Estimates for AC home charging at 240V (Level 2) or 120V (Level 1), with about 10% charging losses. Cold weather and battery preconditioning can change real-world times. DC fast charging is not included.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV at Home?
With a Level 2 home charger, most EVs charge from 20% to 80% in about 4 to 8 hours, and fully overnight. On a standard 120-volt outlet (Level 1), the same charge can take a day or more, because Level 1 adds only about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour.
EV Charging Time Formula
Hours = battery kWh × (target % − current %) ÷ (charging power kW × efficiency)
The charging power is the lower of two numbers: what your charger can deliver and what your car's onboard charger can accept. A 48-amp charger (11.5 kW) won't charge faster than a car limited to 7.7 kW.
Level 1 vs Level 2 Charging Speed
| Charger | Power | Range per hour* |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V, 12A) | 1.4 kW | 3–5 miles |
| Level 2 (240V, 16A) | 3.8 kW | 10–14 miles |
| Level 2 (240V, 32A) | 7.7 kW | 20–28 miles |
| Level 2 (240V, 40A) | 9.6 kW | 25–34 miles |
| Level 2 (240V, 48A) | 11.5 kW | 30–41 miles |
*For an EV using 25–35 kWh per 100 miles, with about 10% charging losses.
Tips to Charge Faster at Home
- Upgrade to Level 2. It's the biggest improvement, often 6 to 8 times faster than a wall outlet.
- Match the charger to your car. Check your EV's onboard charger rating before paying extra for a 48-amp charger.
- Charge to 80% for daily use. It's faster and many automakers recommend it for battery health.
- Charge in a garage in winter. A cold battery charges more slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge an EV with a Level 2 charger?
Most EVs charge from 20% to 80% in about 4 to 8 hours on a 32- to 48-amp Level 2 charger, and from empty to full overnight. The exact time depends on battery size and the car's onboard charger.
How long does it take to charge an EV on a regular outlet?
A standard 120-volt outlet adds about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. Charging a typical EV from 20% to 80% can take 30 to 40 hours, so Level 1 works best for drivers with short daily commutes.
Why is my EV charging slower than the charger rating?
Your car may have an onboard charger limit lower than the charger's output, the battery may be cold, or the charger may be set to a lower amperage. Charging power is always the lowest of these limits.
Does a 48 amp charger charge faster than a 40 amp charger?
Only if your car can accept more than 9.6 kW of AC power. Many EVs are limited to around 11 kW, so they charge slightly faster on 48 amps; cars limited to 7.7 kW see no difference.
Should I charge my EV to 100% every night?
Most automakers recommend charging to around 80% for daily driving and to 100% only before long trips. Some battery types, such as LFP, are an exception, so check your owner's manual.