EV FAQs: Answers to All Your EV Charging & Battery Questions

One of the biggest roadblocks for Australians considering making the switch from a petrol car to a new electric vehicle is the time it takes to recharge an EV.  So how long does it take to recharge an EV? There are a number of factors that impact EV charge times, including the type of charging station and the size of the battery, to name a few.

In this article, we give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about charging your EV and EV battery life. 

How long does it take to charge an EV?

It typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours to charge an electric vehicle (EV), depending on the size of the battery and the speed of the charging station. The exact time it takes to charge an EV can vary, so it's best to consult the owner's manual or the manufacturer of your vehicle for specific information.

A Level 1 EV charging cable uses a standard household electrical outlet to charge an electric vehicle (EV). Level 1 charging cables use a low-voltage alternating current (AC) electrical connection to charge the battery, which allows them to charge an EV in 8-12 hours or more. This makes them the slowest type of EV charging station, but they are also the most widely available and the least expensive to use.

Most EVs come with a standard Level 1 charging cable that can be plugged into a household outlet, allowing you to easily charge your EV at home or at any other location that has a standard outlet. While Level 1 charging stations may not be the best option if you need to quickly recharge your EV, they can be a convenient and affordable way to recharge your EV overnight from the comfort of your home. 

If you want to charge your EV more quickly, you can use a Level 2 charging station. A Level 2 EV charging station is a type of public charging station that can charge an electric vehicle (EV) in a shorter time than a standard Level 1 charging station.

Level 2 charging stations use a higher-voltage alternating current (AC) electrical connection to charge the battery, which allows them to charge an EV in as little as four hours or less. This makes them a good option for drivers who want to recharge their EV more quickly than with a Level 1 charging station, but don't need the fastest possible charging speed of a Level 3 charging station.

Level 2 charging stations are often available at public places like shopping malls, parking garages, and hotels, and many of them can be used with a standard EV charging cable. 

A Level 3 EV charging station, also known as a DC fast charger, is a type of public charging station that can charge an electric vehicle (EV) in a much shorter time than a standard Level 1 or Level 2 charging station.

Level 3 charging stations use a high-voltage direct current (DC) electrical connection to charge the battery, which allows them to charge an EV in as little as 30 minutes or less. This makes them ideal for drivers who need to quickly recharge their EV, such as when they are on a long road trip and don't have time to wait for a slower charging station.

Level 3 charging stations are typically more expensive to use than Level 1 or Level 2 charging stations, but they offer the convenience of a faster charging time. Some newer EVs come with a Level 3 charging option built-in, but many older models will require the use of an adapter to use a Level 3 charging station.

The size of an EV's battery can also affect the charging speed. In general, larger batteries take longer to charge than smaller batteries. For example, a small EV with a battery capacity of 24 kWh may be able to fully charge in 6-8 hours using a Level 2 charging station, while a larger EV with a battery capacity of 100 kWh may take 10-12 hours or more to charge using the same charging station.

The temperature of the battery

The temperature of an EV's battery can also affect its charging speed. In general, colder temperatures can reduce the charging speed, while warmer temperatures can increase the charging speed. For example, an EV's battery may charge more slowly in cold weather than in warm weather. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for charging your EV in different temperature conditions to ensure optimal charging speed and battery performance.

Electric car batteries can be expensive to replace. The cost of replacing an electric car battery depends on a number of factors, including the type of battery, the age of the car, and the manufacturer. On average, the cost of replacing an electric car battery can range from around $3,000 to $8,000, depending on these factors.

The type of battery used in the electric car can affect the cost of replacing it. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in electric cars, are generally more expensive to replace than other types of batteries. Additionally, the age of the car and the manufacturer can also affect the cost of replacing the battery.

However, the cost of replacing an electric car battery may be offset by the savings on fuel costs and maintenance. Electric cars are generally more efficient than gas-powered cars, which means they use less energy to go the same distance. This can save you money on fuel costs over time, which can offset the cost of replacing the battery.

Overall, electric car batteries can be expensive to replace. The cost of replacing a battery can range from around $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the type of battery, the age of the car, and the manufacturer. However, the savings on fuel costs and maintenance may offset some of these costs.

So it is worth switching to an EV?  The future outlook for electric Vehicles in Australia is bright and with a host of new Government subsidies being introduced to help make the switch to an EV more affordable, maybe it's time to make the change.