How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

Drivers in Round Rock and Leander who are eager to make the switch to the latest electric vehicles are asking a number of questions. One question we often get is, “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” There are a number of great benefits that can come from taking home an EV from Covert Buick GMC Austin, and as technology continues to improve, so too do electric car charging times. 

But just how long does it take to charge an electric vehicle? Surprisingly, what you choose to charge your EV depends on your selections while you’re buying your preferred electric car. Read on to learn more about EV charging times and how EV charging is accomplished below from the EV experts at Covert Buick GMC Austin. And once you do, apply for financing online so that our finance department can help you get a nEV at a competitive price!

Electric Car Charging Options for Cedar Park Drivers

Electric car charging times vary in Austin depending on the method you select. Among the three options you can consider are:

1. Domestic Outlet Home Charging (Regular Outlet): This normal grounded (3-prong) 110V/120V Charging Outlet (Level 1 Charging) won’t offer a fast charging speed. However, it does serve to top off some of the charges you’ve been using while going to work on your commute in Austin. Level 1 charging takes around 24 hours to fully work, taking days to power your EV up with this.
2. Installed Brand-Approved Domestic Charging: Level 2 charging uses rapid (around 240 volts or more) charges that are made to suit their brand of car. As a result, your Buick, GMC EV uses a faster charging rate than a regularly grounded household outlet. Instead of days, it’ll last hours. These kinds of DC fast chargers are also more common. In truth, you’ll gain an 80% charge in half an hour or 40 minutes with this form of charging method. The extra 20% can take longer, as there’s a diminishing charging speed rate.
3. Public Charging: For those considering charging on the go around Round Rock and Leander at different locales, you can find charging stations in many public places. Whether at malls, gas stations, or national chains like Walgreens, etc., charging stations are appearing in a lot of places nowadays. While these vary in type and speed, they provide around Level 2 charging speeds.

Electric Car Charging Time: Domestic Charging

For those who are driving a plug-in hybrid vehicle, you might have lower charging times. This can take between 1-4 hours to fully charge. The reason for this is that Plug-in hybrid vehicles rely on electricity immediately. As a result, the electric range is temporary or for certain speed limits before switching over to gas power.

Electric Car Charging Time: Public Charging

Most home chargers will offer around 3.7 kilowatts or 7 kW charging. Public stations, in contrast, will have 22 kW charging, 43-50 kW rapid charging, and 150 kW rapid charging. Because of this, you might be able to get a full charge (0-100%) in an hour or two. In other cases, it will take 4 hours, 6 hours, or 11 hours to get a full charge.

Find Your Electric Vehicle With Covert Buick GMC Austin in Austin

Now that we’ve summed up electric vehicle charging times, the next step is getting you behind the wheel. That way you can experience all the power and performance that comes with one. Contact us today to schedule a test drive, and take a look at our selection of new vehicle specials for more ways to save. Our EV inventory is going to continue to grow as more manufacturers make the switch to EVs, so there is something out there for everyone.