hours, some stations distribute power among multiple vehicles simultaneously, reducing the amount available to each one
• Battery health: A battery that has been used for many cycles may charge slightly more slowly than a new one

Reference table: estimated times for a 60 kWh battery

⚠️These times are approximate and based on optimal conditions with a 60 kWh battery. Actual values vary depending on the vehicle model, temperature, battery condition, and the power actually available at the charging station.

Planning Your Charging: The Key to Stress-Free Travel

Understanding the charging times for different types of charging stations is the first step toward using an electric car with ease and efficiency. The basic principle is simple: the longer you stay, the less power you need.

Those who charge overnight at a hotel or during work hours have all the time in the world and can do so easily with an AC wallbox. On the other hand, those who stop on the highway for 20 minutes need an ultra-fast charging station. Matching the type of charging to the stop you’re already making —not adding stops just to charge—is the habit that transforms the electric car from a source of worry into a natural and convenient choice.

Would you like to offer your customers, guests, or employees a reliable, professionally managed charging service? Powy and manages charging infrastructure for any setting, offering a variety of options: partnerships, co-investment, or direct purchase. Contact us for a free consultation.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Charging Times

How long does it take to fully charge an electric car from 0% to 100%?
It depends on the battery capacity and the charging station’s power output. With an AC kW AC charging station and a 60 kWh battery, it takes about 5–6 hours for a full charge. With a 150 kW+ DC station, you can reach 80% in 20–25 minutes, but going from 80% to 100% takes additional time due to the gradual slowdown in charging.

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About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy