How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

When you’re considering an electric car in Great Falls, you’re probably curious about the charging times and how that will fit into your busy schedule. There is a method for every situation, so you can easily get back on the road with plenty of power to keep you going! But if you want a general ballpark, an electric car can take anywhere from roughly an hour to a few days for a full charge. Discover the different methods of charging below and see when it is best to use each, so you can resume your commutes without any hiccups.

Typical Electric Car Charging Times at Home

Most, if not all, EV owners have a charger installed at home, so they can conveniently power up their cars at the end of the day. There are two methods of charging that they typically rely on:

Domestic Outlet Charging (Regular Outlet)

• What is it? A normal grounded (three-prong) 110V/120V charging outlet or also known as Level 1 Charging.
• What is the average charge time? Usually 24 hours or even days for a full charge.
• When do drivers use this method? To top off some of the charge they used that day.

Installed Brand-Approved Domestic Charging

• What is it? Professionally-installed rapid chargers (usually 240V+) that are often brand-specific. Also known as Level 2 charging. DC fast chargers are more common than AC ones.
• What is the average charge time? Usually a few hours for a full charge. Possible to get an 80% charge in 30 to 40 minutes while the last 20% will take a bit longer due to the diminishing rate of charging speed
• When do drivers use this method? Often used overnight for a full charge, so they can hit the roads again in the morning.

Typical Electric Car Charging Time in Public

Just like with the good old gas-powered cars, there are definitely going to be times when you’re out and about and your vehicle needs a pick-me-up to keep going. You can easily locate public charging stations in Mclean and Chantilly via apps like Charge Hub or PlugShare. But if you have an electric Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you can find all of the info through Mercedes me Charge, which can be accessed via MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) or on your phone. Learn a bit more here:

• What type of charging is offered in public? Often Level 2 charging. This could be 22 kW charging, 43-50 kW rapid charging, and even 150 kW rapid charging!
• Where are the stations located? From parking garages, malls, and hotels, to even big-name stores like Kohls and Walgreens, stations are readily accessible.
• What is the average charge time? It’s possible for some vehicles to get a 0 to 100% charge in just an hour though chances are, you don’t need a full charge to finish your commute before you head home. If you do need a full charge, it’s more likely that it can take you 4, 6, or even 11 hours for a full charge at a public station.

Discover More About Electric Cars from Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner

As you can see, electric car charging times depend on factors from the charging method to the car model itself. Consider how far you often travel when you’re shopping for an EV. Whether you’re thinking of a hybrid or fully electric car, the Mercedes-Benz lineup has several options for you! Not to mention, the electric ranges are impressive, so you can go far on a single charge. Find yours today at Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner!