How long does it take to charge an electric car at a public charging station
Electric Vehicle Charging Explained
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
The average EV driver will spend 60 percent less on fueling costs compared to the average gas vehicle in their class. But electricity still isnt free, and youll have to do a little math to determine what charging will run you.
Most EV owners regularly charge at home, which means the cost of electricity where you live and when you charge your car will determine your bill. To get a rough estimate of your monthly charging costs at home, multiply your cars kilowatt-hour (kWh)/100 miles rate (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon) by your electricity rate, which you can find on your utility bill. This will give you the electricity cost per 100 miles driven.
Note that charging your car overnight, when electricity demand and price drop, can save you as much as 30 percent. If you forgo charging at home and go with public charging stations, particularly the ultra-speedy DC fast chargers, youll be paying a premium.
But if you want to skip the math, know this: Charging at home is roughly the equivalent of fueling up on a dollar-a-gallon gasoline, according to NRDC senior attorney Max Baumhefner.
Where are the electric vehicle charging stations near me?
EV charging stations arent as ubiquitous as gas stationsbut thats likely to change. Encouragingly, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicated $7.5 billion to build out half a million more public charging stations. Plus, as the market share of EVs grows, expect local governments, utilities, and private electric vehicle charging companies like ChargePoint and Tesla to build out their networks too. But even now, theres a good chance you can find at least a few public chargers near you.
You can use a public charging station applike ChargeHub, PlugShare, or Chargemapto filter nearby locations by available plug type.
Keep in mind that some charging companies require you to have a membership to recharge your EV at their stations, which means you may need a physical membership card or to log in with your phone. If you drive a Tesla, the cars navigation points you to their proprietary network of Superchargers, which only Tesla drivers can visit (at least for now).
Are electric vehicles worth it?
Rest assured that choosing to drive an EVand learning how to charge itis well worth your time: The average EV consumer saves thousands of dollars across the life of the car, spares the community toxic tailpipe emissions, and helps us ditch climate-destroying fossil fuels for good.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Charging an electric car takes too long.
Snapshot
- Charging speed is limited by both power source output and vehicle input capabilities
- Times vary from a few nights to 20 minutes
- No need to wait recharge while its sat at home or when taking a rest stop on-the-move
Recharging an electric vehicle takes more time than refuelling a traditional petrol or diesel car, but in reality, it doesnt take too long.
Its a hard expectation to break: pumping in litres of fuel within minutes.
However, think about what you can do during recharging and there's essentially no need to deliberately wait.
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Does charging an EV take too long?
At a public DC fast or ultra-rapid charging station, expect to take between 20 to 60 minutes to recharge from 10 to 80 per cent.
And, consider: if youre going on a long road trip, youll likely need that time for a rest stop regardless, especially when with children.
The same applies if youre eating, doing a grocery shop or exploring other nearby amenities while charging.
However, it can be inconvenient if youre not preoccupied with anything else particularly if you only rely on todays patchy public EV charging infrastructure which is the more expensive method to run an electric car.
Ideally, if you can access a plug at home, the EV can conveniently recharge overnight when its not in use.
A standard three-pin domestic socket will trickle charge enough driving range for most Australians daily needs and can fully replenish in one to three nights (when electricity is cheapest).
Using an installed single-phase 7kW AC wall box can guarantee a full recharge in one night for most models (if required).
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Know the charging speed limits
How fast an EV charges depends on two key factors the power source output and model's power input capabilities.
The rate of electricity is expressed as kilowatts (kW). Each model has separate caps for slow AC charging power and fast DC charging power.
For example, the MG 4 Excite 51 has a peak 88kW DC charging capability.
However, plug in at a pricier 350kW DC ultra-rapid station and its limited to taking in a maximum of 88kW under optimum conditions.
Conversely, if you plug in a Tesla Model Y RWD which features a 170kW DC charging capability on a 50kW DC public fast charging station, it will only peak at 50kW under optimum conditions.
Importantly, the battery management system (BMS) software also throttles charging speeds if the pack is outside its ideal temperature range (i.e. too hot or too cold) and when its at a higher percentage.
There are charging losses in the energy transfer process to the vehicle, too, especially when slow AC charging (an inverter needs to convert AC to DC power).
Therefore, owners will rarely achieve the maximum charging rate when plugged in at a compatible station, at least for an extended period.
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How much time does charging take?
All charging times below are estimated, unless disclaimed. It assumes recharging from 10-80 per cent (70 per cent charge) and doesn't account for charging losses.
The following serves as a rough guide only. The real-world charging time will differ depending on the aforementioned limitation factors.
| MG 4 Excite 51 (max 6.6kW AC/88kW DC) | Tesla Model Y RWD (max 11kW AC/170kW DC) | Kia EV6 (max 10.5kW AC/350kW DC) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8kW AC (home plug) | 20 hours (estimated) | 22.5 hours (estimated) | 29 hours (estimated) |
| 7kW AC (single-phase wall box) | 5.5 hours (estimated) | 6 hours (estimated) | 7.5 hours (estimated) |
| 11kW AC (three-phase wall box) | 5.5 hours (estimated) | 4 hours (estimated) | 5 hours (estimated) |
| 50kW DC (fast public charging station) | 40 minutes* | 50 minutes (estimated) | 73 minutes* |
| 350kW DC (ultra-rapid public charging station) | 37 minutes* | 20 minutes (estimated) | 18 minutes* |
| *Official quoted claim from manufacturer |
How to calculate EV charging times
Simply divide the usable battery capacity (kWh) by the charging rate speed (kW) to gain an rough time estimate. For example:
- The Tesla Model Ys 57.5kWh usable battery takes about 32 hours to recharge from 0-100% on a 1.8kW trickle charging home plug.
If you want to know how long youll need to charge to travel a certain distance, the charging speed (kW) is roughly the same value as the kilometres youll get from 10 minutes of charging. For example:
- If using a 50kW DC public charging station, you will get around 50 kilometres for every 10 minutes of charging
Recharging an EV will likely never be as simple as the good ol' days of pumping fuel into a conventional petrol or diesel car.
But, for most people and in most cases, it shouldnt be something that should weigh on your mind.
Similar to your smartphone, plug the car in when you get home and it'll be ready to go in the morning if not sooner with enough charge for the majority of owners daily driving needs.
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How much does it cost to charge an EV?
Reduced charging costs is a key reason to make the EV switch, but what should owners expect to pay for home and public charging? Check out the guide linked below for more.
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Is it time to make the electric switch?
EVs are not for everyone (for now), but they are right for most. Charging availability, driving range and battery longevity remain key perceivedissues. For more, check out our /Electric hub guides below.
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EV Charging with Solar
If you are an electric vehicle (EV) owner or in the market for one, you may have already considered the advantages of utilizing solar panels to charge your EV. By doing so, you can reduce both your electricity costs and the impact that your vehicle has on the environment.
While solar panels can effectively charge your electric vehicle, it's important to consider certain factors. This article will explore how solar panels work, the benefits of charging an electric car with solar panels, and the key considerations you should keep in mind.
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Understanding Solar Energy and Solar Panels
Using solar panels to power an electric vehicle can magnify the benefits of both. Before looking at how to charge an EV with solar, it is useful to understand how solar power systems work.
Solar energy refers to the radiant light and heat emitted by the sun, which can be captured and converted into solar power using photovoltaic (PV) cells.
These cells are made from semiconductor materials, such as silicon, and are arranged in solar panels installed on the rooftops of buildings and in large ground-mounted farms.
As sunlight hits a PV cell, it loosens electrons so that they can flow through the cell and produce electricity. The cells are made up of positively and negatively charged semiconductors that create an electric field, which drives the electrons toward the conductive metal plates lining the cell.
The amount of electricity produced by each cell is determined by the flow of this energy current. Solar cells can generate energy even on cloudy days, although they produce more power in direct sunlight.
The electricity generated by solar panels is in the form of direct current (DC), but most buildings use alternating current (AC). To convert the DC to AC, the electric current is directed through wires to an inverter.
The inverter converts the electricity from DC to AC and sends it to an electrical panel, also known as a breaker box, for distribution to buildings to power electrical devices.
Any unused electricity is sent to the electricity grid through the utility meter, which measures the flow of electricity from the grid to the property and vice versa.
Can You Charge Your Electric Vehicle with Solar Energy?
You can connect a solar PV panel system with an inverter to a regular EV charger, to charge the vehicles battery directly from solar power.
However, the amount of power a PV system generates depends on the time of year and the weather. On cloudy days or during winter when the days are shorter, you may need to supplement the power from the PV system with electricity from the grid to charge your EV to the level you require.
Even partially charging an EV with solar is a sustainable and cost-effective option, as it consumes fewer fossil fuels and requires less power from the grid.
Larger EV batteries typically need more PV panels to supply enough power for charging, so if you are looking to install a PV system specifically for charging your car, you should consult a professional to ensure you install the right system for your needs.
Benefits of Charging an EV with Solar at Home
Using a solar EV charger powered by a household PV system can save you time and money.
While EVs produce fewer carbon emissions than diesel or gasoline-fueled cars when on the road, charging the battery using electricity from coal-fired plants still produces emissions indirectly.
EV charging with solar further reduces their carbon footprint. A typical home PV installation can save around one ton of carbon per year, according to an estimate by the UK Energy Saving Trust.
Once it is installed, the lifespan of a well-maintained PV system is at least 25-30 years, providing a long-term solution to reducing your energy bills and the cost of EV charging.
Solar power systems typically work out cheaper over the long term than buying electricity from the power grid via a utility. Using an EV solar charger saves on fuel costs and gives you more control over your budget than driving a car fueled by gasoline or diesel, which is subject to fluctuating prices at the pump.
With a home solar power system, you also have the convenience of charging your EV at home at any time of day or night, without having to drive to a public charging station.
How to Charge Your EV with Solar
There are a few different options for using solar power to charge an EV.
- Install a home solar PV system and connect a Level 1 or 2 EV charger to run off your home electricity supply.
- Install a solar thermal system, which uses sunlight to heat water or air and can then heat the EV battery.
- Connect an EV charger to your home solar installation directly.
- If you need to charge your vehicle away from home, you can still charge it with solar energy by using a solar-powered public EV charging station. These stations are typically located in public places like gas stations and parking lots, providing convenient access for drivers who do not have access to a home solar EV charging station.
The Efficiency of EV Charging with Solar Panels
The charging efficiency of a typical electric vehicle battery depends on the ambient temperature, battery temperature, charge rate, length of the charging cable length, and the efficiency of the EVs power conversion system from AC to DC. When charging a battery from a solar EV charger, there are additional factors that come into play.
Power Output of the Solar Panels
Standard residential rooftop solar panels typically produce around 250-400 watts per hour, while the average domestic PV system produces 1-4 kilowatts (kW). Each kW of rooftop solar capacity can produce around 4 kWh per day or 1,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, depending on factors such as the location of the panels, season, and daily weather conditions.
To fully charge an EV with a 40 kWh battery, an average home PV system that produces an average of 1-4 kW of electricity will require an additional 3.1 kW system or 8-12 panels. This is based on an average vehicle traveling 14,000 miles per year, according to the US Federal Highway Administration. The average EV has a driving range of around three miles per kWh, so it will require around 4,666kWh of electricity.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV with Solar?
There are several factors that affect how long it takes to charge an EV with solar car charging stations. These include:
- the brand, make, and model of the vehicle
- the brand, level, and type of the charger
- the charging efficiency of the vehicle
- the size of the battery
- the battery level at the time of charging
- the power generated by the PV system
As the average home PV system can generate 1-4kW of electricity, it can fully charge an EV with a 40kWh battery in around eight hours.
A Level 1 home EV charging station typically charges at a maximum of 1.9kW, adding around five miles of driving range per hour, while a Level 2 charger can typically charge at a maximum of 19.2kW, adding around 25 miles of driving range per hour.
What to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels for Electric Car Charging
Before installing solar panels for electric car charging, there are several factors to consider. One important consideration is the size of your EV battery, which can range from 40kWh for a Nissan Leaf to 100 kWh for a Tesla Model S or Model X.
You will need to determine the number of solar panels you will need to power your EV charger to calculate the installation cost accordingly. If you already have a home solar PV system, you might need to add more panels to accommodate the increased electricity usage.
There are a few other factors you will also need to consider:
- How long it takes to receive approval to install new solar panels and how this fits with your EV charging needs;
- Whether you have enough rooftop space to install the solar panels you need;
- The cost of buying and installing a home charging system;
- Whether you also want to install a battery storage system to store excess solar energy and charge your vehicle overnight;
- Whether you can receive government subsidies for installing solar panels, battery storage, or an EV charger.
In addition to usage, you should also consider how much estimated daily sunlight your PV system will receive and local weather patterns.
Keep in mind that you will not often need to charge from a completely dead battery to full capacity. If you only drive a few miles a day, a few hours of charging will likely be enough to provide the range you need to run your EV.
Can Public EV Charging Stations Be Powered by Solar?
While some public charging infrastructures connected to the power grid use electricity that is generated from fossil fuels, there are public chargers that use electricity supplied by solar generation companies or on-site solar panels to provide clean energy for EVs.
Some charging stations have installed large solar canopies to shade vehicles from the elements while they charge. Solar canopies can also feed the clean electricity they generate back to the grid, further reducing their carbon footprint.
Public solar chargers also have the advantage of providing off-grid solutions to remote areas that may not be well-connected to the power grid, increasing EV adoption and promoting sustainable transportation options.
The Future of EVs & Solar Energy
The low-carbon energy transition is accelerating, driven by government policies on carbon emissions reduction and consumer preferences for environmental sustainability. Renewable energy, particularly solar power, is growing rapidly as a source of sustainable electricity generation that also reduces household energy bills and provides independence from centralized power grids.
Distributed solar power installations, such as household rooftop PV systems and EV charging stations with solar panels, have increased in popularity and grown exponentially in recent years. Increased availability of solar charging for electric vehicles paves the way for widespread adoption, providing homes and businesses with a clean source of electricity and low-cost charging.
Battery storage systems can maximize the benefits of PV systems by supplying clean electricity around the clock, allowing EV owners to charge their vehicles overnight.
Additionally, public solar-powered EV charging stations can provide off-grid solutions to meet the needs of drivers in different regions and communities, even when power grids are knocked offline by extreme weather and other conditions.
The future of solar power generation and storage is bright and the rise in drivers making the switch to EVs is increasing solar demand more than ever. Solar EV charging provides an affordable solution for environmentally conscious consumers to meet their needs for clean electricity.
FAQs
Why don't electric cars have solar panels?
That's because cars do not have enough space on the roof for installing solar panels to generate the amount of electricity needed to charge the battery.
How long does it take to charge an electric car with solar panels?
Charging an EV with solar panels can take eight hours or more, depending on the model of the vehicle, the size of the battery, the amount of direct sunlight, and the capacity of the solar PV system.
Can I charge my EV with portable solar panels?
Yes, it's possible to charge an electric vehicle with portable solar panels. However, it's important to keep in mind that portable solar panels may not generate enough power for a full charge, and charging times may be longer compared to using a home or public charging station.
It's crucial to ensure that the portable solar panels are compatible with your EV and that the charging process is safe and efficient.
