Why your EV charger is slower at home: The impact of battery size

If charging your EV at home feels slower than at a public station, it’s because home chargers operate at a lower power level compared to the high-powered DC fast chargers available at public charging stations. This difference in power output can make home charging seem like it takes much longer, especially if you’re used to the speed of public chargers.

One of the main reasons behind this slower charging is your EV’s battery size. Larger battery capacities naturally require more energy, which means more time to reach full charge, particularly with a standard home charger.

If your vehicle’s battery is on the larger side, longer charging times at home are expected. Knowing how your battery size affects charging can help you decide whether upgrading to a faster home charger is a smart choice for reducing downtime.

How Battery Size Affects Charging Speed and Energy Consumption

When considering the size of your battery, it’s important to understand that larger batteries generally take more time to charge and require more energy. This means if your battery is bigger, it will consume more power from your charger, leading to longer charging times.

Longer charging times may impact your routine, requiring adjustments to your charging schedule. An EV charger with smart features, such as scheduling and load management, can help reduce electricity costs by charging during off-peak hours and maintain safe levels of home energy usage

Choosing the Right Charger Based on Your Battery Size

Level 1 Chargers: Are They Too Slow for Bigger Batteries?

Level 1 EV charging uses a single-phase 230V connection and is the slowest option for AC charging. With power rates ranging from 1.8kW to 2.4kW, this type of charging can be done using regular home wiring, provided no other high-demand appliances are running on the same circuit. This makes it an accessible choice for EV drivers who don’t need rapid charging and have shorter daily commutes.

Level 2 Chargers: A Faster Option for Medium to Large Batteries

Level 2 EV charging also uses a single-phase 230V connection for homes, but can scale up to a three-phase 400V connection for residential and commercial applications. Charging rates range from 3.6kW to 9.6kW for home setups, with larger systems reaching up to 22kW for faster charging. Most home chargers like the Tesla Gen 3, Evnex E2, or Teltocharge are Level 2, making them common for personal use. If you’re purchasing an untethered charger, you will need a separate charging cable.

Level 3 Chargers: When You Need Rapid Charging for Large Batteries

Level 3 EV charging, also known as DC fast charging, converts three-phase AC power to Direct Current (DC) at the charging station. These chargers deliver power from 25kW to 350kW, allowing for extremely fast charging times. However, due to the high cost and complexity, these DC chargers are primarily found at public charging stations, as home installations are impractical and can cost anywhere between $50,000 to $100,000.

How AC vs. DC Charging Affects Charging Speed for Larger Batteries

When charging an Electric Vehicle (EV), you’ll often hear about two types of charging: AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current). The main difference between the two is how quickly they charge your EV. AC chargers are generally slower because they first need to be converted by the car before being stored in the battery. On the other hand, DC chargers deliver power directly to the battery, making them much faster.

The size of your battery also affects how different charging types perform. Larger batteries naturally take longer to charge, and while AC charging is slower, it’s typically sufficient for overnight charging or during long breaks. For those with larger batteries and limited time, DC charging is a possible option, as it significantly reduces charging time. Although DC chargers for home use are relatively new, their availability is steadily growing.

Choosing the right charger depends on your battery size and daily charging needs. For most EV owners, AC charging is cost-effective and sufficient. However, for those who need the fastest charging times, especially with larger batteries, a DC charger might be the optimal choice to save time and ensure your vehicle is always ready to go.

What Other Factors Slow Down Charging at Home?

Charging your EV isn’t just about plugging in—it’s about making sure everything is set up for the best possible charge. From your car’s battery health to the weather and your home charger, a few key factors can make a big difference in how fast your vehicle is ready to hit the road.

Battery condition and age

The health of an EV battery directly impacts how efficiently it can be charged. As Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries age, their capacity decreases, which slows down charging. Factors like frequent deep discharges and exposure to extreme temperatures can accelerate battery degradation. For example, older batteries or those exposed to harsh conditions might take longer to charge, affecting your vehicle’s charging time and efficiency.

Weather and temperature impacts

Environmental factors, especially temperature, play a big role in charging speeds. Cold weather can reduce the efficiency of an EV battery, meaning it takes longer to fully charge. Colder temperatures might reduce range and extend charging times by up to 10%. On the other hand, high temperatures can also slow down charging as the vehicle’s system works to prevent overheating. It’s common for EVs like the Tesla Model or Nissan Leaf to charge more slowly in extreme temperatures due to battery protection features.

Home electrical system and charging infrastructure

Your home’s electrical system also affects how quickly your EV charges. The power capacity of your home charger, whether it’s a single-phase or three-phase system, directly impacts charging speed. A Level 2 home EV charger on a dedicated 3-phase circuit will charge faster than a Level 1 charger on a standard 230 volt outlet. If your home’s wiring isn’t capable of handling higher amperage, it will slow down charging significantly. For larger EV batteries, a properly optimised charging station is essential to avoid longer wait times.

Tips for improving EV charging time

To reduce the impact on charging time, it’s important to maintain your EV battery health by regularly charging and keeping the battery level between 20% and 80%. Avoid using fast chargers or DC charging stations in extreme temperatures, and try to prevent the battery from dropping below 20%. Charging indoors, such as in a garage, can help control the ambient temperature, while using your EV’s preconditioning feature can optimise the vehicle’s battery performance during extreme weather.

Upgrading your home’s electrical setup can make a big difference in charging speeds. Installing a Level 2 home EV charger and ensuring your electrical system can handle the load with help from an electrician will significantly improve performance. Charging during off-peak hours can reduce costs, and using smart charging features will help monitor your EV’s charging patterns, making sure your vehicle is ready for those longer trips.

How Long Does Charging Really Take with Different Battery Sizes?

Charging times for Tesla vehicles can vary based on the model, battery size, and charger type. For example, the Tesla Model 3 with a standard range battery can take between 20 to 40 hours to fully charge using a Level 1 charger, adding about 3 to 4 miles of range per hour. Using a Level 2 charger, which is common for home setups, you can fully charge the Model 3 in about 8 to 12 hours. With Level 3 Superchargers, the charging time drops dramatically—reaching 80% in just 25 to 30 minutes, perfect for road trips or quick top-ups.

Larger Tesla models, like the Model S with a 100kWh battery, require more time. A Level 1 charger might take up to 70 hours to fully charge the battery, while a Level 2 charger will typically take around 11 to 12 hours. However, with a Supercharger, the Model S can gain approximately 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, making it much more convenient for longer trips.

Top-Up Charging: A Strategy to Manage Slow Home Charging

Top-up charging means connecting your electric car to a charger multiple times for short periods rather than waiting for a single long session to fully charge the battery. This method is especially useful for EV drivers with larger battery capacities, as it reduces the extended charging times often required when running the battery low.

Is it Time to Upgrade Your Charger Based on Your Battery Size?

Your electric car’s battery capacity is key to understanding why charging at home might feel slow. Larger EV batteries, like those in a Tesla Model S, take much longer to charge using Level 1 EV chargers, as they only add a small amount of range per hour of charging. If your vehicle’s battery capacity is large and you’re finding it takes too long to charge, it may be time to upgrade.

Upgrading to a Level 2 charger is often necessary for electric cars with larger battery capacities. Level 2 EV chargers provide faster charging speeds, significantly cutting down the time it takes to charge compared to a Level 1 charger. For example, instead of waiting over 40 hours to fully charge a larger battery, a Level 2 charger can do the job in around 8 to 12 hours, making it much more convenient for daily use.

By matching your EV charger to your vehicle’s max charge rate, you’ll benefit from faster, more efficient charging. With a Level 2 charger, you’ll add more range per hour of charging, ensuring your electric car is ready to go when you need it, and reducing the downtime associated with slow charging.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Upgrade Your Home Charger

Upgrading to a faster, more efficient EV charger is a great decision if your electric car has a larger battery capacity and a higher max charge rate. A Level 2 home charger can cut your charging time drastically, reducing it from 40+ hours with a Level 1 charger to just 8 to 12 hours. This not only saves you time but also ensures your EV is always ready for use without the long wait.

Upgrading can also help lower your energy costs. A Level 2 charger is more efficient and allows you to charge during off-peak hours, which can reduce your energy bills. Keeping your vehicle’s battery capacity within an optimal range through consistent charging cycles also helps extend battery life, providing long-term savings.

With Valour Services, you can trust that your charger installation will be handled by professionals who prioritise quality and transparency. Whether you’re upgrading to a Level 2 charger or looking for tailored advice, Valour Services ensures your installation is smooth, efficient, and perfectly suited to your home’s electrical setup.

Transparent Pricing: Solid Service, No Surprises

We believe that transparency is essential in building lasting relationships with our clients. Our upfront pricing ensures that the quoted price covers the full scope of work with no hidden costs. Additionally, we are adaptable to any requests or alterations you may have during the course of your project.

To see how our upfront pricing policy aligns with your specific project, contact us for a free consultation and detailed quote. We aim to provide you with peace of mind and exceptional value.

Why Choose Valour Services?

When it comes to delivering your electrical project, we want you to have the best experience possible. We will:

• Take the time to understand your specific requirements
• Tailor a solution for you
• Deliver quality workmanship
• Provide exceptional value
• Be available for questions, after service and warranty

Choose Valour Services, your trusted partner for exceptional service.