How long does it take to recharge an electric car?

In 2025, recharging electric cars has become faster, more accessible and simpler than ever before. But how long does it really take to recharge your electric vehicle (EV)? Here's a clear, detailed guide to understanding this crucial subject.

What factors influence recharge time?

The time needed to recharge an electric car depends on several key factors:

1. Battery capacity :

The battery of an electric vehicle is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The larger the battery, the greater the range, but the longer the recharging time for the same power. For example, a Renault Zoé (52 kWh) recharges faster than an Audi e-tron (95 kWh), simply because less energy is required.

2. Terminal power :

The power of the charging station, expressed in kilowatts (kW), is decisive for charging time. A typical home charging station (wallbox) delivers around 7 kW, while an ultra-fast charging station can deliver up to 350 kW. The more powerful the terminal, the faster the recharge, but only up to the maximum power accepted by the car.

3. On-board vehicle technology :

Every vehicle has a battery management system (BMS) that regulates charging power according to charge level and battery temperature. As a result, recharging is generally not constant: it is rapid up to around 80%, then slows down to preserve the battery's longevity.

4. Outside temperature :

The lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles prefer a temperature of between 20 and 25°C for optimum recharging. In very cold or hot weather, recharging slows down. Fortunately, many modern models automatically preheat the battery before recharging, optimizing recharging time.

Comparative recharge times for leading models in 2025

Here are a few practical examples of high-speed terminals (over 300kW):

• Tesla Model Y (Long Range 2025): approx. 75 kWh battery, ultra-fast charging up to 250 kW, 80% recovery in approx. 27 minutes.
• Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6 (Rwd 2024): approx. 74 kWh battery, ultra-fast charging up to 230 kW, 10-80% charge in just 16 minutes.
• Audi e-tron GT RS (2024): approx. 97 kWh battery, record maximum power of 320 kW, approx. 18 minutes to reach 80% from 10%.
  
• Peugeot e-208: battery approx. 51 kWh, maximum power 100 kW, 80% recovered in less than 30 45 minutes.
  

These figures clearly show the rapid increase in recharging capacity, making long-distance journeys much easier.

Refill types: advantages and disadvantages

Home recharging: slow but practical

Home recharging is usually carried out using a conventional socket (2.3 kW) or a Wallbox (7 to 11 kW). A full charge on a Wallbox takes between 6 and 10 hours, depending on the size of the battery, making it ideal for night-time recharging. The major advantage: simplicity, low cost and convenience. The main drawback is slowness, which may not be a problem in everyday use, but can be a problem in urgent situations.

AC public charging: intermediate

These charging stations can be found in public parking lots, shopping centers or workplaces. They generally deliver between 7 and 22 kW, enabling full recharging in 3 to 8 hours. This is a practical solution for recovering energy during everyday activities. Advantages: moderate cost and accessibility. Disadvantage: the time required for a full recharge remains high.

Fast, ultra-fast DC charging: ideal for travelling

These 50 to 350 kW charging stations are mainly installed on major roads. They enable very rapid recharging: 80% battery recovery in just 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle. Major advantages: considerable time savings and ease of use when traveling. Disadvantages: higher cost and increased battery wear if used daily.

State of charging infrastructure in 2025

By 2025, France will have around 400,000 public charging points, thanks to public and private initiatives. Ultra-fast charging points (150 to 350 kW) are proliferating rapidly, particularly on freeways and busy roads, reducing the distance between two fast charging points.

What's more, regulations now require large parking lots (shopping centers, businesses, condominiums) to install charging stations, facilitating daily access to simple, convenient recharging.

How to optimize your recharge time?

Here are a few practical tips:

• Prefer overnight recharging at home (slow, but practical and economical).
• Plan your long-distance journeys to include recharging breaks at ultra-fast charging stations, thanks to dedicated applications.
• Recharge regularly between 20% and 80% to preserve your battery and minimize the time spent charging.
• Anticipate your needs by choosing a vehicle compatible with high power ratings, especially if you regularly make long journeys.

Towards ever simpler and faster recharging

The progress made up to 2025 has made electric recharging much more practical, gradually transforming constraints into simple everyday habits. The ongoing development of infrastructures, the increase in available power and the constant technological improvement of vehicles now make it possible to enjoy an experience close to that of a combustion-powered vehicle, with recharging breaks barely longer than a coffee break.

By choosing your electric vehicle wisely, understanding the different recharging modes and planning your daily routine intelligently, you'll be able to take full advantage of your electric car without worry. In this way, the question of recharging time becomes secondary to the considerable advantages offered by electric mobility: financial savings, quiet running, and reduced ecological impact.

EVDataCompare.com supports you in this process by providing accurate, up-to-date data on electric vehicles and their charging capacities. Together, let's move towards more sustainable mobility that's simple and accessible to all!