Photo: Solomon203 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Practical Tips
How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car? A Guide by Power Level
August 29, 2026
By Hugo Beignon, Founder of ma-borne-electrique.com
Household outlet, home wallbox, public station, or ultra-fast charger: charging time ranges from several days to a few minutes.
How long it takes to charge an electric car depends mainly on two things: the power delivered by the charger, measured in kW, and the vehicle battery's capacity in kWh, along with its own charging curve.
A standard household outlet: not for everyday use
A standard household socket delivers only about 2.3kW, which can mean well over 24 hours for a full charge on a medium or large battery. It's useful for occasional emergency top-ups, but not recommended as a regular charging method.
A home wallbox: the everyday solution
A home wallbox typically delivers 7.4kW on a single-phase connection, or 11 to 22kW on three-phase, depending on the home's electrical setup. That's enough to charge a typical battery in a few hours, ideal for overnight charging.
Public 22kW stations
Public AC stations, often rated at 22kW, offer charging times comparable to a three-phase home wallbox. They work well for a top-up while running errands or during an appointment.
Fast and ultra-fast charging
DC fast chargers range from roughly 50kW up to 150 or even 350kW on the newest ultra-fast stations. On a compatible vehicle, that can take the battery from 10% to 80% in around 20 to 30 minutes, sometimes less.
Why stopping at 80% is often the smarter move
The charging curve slows down markedly above roughly 80% state of charge, to protect the battery. On a long trip, it's often faster overall to make several short stops up to 80% rather than waiting for a full 100% charge at each stop.
For more detail on connector types and the power ratings tied to each one, our guide on charging connector types walks through the standards used across France and Europe.
Frequently asked questions
How long does charging take on a standard household outlet?
A standard household socket delivers only about 2.3kW, which can mean well over 24 hours for a full charge on a large battery.
How long does charging take with a home wallbox?
A wallbox typically delivers 7.4kW on single-phase or 11 to 22kW on three-phase, enough to charge a typical battery in a few hours.
How long does fast charging take on the motorway?
On a 50 to 350kW fast charger, a compatible vehicle can go from 10% to 80% charge in around 20 to 30 minutes.
Why is it better to stop at 80% instead of waiting for 100%?
The charging curve slows down markedly above 80% to protect the battery, so making several short stops is often faster overall than waiting for a full charge.
Want to find a charging station nearby? Check the charging map to plan your next trip.
