7 FAQs about EV charging

Last Updated: September 30, 2022

Electric mobility is no longer a distant dream. Today, electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming the new norm. Across the globe, drivers are making the switch to electric, with projections suggesting that the global EV fleet could exceed 20 million units this year. This growing trend reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable transportation.

Unlike traditional gasoline or diesel refueling, charging an EV is a unique process that may initially feel complex or intimidating. To help you better understand this new way of powering your vehicle, we’ve answered the seven most frequently asked questions about electric car charging:

1. How does electric car charging work?
2. What powers electric car charging stations?
3. How long does it take to charge an EV?
4. What does it cost to charge an electric car?
5. How often do you need to charge an electric car?
6. Where can I charge my electric car?
7. How much maintenance does an EV charger require?

1. How does electric car charging work?

Charging an EV is a straightforward process that depends on the type of charger you're using. Most EVs come equipped with a charging cable and plug tailored to your vehicle and the country where you live. Typically, you can simply plug the cable into a standard 3-pin home outlet and charge your EV directly from your home's electrical supply.

How do EV charging stations work?

Using a home EV charging station (or charging on the go) works slightly differently. While specifics may vary, the general process is as follows:

1. Identify yourself to the charging station – this might involve using a mobile app, an RFID tag or card, or even a contactless credit or debit card.
2. Plug the charging cable into your vehicle and the station. Some stations come with built-in cables, making this step simpler.
3. Start charging. You should receive confirmation on your vehicle's display as well as the charger’s indicator lights.
4. Once finished, you can end the charging session via the station or mobile app, depending on how you initiated it.

However, this process could soon become even simpler with Plug & Charge (ISO 15118). This new international standard allows chargers and EVs to communicate directly, enabling automatic payments and seamless charging without additional steps.

How do you pay for electric car charging?

At home, the electricity used to charge your EV will simply be added to your regular electric bill. For public charging, payment methods vary. Some stations allow you to pay directly via card or an app, while others operate on a subscription or monthly billing model.

2. What powers electric car charging stations?

While EV chargers come in various shapes and sizes, the primary distinction lies in whether they provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

AC vs DC electricity

All EV batteries store DC power, so the AC current from the grid must be converted. The key difference between AC and DC chargers lies in where this conversion occurs. AC chargers are the most common, though generally slower, as the conversion happens inside the vehicle and is limited by its processing capabilities. AC chargers typically deliver up to 22 kWh. For instance, to fully charge a Tesla Model S (with a 100 kWh battery) using a 22 kW Level 2 charger, it would take roughly 7 hours, whereas a 11 kW charger would take around 10 hours.

DC chargers convert the electricity from AC to DC at the charging station before it reaches the vehicle. This bypasses the car's onboard converter, allowing for much higher power outputs—up to 350 kWh—feeding power directly to the battery. As a result, charging an EV with a DC charger can take just minutes instead of hours. For perspective, a Tesla Model S can reach an 80% charge in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.

However, as you might expect, DC charging infrastructure demands immense power and isn't practical for most residential or municipal setups.

3. How long does it take to charge a car battery?

One of the main factors affecting charging time is the size of the battery. Larger batteries naturally take longer to charge, similar to how a bigger fuel tank requires more time to fill. Other factors include the vehicle's charging capacity, the charger's output, and even external conditions like weather.

Another crucial aspect is the battery's state of charge. Due to their chemistry, batteries can absorb more power at lower charge levels, slowing down significantly as they approach 100%. Therefore, charging from 20% to 70% might only take a few minutes, but going from 70% to full charge will take much longer.

Beyond battery size and state of charge, the car's charging capacity plays a role. Not all EVs support the same charging power. While some can handle up to 350 kWh fast charging, many are limited to 100–150 kWh. The same applies to slower AC charging: while the theoretical maximum is 22 kWh, most vehicles can only utilize 7.4 kWh or 11 kWh.

Types of EV chargers

Linked to the car's charging capacity is the charger's output capacity. Broadly speaking, there are three main types of charging stations:

• Level 1 chargers are the slowest and most common. These can be plugged into a standard wall socket and deliver up to 2.3 kWh, adding roughly 6–8 km of range per hour.
• Level 2 chargers are faster and require professional installation. They are the most common type in residential, commercial, and municipal settings. Most Level 2 chargers deliver at least 7.4 kWh or 11 kWh, adding about 40–120 km of range per hour.
• Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, provide the highest power and fastest charging speeds. These chargers are costly and impractical for residential use but ideal for highways and public stations. The highest-rated Level 3 chargers can deliver up to 350 kWh, though lower outputs like 50 kWh, 125 kWh, and 150 kWh are more common. At these rates, most EVs can reach 80% charge in under an hour, sometimes even in minutes.

Temperature conditions also play a role. Batteries function best in moderate climates, typically around 21°C. Extreme temperatures—either hot or cold—require the battery to expend energy for heating or cooling, which slows down the charging process.

EV charging speeds vary widely, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. For a deeper dive into the topic, check out our detailed guide on EV charging times.

4. What does it cost to charge an electric car?

Like charging times, costs depend heavily on your location, utility provider, and tariff. Two key factors influencing charging expenses are the price of electricity per kWh and the size of your vehicle’s battery. On average, a full charge typically costs around €30 or $30.

Cost of charging an electric car

Electricity prices vary by region. In the EU, the average price per kWh is currently around 40 cents, though this has doubled recently due to rising energy costs. In the U.S., the average cost per kWh is about 17 cents. Using these figures, charging a 50 kWh battery, such as the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, would cost approximately €20 ($8.5) at home. Public charging stations, especially fast chargers, often charge higher rates, with a full charge costing around €30 ($30).

No matter where you live, charging your EV at home will increase your electricity bill—unless you generate your own power, such as through solar panels. However, the cost of powering your EV with electricity is still far cheaper than using gasoline or diesel.

5. How often do you have to charge an electric car?

The frequency depends largely on your driving habits and the range of your vehicle. Charging often is recommended, but how often is "often"? Here’s a breakdown:

Should I charge my EV every night?

Maintaining a charge between 20% and 80% is considered best practice, and you should only charge when necessary. This helps preserve battery life and optimizes performance.

Electric car range

EV ranges vary widely, but the current average is around 331 km on a full charge. Similarly, the average daily commute in the EU is about 43 km, comfortably within the range of most EVs. Based on these averages, you’d likely only need to charge your EV fully once a week. However, if you drive more frequently or have a smaller battery, you’ll need to charge more often. Even then, most EVs can last several days before requiring a charge.

6. Where can I charge my electric car?

Unlike gas stations, electricity is readily available almost everywhere, offering countless opportunities to charge your vehicle.

A major advantage of EVs is waking up to a fully charged vehicle each morning. According to our Mobility Monitor report, home charging is the most popular method, with 64% of EV drivers regularly charging at home. Workplace charging ranks second, with 34% of drivers charging at their place of employment.

31% of drivers regularly charge at public or commercial parking spots, while 29% charge at gas stations. Additionally, 26% of EV owners charge at supermarkets, and 22% charge at shopping malls or department stores.

This data highlights the versatility of EVs: charging locations adapt to your lifestyle and driving needs.

7. How much maintenance does an EV charger need?

In most cases, very little.

For Level 1 and 2 home chargers, routine maintenance primarily involves checking the cables and plugs occasionally to ensure they’re undamaged and functioning correctly. These chargers are built to last for years with minimal upkeep. If you encounter any issues, we recommend contacting your supplier.

Publicly accessible Level 2 or Level 3 chargers require more frequent checks, depending on usage and location. Regular inspections of cables, plugs, and the charger itself are essential to ensure proper operation. Touchscreens, card or RFID readers, and software systems also need periodic updates and checks.

Most charger manufacturers offer extended warranties and service plans for an annual fee, which includes preventive maintenance and prompt repairs if needed. Thanks to new connectivity and modularity features in modern chargers, many issues can now be diagnosed remotely.

Switching to electric mobility requires some adjustments compared to traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles. Charging an EV is a distinct process, but it offers greater flexibility and adaptability to fit your lifestyle.

These are the seven most commonly asked questions about EV charging. Have more questions or want to learn more? Explore our comprehensive guide to EV charging for a thorough understanding of the topic.