EV Charging Time Calculator
See how long a charge will take, at home or on a public charger, for any battery and charger.
Free calculator, no signup required. Runs in your browser — your entries stay on this device (saved in this browser until you clear them) and are not sent to us.
The three charging speeds
- Level 1 (~1.4 kW): a regular 120 V wall outlet. Adds 3–5 miles of range per hour — useful as a top-up only.
- Level 2 (3.3–19 kW): a 240 V circuit at home or work. Most home installs use 7.4–11 kW. A full charge typically takes 4–10 hours.
- DC fast charging (50–350 kW): public-only, direct DC into the battery. 80% in 20–40 minutes is normal for a modern EV.
The formula
Worked example
A 75 kWh battery charging from 20% to 80% needs 45 kWh. At 7.4 kW (a typical home Level 2 charger): 45 ÷ 7.4 = about 6 hr 5 min.
This is a linear estimate. In real life DC fast charging slows significantly above about 80% — the last 20% can take as long as the first 60%. For everyday DC fast charging, plan to unplug around 80%.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging?
Level 1 = 120 V wall outlet, about 1.4 kW (3–5 mph added). Level 2 = 240 V dedicated circuit, 3.3–19 kW (15–60 mph added). DC fast = high-voltage public chargers, 50–350 kW (100–700 mph added). Level 1 and 2 are AC; DC fast bypasses the onboard charger.
Why is the calculator linear when real DC fast charging slows down?
For Level 1 and 2 the rate stays constant, so the linear estimate is accurate. DC fast charging is a planning estimate — the last 20% can take as long as the first 60% because battery chemistry forces the charge rate to drop as the pack fills. For everyday DC fast, plan to unplug around 80%.
Can I plug a Level 2 charger into a regular outlet?
No. Level 2 needs a 240 V dedicated circuit, usually with a NEMA 14-50 (50 amp) outlet or hardwired connection. A regular 120 V wall outlet is limited to about 1.4 kW. See the Home Charger Amp Calculator for sizing.
Why does my car charge slower than the charger says it can deliver?
Three common reasons. The stall may share power with the next one (especially older Tesla V2 Superchargers). The battery may be cold and the BMS is throttling — preconditioning helps. Or you may be above 80% where the charge curve naturally drops.
Should I always charge to 100%?
For most modern EVs the answer is no — set the daily charge limit to 80–90% to extend battery life. Charge to 100% only before long trips. See the EV Battery Life guide for the detailed care tips.
Worked 20%–80% charging examples
For a 75 kWh usable battery pack adding 60 percentage points (45 kWh delivered to the pack), linear charging time equals energy needed divided by charge power:
- Standard 120 V outlet (1.4 kW Level 1): 45 kWh ÷ 1.4 kW ≈ 32 hr 9 min — best suited for short daily commutes plugged in overnight every night.
- Typical 30 A home unit (7.2 kW Level 2): 45 kWh ÷ 7.2 kW = 6 hr 15 min — easily completes an overnight refill while sleeping.
- 48 A hardwired unit (11.5 kW Level 2): 45 kWh ÷ 11.5 kW ≈ 3 hr 55 min — provided the vehicle's onboard AC charger accepts 11.5 kW.
AC ceiling vs. DC taper: Level 1 and Level 2 AC sessions are capped by whichever is lower: the EVSE output or your car's onboard charger (often 7.2 kW to 11.5 kW). On DC fast chargers, speeds peak in the low-to-mid battery range and intentionally taper as the pack approaches 80%–100% to protect lithium-ion cells, so the final 20% often takes nearly as long as the middle 60%.