What You Need to Know About Your Electric Car Charging Time

Do you really know how long it takes to charge an electric car? If you’re looking into purchasing an Orlando Toyota EV, we suggest that you research to find the best fit for you. When going green, one of the most frequent questions we hear at Toyota of Orlando is the difference between gas, hybrid, and electric cars. A lot of people like the idea of EVs because they don’t have to pay for gas, but you do have to take into consideration the charging process. 

One of the biggest adjustments when switching from a gas-powered car to an electric car is learning how and when to charge it. Instead of stopping at a gas station and filling your tank in a few minutes, you’ll usually charge your electric car while it’s parked at home, at work, or at a public charging station. Your electric car charging time can vary quite a bit depending on the type of charger you’re using, the car you drive, the size of its battery, and how much charge is left when you plug it in.

The good news is that once you understand the different types of EV chargers, planning your charging schedule gets a whole lot easier. Let’s take a closer look at what Orlando Toyota drivers should know about electric car charging time.

Electric Car Charging Time Can Depend on The Type of Car You Have

There are a few factors that come into electric car charging. Let’s break it down by charger types. 

Level One Chargers

Level one chargers - These are standard 120-volt chargers. In essence, this means you can plug your car into an outlet of any type including a household outlet as long as it has three prongs. If you buy an EV from Toyota of Orlando, it includes these charging cables.

• Unfortunately, this method is the slowest for your Orlando electric car charging time, although the most convenient way to charge an electric car. 
• Depending on your car and its battery size, it can take a very long time before the battery is fully charged. 
• This type of charging is ideal for Orlando Toyota plug-in hybrids or short-distance drivers.
• A Level One charger may also make sense if you don’t drive very far every day. For example, if you have a short commute and your electric car spends most of the night parked in your garage, you may be able to add enough range overnight for your daily driving needs.
• The biggest benefit is convenience. You typically don't need to have a special charging station installed to use Level One charging. However, you should always make sure the outlet and electrical system you're using are appropriate for EV charging.

Level Two Chargers

Level two chargers - Level two chargers are 240 volts - this means faster charging for your Orlando Toyota EV. You can have this type of charger installed at your home if you want to charge your car more conveniently. 

• In order for your car to obtain a full charge from this type of charger, you may need to leave it plugged in for several hours or overnight, depending on the car, battery size, and current state of charge. 
• For convenience, installing this type of charger at home is highly recommended if you’re considering an electric Orlando Toyota.
• Level Two charging can be especially useful for drivers who use their electric cars for their daily commute. 
• You can come home at the end of the day, plug in your vehicle, and allow it to charge while you sleep. By the time you’re ready to leave the next morning, you can start your day with additional range.
• You’ll also commonly find Level Two chargers at shopping centers, parking garages, workplaces, hotels, and other public locations. This means you may be able to add some extra charge while you’re already out running errands or going about your day.

Level Three Chargers

Level three chargers - These types of electric car charging stations are also known as DC (direct current) fast chargers. This type of charging station generally can't be installed at your home - it's typically available at public charging stations - but it's the fastest way to recharge your Orlando Toyota EV. 

• Electric car charging time at a DC fast charger can be significantly faster than using a Level One or Level Two charger. 
• Depending on the car, charger, battery temperature, and other conditions, you may be able to charge a large portion of the battery in less than an hour.
• However, charging speeds can slow as the battery gets closer to full. This is one reason you'll commonly see EV fast-charging times described based on charging to around 80% instead of all the way to 100%.
• Fast charging can be especially helpful when you’re taking a road trip. Instead of waiting overnight to recharge, you can stop at a compatible public fast-charging station, plug in, and take a break while your vehicle adds range.

What Else Affects Electric Car Charging Time?

The type of charging station you use is one of the biggest factors in your electric car charging time, but it isn’t the only thing that determines it. Your actual charge time can change depending on several factors.

Battery size: Electric cars with larger batteries can generally travel farther, but a larger battery may also require more time to recharge.

Current battery level: There’s a big difference between plugging in when your battery is almost empty and plugging in when you still have charge remaining. If you're simply topping off your battery, your electric car charging time may be much shorter.

Charging capabilities: Not every electric car accepts electricity at the same maximum charging rate. Your Orlando Toyota’s charging capabilities determine how quickly it can take advantage of a Level Two or DC fast charger.

Weather: Temperatures can also affect an EV battery and charging performance. Extremely hot or cold conditions may cause charging speeds to vary.

The charger itself: Public chargers can offer different charging speeds. Even if your EV supports fast charging, the amount of power available from the charging station can affect how quickly your battery charges.

Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations when you plug in your new electric car, and can help you plan ahead! 

Planning Around Your Electric Car Charge Time

Keep in mind that EV range anxiety can be overcome with the right preparation! With a home electric charging station, you can start each day with additional range, and you can find apps to locate charging stations near you.

• Planning ahead becomes especially important when you’re taking longer trips outside of Orlando. Before leaving, check your route and identify charging stations along the way. You can even plan charging stops around meals, bathroom breaks, or other things you were already going to do during your trip.
• For everyday driving, home charging can make owning an EV feel much more convenient. Instead of making a separate trip to refuel your car, you can simply plug it in when you get home. It’s similar to charging your phone overnight; you plug it in when you’re done using it and it’s ready when you need it again.

How Can You Reduce Your Electric Car Charging Time?

If you're worried about how long it takes to charge an EV, there are a few ways to make charging fit more easily into your routine.

• First, try not to wait until your battery is completely depleted before plugging in. Charging regularly can make each individual charging session easier to work into your schedule.
• Second, consider installing a compatible Level Two charger at home if you own an EV and your home allows it. This can give you faster charging than a standard household outlet and make overnight charging much more convenient.
• Finally, learn where the public charging stations are located around the places you regularly visit. If you know you can charge your Orlando Toyota while you shop, work, or grab something to eat, charging doesn't always have to feel like an extra stop in your day.

Your ideal charging routine ultimately depends on your vehicle and driving habits. Someone who drives just a few miles each day may have very different charging needs from someone commuting across Orlando every morning.

Understand Exactly How to Manage Your Electric Car Charging Time With the Help of Toyota of Orlando

Electric car charging time might seem confusing when you first start shopping for an EV, but it becomes much easier to understand once you know the differences between Level One, Level Two, and Level Three charging.

The biggest thing to remember is that there isn't one electric car charging time that applies to every vehicle or every situation. Your battery size, charging equipment, battery level, weather, and the charging capabilities of your electric car can all make a difference.

Have questions or need more information about electric car charging time or any of our new Toyota EVs? Swing by Toyota of Orlando - we’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Mall at Millenia.