Electric vehicles are gaining in popularity everywhere, including in Singapore. However, if you plan to switch from an ICE car, you might have heard that charging an EV takes longer than pumping gas into the fuel tank. This might make you wonder exactly how long it takes to charge an EV and how it will affect your daily living.
In this article, we consider factors that determine how long you charge your EV and how it affects you.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHARGE AN EV?
Electric vehicles depend on the battery to power the electric motor(s) that provides(s) propulsion. When the battery level goes down, you need to charge it just like you do with your phones or tablets.
Several factors determine how long you stay charging your car. The first is the battery size or capacity. Electric vehicles come in different capacities. For example, some Tesla models have around 100 kWh batteries, while the 2018 Nissan LEAF has 40 kWh. Obviously, if charged at the same rate, the Nissan will get to 100 percent before the Tesla.
Another important factor is the charging speed. Chargers could be Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3. Level 1, while being the easiest and cheapest because it comes with the car, is the slowest, and you could spend up to a day before the battery is full.
Level 2 is faster and could take 8 hours or less to charge your battery fully. However, you need to install your own EV charging stations. At the end of this article, we will show you the easiest way to install your own home charging station in Singapore.
The last type, Level 3, is also known as DC fast charging and takes about an hour to fill up your battery. These chargers are offered by companies that maintain them as a network because of the high cost of installation.
Yet another factor that determines how fast you charge is the state of charge (SoC), which is the battery percentage before you start charging. A battery’s charging speed is not constant but drops between 80 to 100 percent. So if you stop charging at 80 percent, the process will be faster.
Also, your charging speed is affected by the weather. Low temperatures affect the chemistry of lithium-ion batteries, making the charging process slow down. Some manufacturers try methods to alleviate this to varying degrees of success.
DOES THE LONGER CHARGING TIMES MAKE EVS FRUSTRATING TO USE?
The answer is no, as millions of EV drivers worldwide can testify. Owning an EV only requires minor adjustments in your lifestyle, and you can continue in your usual way of life.
For example, most EV owners charge their vehicle at home, which is a convenient change from driving to a fuel station each time to buy fuel. With your own home charging station, you can plug in overnight and wake up to a full battery.
EV drivers take opportunities to charge even when they are not at home. Some employers and public buildings or businesses offer free charging, allowing you to top up your battery. So it is easy to ensure you always have enough battery.
Similarly, you do not have to charge your battery to 100 percent each time, just like ICE drivers do not fill up their fuel tanks every time they pull into the fuel station. Some EVs can last up to a week on a single charge, depending on how much driving you do.
Suppose you want to install your own charging station in Singapore. In that case, it might be overwhelming choosing the correct equipment and following safety standards. However, our team of qualified EV charger installers can step in and ensure your charging experience is smooth. We handle home or business place chargers with perks such as listing on Google Maps and charging apps, and applying for government grants.
Visit our website today, SuperCharge.SG, or call/email us through 8790 7879 or info@supercharge.sg. You can also keep up with us on Instagram @supercharge.sg.
