Not All EVs Charge the Same
Charging an electric vehicle isn’t as simple as filling up a gas tank. Some EVs can add 200 miles in 20 minutes, while others take over an hour for the same charge. It all depends on charging speed, battery technology, and the charger’s power output.
Whether using a DC fast charger on a road trip or a Level 2 charger at home, charging times vary drastically between models. So, which EVs charge the fastest—and which take the longest?
Fastest-Charging EVs
Some EVs maximize fast-charger speeds, allowing drivers to spend less time waiting and more time on the road. Here are some of the fastest-charging models, capable of adding 10+ miles per minute at a DC fast charger under ideal conditions:
- Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X, Model Y
- Lucid Air
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 & Ioniq 6
- Kia EV6
- Porsche Taycan
- Audi Q6 E-Tron
- Chevrolet Silverado EV & GMC Sierra EV
These EVs support high-power charging rates (often 250-350 kW), allowing them to recharge quickly on road trips. However, real-world conditions—like temperature and battery charge level—can affect actual speeds.
Slowest-Charging EVs
Not all EVs are built for rapid charging. Some models add 5 miles per minute or fewer, making long-distance travel more challenging. These include:
- Nissan Leaf
- Toyota bZ4X & Subaru Solterra
- Kia Niro Electric
- Mercedes-Benz EQB
- Fiat 500e
These vehicles work well for city driving, but long trips require more planning due to slower charging speeds.
What About Home Charging?
At home, charging speeds depend on the EV’s onboard charger. Some models, like the Tesla Model S and Hyundai Ioniq 5, can add 30+ miles per hour on a 240V Level 2 charger. Others, like the Nissan Ariya and Toyota bZ4X, struggle to exceed 20 miles per hour.
EV Charging: Fast, But Not Always Simple
EV technology is improving, but charging speeds still vary widely. If you plan frequent road trips, choosing a fast-charging model can save hours. For daily commutes, a slower-charging EV may still work—if you have home charging access.
