How long does it take to charge an EV?

How long does it take to charge an EV?

The time to fully charge an electric vehicle (EV) in India typically ranges from 6–12 hours using a standard home charger (AC, 3.3–7.2 kW), while fast chargers (DC, 30–60 kW) can charge most EVs up to 80% in just 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Actual charging time depends on the battery size, charger type, and vehicle model.

Clear Explanation

Charging time for an EV depends on several factors:

• Battery Capacity: Larger batteries (measured in kWh) take longer to charge.
• Charger Type: Home chargers (AC) are slower, while public fast chargers (DC) are much quicker.
• State of Charge: Charging from 0% to 100% takes longer than topping up from 20% to 80%.

According to the International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook 2025 and Indian government sources (NITI Aayog, MNRE), here’s what you can expect:

• Home Charging (AC, 3.3–7.2 kW): Most common for private EV owners. Charging a typical 30–40 kWh battery (like in Tata Nexon EV or MG ZS EV) from empty to full takes 6–12 hours overnight.
• Public Fast Charging (DC, 30–60 kW): Increasingly available in Indian cities. Can charge most EVs up to 80% in 45–90 minutes, ideal for quick top-ups during travel.
• Ultra-Fast Charging (DC, 100 kW+): Still rare in India, but can charge compatible EVs in under 40 minutes for 80% capacity.

For two-wheelers and three-wheelers, charging times are much shorter—often 3–4 hours at home, and under 1 hour at fast-charging stations.

Key Takeaways or TL;DR

• Home charging (AC): 6–12 hours for a full charge (typical passenger EVs)
• Fast charging (DC): 45–90 minutes for 80% charge at public stations
• Charging time varies: Based on battery size, charger type, and vehicle model

Final Verdict

If you’re considering an EV in India, expect overnight charging at home to be the norm, with fast-charging options increasingly available for quick top-ups. The government, through agencies