Find out how long it takes to charge an electric car from your current charge to your target. Enter the battery size, charger power and efficiency, choose Level 1, Level 2 or DC fast charging, and see the time, energy added, range gained and cost.
Last updated:
Battery
kWh
mi/kWh
Typical EVs: 3–4.5 mi/kWh (about 4.8–7.2 km/kWh).
%
%
Charger
Charger type
kW
kW
Onboard charger limit, often 7.2–11 kW.
kW
%
Level 1 ~80–85%, Level 2 ~88–92%, DC ~90–95%.
$/ kWh
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the EV Charging Time Calculator
Enter the usable battery capacity in kWh and your current and target charge.
Choose AC or DC and the charger's power, or tap a preset.
Add the car's charging limit: the onboard AC charger or the maximum DC rate.
Set the efficiency and, optionally, the car's mi/kWh and electricity price.
Press Calculate charging time to see the time, kWh, range and cost.
EV charging time formula
time (h) = capacity (kWh) × (target % − current %) ÷ 100 ÷ (charging power kW × efficiency)
The charging power is the lower of the charger's rating and the car's limit. For DC fast charging the calculator can apply a typical taper: full power up to 50%, dropping to 60% of it by 80% and to about 15% near 100%. Real charging curves vary by car, battery temperature and charger.
Example: 75 kWh, 20% → 80% (45 kWh) on a 7.2 kW Level 2 charger at 90%: 45 ÷ (7.2 × 0.9) = 6.94 h ≈ 6 h 57 min.
Typical charging times (60 kWh added, 90% efficiency, no taper)
Charger
Power
Time for 60 kWh
Range per hour (3.5 mi/kWh)
Level 1, 120 V outlet
1.4 kW
about 47.6 h
about 4 mi
Level 2, 240 V / 32 A
7.2 kW
about 9.3 h
about 23 mi
Level 2, 11 kW (three-phase / 48 A)
11 kW
about 6.1 h
about 35 mi
DC fast
50 kW
about 1.3 h
about 158 mi
DC fast
150 kW
about 27 min
about 473 mi
DC times with taper are longer, especially above 80%. Use the calculator with your car's maximum DC rate for a realistic estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate EV charging time?
Charging time (hours) = battery capacity (kWh) × (target % − current %) ÷ (charging power kW × efficiency). For example, charging a 75 kWh battery from 20% to 80% on a 7.2 kW charger at 90% efficiency takes 45 ÷ 6.48 = about 6 h 57 min.
Why does my car charge slower than the charger's rating?
The car limits the power too. On AC, the onboard charger often handles only 7.2 to 11 kW, even on a stronger wall box. On DC, the car's maximum rate, the battery temperature and the state of charge all limit power.
Why does DC fast charging slow down after 80%?
To protect the battery, the car reduces charging power as the cells fill, especially above about 80%. That is why charging stops are usually quoted as 10% to 80%; the last 20% can take as long as the first 60%.
How long does Level 1 charging take?
A standard 120 V outlet delivers about 1.4 kW, adding roughly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. Charging a 75 kWh battery from 20% to 80% takes well over a day, so Level 1 suits short daily commutes or plug-in hybrids.
What efficiency should I use?
Some energy is lost as heat in the charger, cables and battery. Level 1 charging is often around 80 to 85% efficient, Level 2 around 88 to 92%, and DC fast charging around 90 to 95%. Cold weather can lower it further.
What is usable battery capacity?
It is the energy you can actually use, slightly less than the gross battery size because the manufacturer keeps a buffer. Use the usable or net figure from your car's specifications for the best estimate.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.