A full EV charge takes anywhere from thirty minutes to over 48 hours, depending on the battery size, electricity rates, and the charging station.

If you are thinking about buying an electric car, you should know how long it will take for it to charge. We’re here to help.

EV charging times depend on the type of charging, the battery’s pre-charge level, and the battery’s capacity. Here are some approximations for different electric cars and stations, assuming charging an empty battery to full.

Public charging times for EVs depend on the type of charging station you use. Here’s what you can expect in terms of charging time at different public charging setups:

Level 2 public chargers are widely available. They use a 240V supply and charge an EV from empty to full in 4–10 hours. Ideal for locations where you might be parked for a while, such as shopping centers or workplaces, they provide a practical solution for topping up your EV battery during the day.

For the quickest charging, DC rapid chargers (also known as Level 3 chargers) are the bee's knees. These high-power stations add about 100 to 200 miles of range in just 30 minutes, depending on your EV and the charger’s output. To get from 0% to 100% will take approximately an hour. You will also experience the charging curve typically slows down. As the battery gets closer to 100% the charging slows down to protect battery longevity. So the final 10-20% may take longer.

A Level 3 charge costs a lot more than a Level 2, but if you’re in a hurry, the cost is well worth it.

Home charging times for EVs vary widely, based on the type of charging station you use. Here's what you can expect in terms of charging time for Level 1 and Level 2 setups:

The most basic option is a Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard 120V household outlet—the same type of outlet you use for everyday appliances. These Level 1 chargers are convenient and simple, but slow, typically requiring 40 to 60 hours to fully charge an EV from empty. Perfect for overnight charging if you're not in a rush, but not ideal when you need to recharge quickly.

A Level 2 home charging station, which uses a 240-Volt outlet similar to those used by large home appliances, significantly reduces charging time. These stations charge an EV from empty to full in about 8 to 12 hours, depending on your car's battery capacity and the charger's power output.

While Level 2 chargers involve a higher initial investment of $500 to $2,000 for equipment and installation, the quicker charging times offer a convenient daily solution for keeping your EV ready to go.

Electricity is cheaper than gas on a per-mile-driven basis. To achieve parity, gasoline prices would need to fall to $1—2 dollars per gallon. Home charging places you on the lower part of that range, while public charging puts you toward the upper end. compared to gasoline. EV owners can save an average of $700 per year on fuel costs.

The Mustang can drive 300 miles on a full tank of gas, bringing the per-mile cost to $0.14. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 will go 303 miles on a full charge, with a per-mile cost of $0.03. As you can see, the per-mile cost of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is 25.6% of the Mustang.

You're essentially paying the equivalent of $1 to $2 "per gallon" for electricity instead of $3 to $5 or more for fuel.

With some strategic planning and smart habits—like scheduling your charges, using the right equipment, and leveraging fast public chargers—you can reduce the time you spend waiting for your EV to recharge.

1. Charge overnight at home: use a home Level 2 charger to take advantage of your downtime. Plug in your EV overnight so you can start each day with a full battery. Even if you have a Level 1 charger, consistent overnight charging may give you the range you need, depending on your driving habits.
2. Use DC fast chargers for quick top-ups: when you’re on the go and need a quick boost, use DC fast chargers. These high-speed public chargers replenish your battery much faster than standard Level 2 chargers, adding significant range in just minutes.
3. Locate high-speed public chargers: know the nearest high-speed charging stations along your common routes. Apps and navigation systems can help you find and plan stops at the fastest available chargers, reducing your downtime during trips.
4. Take advantage of fast charging networks: some networks specialize in high-speed chargers. Using services like Tesla Superchargers or Electrify America’s fast chargers cut down charging times drastically compared to other public options.
5. Precondition your battery: if your EV offers a preconditioning feature, use it to warm up or cool down your battery before you start charging. This optimizes the charging process and reduces the time needed to reach a full charge.
6. Go for efficient charging locations: choose charging locations that offer amenities, like cafes or shopping centers, where you can make productive use of your time while waiting for your vehicle to charge.

If you’re planning to purchase an electric car, you have these four options:

1. Buy a new EV from a dealership: for brands that use the dealership model, such as Ford, Nissan, and GM
2. Buy a new EV directly from the manufacturer: for brands that use the direct-to-consumer model, such as Tesla, Polestar, and Rivian
3. Buy a used EV from a dealer
4. Buy a used electric vehicle from a private seller

If you’re buying new and know which car you want, your choice is made. You’ll be buying from a dealership or directly from the manufacturer—depending on your chosen brand’s distribution model.

If you’re buying used, you’re usually better off buying from a private seller. Here at PrivateAuto, we make the private-party transaction easy and secure. Skip the pesky dealer documentation fee and markup and get more EV for your buck when you transact peer-to-peer on PrivateAuto.

From instant payments to secure communications, we give you the power to drive the deal on your terms. That’s why we’re the best place to buy a used car online.

We have a wide selection of non-electric vehicles for sale as well.

Browse our full selection of vehicles for sale by owner.