by When it comes to choosing an electric vehicle (EV), the range it offers is a significant factor for most shoppers. However, the speed at which an EV can charge at a public fast-charging station is equally important. The sooner the vehicle can be charged, the quicker drivers can get back on the road. Unfortunately, comparing charging speed claims made by automakers can be challenging. To address this, Edmunds has introduced an independent test that allows consumers to easily compare the charging speeds of different EVs.
Automakers use different ways to express their vehicles’ charging speed. For example, one may claim that its EV can charge from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes, while another may state that its EV can add 100 miles of range in 20 minutes. This discrepancy makes it difficult for consumers to understand which vehicles offer the best charging speeds.
The new Edmunds EV Charging Test combines charging information from P3, an EV testing specialist company, with Edmunds’ real-world testing data on electricity consumption per mile. The result is a standardized measurement expressed as miles per charging hour, which allows for easy comparison.
Vehicles with higher miles per charging hour scores require less time for charging compared to those with lower scores. EVs that charge quickly and efficiently perform well in this test, while slow-charging EVs or those that consume excessive electricity receive lower scores.
In the Edmunds test, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan scored the highest, with a potential of gaining 868 miles per charging hour in ideal conditions and using an appropriately powered charging station. Other EVs with impressive charging speeds of over 500 miles per hour include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUV, Kia’s EV6 and EV9 SUVs, Porsche’s Taycan sport sedan, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, and Mercedes-Benz’s EQS sedan.
On the other hand, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV performed poorly in the Edmunds test, with a potential charging speed of only 172 miles per charging hour. Despite being rated well overall by Edmunds, the Bolt EUV’s slow charging power makes it less suitable for long-distance driving.
There are different levels of charging commonly referred to as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 3 charging, also known as fast charging, provides the least amount of time required to recharge an EV’s battery pack, resulting in maximum driving range.
Level 1 charging utilizes a standard household power outlet but is slow, adding only 2-3 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 charging, which uses a 240-volt power source, significantly reduces recharge times and can add around 25 to 35 miles of range per charging hour. Finally, Level 3, or fast charging, is ideal for EV drivers traveling long distances or those without access to a home charger.
When selecting an electric vehicle, it’s essential to consider charging speed based on individual driving needs and budget. For city driving with a home charging setup, fast-charging speed may not be a priority. However, for frequent long road trips, charging speed becomes a significant consideration. Conducting thorough research can help EV owners make an informed decision.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
