How long does it take to charge an electric car

Owners of electric cars often wonder how long it takes to fully charge their vehicle. This parameter is key not only when planning trips but also when choosing the right public charging station. Charging time can vary significantly — from just a few minutes to more than ten hours — depending on the type of station, battery capacity, and the car’s internal charging technology.

UGV Chargers provides professional solutions for fast and standard charging, designed for hotels, companies, parking areas, and public spaces. Every charging station is built to meet the demands of modern EVs and to ensure efficient energy usage without overloading the grid.

What determines charging time

The charging speed of an electric car depends on several main factors:

1. Battery capacity – the larger the battery, the more energy it needs to charge completely.

2. Charging station power – stations with higher power (e.g. 50–320 kW) can reduce charging time dramatically.

3. Current type (AC or DC) – DC (direct current) chargers send energy directly to the battery, while AC (alternating current) chargers rely on the car’s onboard converter, which takes longer.

4. Battery condition and temperature – extreme temperatures slow down the charging process.

5. Load balancing – when several cars are connected to one station, the system divides power intelligently to prevent overloads.

Average charging time may range from 30 minutes on a fast DC charger to 8–10 hours on a slower AC station, depending on the model.

Charging a Tesla

Tesla is a global leader in electric mobility. Its cars use high-capacity lithium-ion batteries weighing around 540 kg. For example, the Tesla Model 3 maintains about 70% of its original battery capacity even after eight years of use.

Charging time depends on the model and station power:

• Model S 70D can be fully charged at a 22 kW AC station in around 4.5 hours.

• Using a low-power connection would extend this to more than 30 hours.

European Tesla models use a Type 2 connector, compatible with most public charging stations across Europe. Special adapters can also be used for older or alternative charging networks.

Tesla’s Supercharger stations, officially developed and maintained by the manufacturer, deliver up to 120 kW at 480 V. They enable extremely fast charging:

• up to 55% (around 270 km of range) in 30 minutes,

• a full charge in approximately 75 minutes.

Superchargers are strategically located along major highways, making long-distance travel smooth and convenient.

Chinese electric cars – Zeekr, BYD, Li Auto

The number of Chinese electric vehicles on European roads is growing rapidly. Brands such as Zeekr, BYD, Hongqi, and Li Auto have become popular for their high energy efficiency, advanced technology, and attractive pricing.

Chinese EVs typically use the GB/T charging standard, which differs from the European Type 2 system. To ensure compatibility, users can connect via GB/T-compatible stations or use adapters.

Charging times are comparable to European models:

• On a fast DC charger (100–150 kW), an 80% charge can be reached in 30–40 minutes.

• On a standard AC charger (11 kW), full charging usually takes 8–10 hours.

The Zeekr 001, with its 100 kWh battery, offers up to 700 km of range and can be charged in around 30 minutes using ultra-fast DC stations delivering up to 360 kW.
Similarly, the BYD Han EV, with an 85.4 kWh battery and 550 km of range, reaches 80% charge in under 45 minutes.

UGV Chargers – professional charging solutions

UGV Chargers offers a wide range of professional charging stations for all types of electric vehicles – from private cars to company fleets and public installations. The lineup includes AC chargers (11–44 kW) and DC fast chargers (40–320 kW), all compliant with European quality and safety standards.

UGV Chargers stations are ideal for:

• hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers,

• gas stations and parking areas,

• logistics hubs, transport, and service companies,

• municipalities developing EV infrastructure.

All stations feature intelligent power management, remote monitoring, and integration with payment systems. Thanks to a modular design, each charger can be adapted to different operational environments.

If you are looking for a reliable and modern charging solution for your business or public location, explore our current offer at https://ugv.sk/obchod/