When exploring the world of electric mobility, one of the most common questions concerns how long it takes to recharge. People often mistakenly believe that a fast-charging station guarantees the same charging times for all vehicles. In reality, even when using the same charging station, two different electric cars can have significantly different charging times. Why is this the case?
The actual charging time does not depend solely on the infrastructure but is also influenced by the vehicle’s technical specifications. If we connect aDacia Springand aTesla Model 3to the exact same DC charging station, we will observe completely different charging times and speeds. The factors determining this variability are the vehicle’s model year and generation, battery capacity, maximum accepted power, the efficiency of the on-board charger (OBC), and the presence of an active thermal management system.
Not all electric cars charge at the same speed
It is essential to understand that the charging station is only one part of the charging process. Charging is a continuous electronic “dialogue” between the infrastructure and the vehicle. The charging station provides the energy, but it is the car’sBattery Management System (BMS)that sets the rules, deciding how much power to draw at any given moment to protect the integrity of the battery cells.
If the vehicle’s technical limitations prevent it from handling high power output, the charging station will reduce its power output accordingly. In short, if the car is the technological “bottleneck,” even the highest-performance charging station on the market will have to comply with the safety parameters imposed by the vehicle itself.
Vehicle model year and generation: the technological leap
Battery and battery management software technologies are evolving at a breakneck pace. Therefore, when evaluating the charging times of electric cars by model, the generation of technology makes a world of difference.
Let’s take thefirst-generation Nissan Leaf(produced in the early 2010s) as an example: its fast-charging system was limited, lacked active battery cooling, and was based on now-outdated standards. In contrast, a modern model like theHyundai Ioniq 5or theKia EV6is based on a native800-volt architecture. This generational leap allows these newer cars to charge from 10% to 80% inabout 18–20 minuteswhen connected to Ultra-Fast chargers—a feat unthinkable for the pioneering models.
Maximum power the car can handle
This is the key point: a 150 kW or 300 kW charging station does not guarantee that the car will draw that much power at all times. It is important to distinguish betweenthe power the charging station can deliverandthe maximum power the vehicle can handle.
- Power-limited models: ADacia Springcan handle a maximum of30 kWof direct current (DC). If connected to a 150 kW Powy charging station, the car will still draw a maximum of 30 kW, taking between30 and 60 minutesto charge.
- High-power models: APorsche Taycanor anAudi e-tron GTcan handle DC power peaks of DC to270 kW. At a compatible ultra-fast charging station, they will make nearly full use of the infrastructure, reducing charging time to just a few minutes.
Furthermore, no model maintains maximum power from 0% to 100%: each car follows its own“charging curve,” which drastically slows the flow of energy once the battery reaches 80% to preserve the health of the cells.
Battery capacity and runtime to be restored
The battery pack capacity (measured in kWh) is equivalent to the fuel tank capacity. Larger batteries inherently require more energy and take longer to charge than smaller batteries, assuming the same power output.
However, we need to consider the model’s overall efficiency: aFiat 500e(with a 42 kWh battery) has a small battery that charges quickly and uses very little energy in the city. A large SUV likethe Audi Q8 e-tron(with a massive 106 kWh net battery pack) will require much more total energy to fully charge. On the other hand, thanks to high peak power (up to 170 kW DC), the Audi manages to compensate for the battery’s size by regaining hundreds of kilometers in a short time. Given the same amount of charging time, a lightweight, aerodynamic car will always regain more range than a heavy vehicle.
Onboard charger and AC charging: the Renault Zoe “case”
When charging at standard urbanAC stations, the most important component is not the charging station itself, but the OBC (On-Board Charger)—that is, the car’s onboard charger, which converts alternating current into direct current for the battery. In this regard, there are clear differences between the various models, and three main categories can be distinguished based on the power of the onboard charger:
22 kW charger
There aren't many cars equipped with a charger of this power. The Renault Zoe is the best-known example: it is one of the few cars capable of fully utilizing AC charging stations AC to 22 kW, making it very fast to charge in urban areas.
11 kW charger
Most modern electric cars fall into this category, including the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, Fiat 500e, and many other models. When plugged into the same 22 kW charging station, these cars still draw only 11 kW, meaning they take about twice as long to charge as a Zoe.
7.4 kW charger
Some city cars or base models of certain vehicles come standard with a 7.4 kW single-phase charger. In this case, even when connected to a more powerful public charging station, the charging speed remains limited and charging times are significantly longer.
Battery, Temperature, and Thermal Management
Lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to temperature. If the battery is too cold (in winter) or too hot (after long drives on the highway), the BMS reduces the charging rate for safety reasons.
The most advanced models—such as theTesla (Model 3/Y),BMW i4, andPolestarranges—featureactive thermal preconditioning systems. If the user sets the charging station on the onboard navigation system, the car automatically heats or cools the battery during the trip, ensuring it arrives at the stop within the ideal temperature range (between 25°C and 30°C). Models lacking this system (such as older generations of the Nissan Leaf, known for the“Rapidgate” phenomenon) will experience significant slowdowns during consecutive charging sessions in the summer or on very cold days.
Same charging station, different cars: practical examples and a comparison of models
To clearly illustrate how the technical specifications of individual models affect the charging experience at the same public charging station, here is a comparison table:
| Category | Models | Battery | DC power | AC Power | Ideal column | Time 10→80% (on an ideal column) |
| Optimized DC charging DC 800V) | Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Porsche Taycan | ~77 kWh | up to 270 kW | 11 kW | Ultra-Fast ≥250 kW | 18 min |
| Large electric SUV | Audi Q8 e-tron / Mercedes EQS SUV | >100 kWh | 170–200 kW | 11 kW | Ultra-Fast ≥150 kW | 31–35 min |
| Affordable city car | Dacia Spring | ~27 kWh | max 30 kW | 7.4 kW | Fast 50 kW (DC) / AC .4 kW ( AC ) | 40–45 min (on a DC kW DC charger) |
| Optimized AC charging | Renault Zoe | ~52 kWh | 50 kW | 22 kW | AC kW Type 2 | ~110 min |
| Standard car | Tesla Model 3 / VW ID.4 / Fiat 500e | ~42–75 kWh | 85–250 kW | 11 kW | Fast/Ultra-Fast ≥150 kW | 25–30 min (on DC) |
Charging times and power ratings are approximate and may vary depending on the vehicle, conditions, and infrastructure.
How to choose the right charging station for your car
Understanding the technical specifications and limitations of your electric car model is the key to planning smart charging stops and avoiding charges for power that your car can’t actually use. Before you stop, check your car’s manual for the maximum AC DC power ratings DC the battery pack capacity.
Through the official app Powy , you can locate all Powy charging stations Powy those of roaming operators in the area. The app allows you to filter charging stations by power output: this way, you can select the charging point that perfectly matches your vehicle’s specifications, optimizing wait times and improving the efficiency of the public network.
The world of public charging offers solutions to suit every need, from extended parking in the city center to quick “top-ups” on the highway. If you want to fully understand all the factors involved, we invite you to read our in-depth guide on how long it takes to charge an electric car at public charging stations, so you can always travel informed and without range anxiety.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Vehicle Charging Times
Does the rise of electric vehicles affect charging times?
Yes, but more than the model year itself, it’s the platform’s technological generation that makes the difference. A recently designed model (e.g., a 2021/2022 Kia EV6 or later) will benefit from an 800V architecture capable of charging much faster than a car registered in the same year but based on older designs with 400V architectures or lacking liquid battery cooling systems.
Disclaimer: The charging times, maximum power ratings, and technical data for the models mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and are based on the manufacturers’ standard specifications. Actual performance may vary depending on factors such as ambient temperature, battery condition, and wear. We always recommend consulting your vehicle’s official owner’s manual to verify the exact specifications and the charging curves recommended by the manufacturer.
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