7 Factors That Affect Charging Speed Of An EV Charger

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, many drivers are discovering that not all charging experiences are created equal. You may have noticed that sometimes your EV charges quickly, while other times, it takes longer than expected. That’s because several different factors affect how fast your battery charges.

At EVC Electrical Installations, we understand how important efficient and reliable charging is—especially when every minute counts. With over 1,000 successful EV charger installations in Kent, London, and the Southeast, we’ve earned a reputation for making the EV charging process quick, easy, and hassle-free.

From helping you choose the right charger type to ensuring your installation maximises EV charging speed, we’re here to make your transition to electric driving seamless.

Call us on 01322 761101 or drop us an email at office@evcinstalls.co.uk to find out how we can help you choose the most suitable charging solution for your home or business.

In this blog, we’ll explore the seven key factors that affect charging speed and share some practical advice for getting the most out of your EV charging sessions.

1. Charging Station Type

One of the most critical factors in determining your EV charging speed is the charger type you’re using. The impact of charging station type on speed is hard to overstate—different charging stations offer different power output levels, affecting how fast your battery can recharge.

Slow chargers (typically 3kW) are perfect for overnight home charging but are not ideal when in a rush. Fast chargers (7kW to 22kW) are commonly found in public car parks and workplaces and offer a good balance between speed and accessibility. Then, there are rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, which can deliver 50kW to over 150kW. These are designed for quick top-ups and can significantly reduce your EV charging time—provided your vehicle supports such speeds.

2. Battery Capacity

The size of your EV’s battery or capacity is crucial in charging speed. Larger batteries can store more energy, usually meaning they take longer to charge fully. However, they often support higher charging rates, allowing you to add more range in less time under the right conditions.

It’s also worth noting that battery capacity affects how charging speed is perceived. For example, two cars might charge at the same power output, but the one with the bigger battery might appear to charge slower because it takes longer to reach full capacity.

3. Battery Health And Age

Over time, an EV battery naturally degrades, impacting how quickly it charges. Poor battery health can limit the maximum EV charging rate, especially when using fast charging stations. A well-maintained battery not only lasts longer but also charges more efficiently.

To preserve your battery, avoid frequent charging to 100% or letting the battery drop to 0%. Keeping it between 20% and 80% is a good rule of thumb for everyday use.

4. Thermal Management System And Battery Temperature Impact

Temperature plays a significant role in charging speed. EV batteries work best within a specific temperature range. If the battery is too hot or cold, the system may reduce the charging rate to protect the components. This is known as the battery temperature impact.

A sound thermal management system helps maintain the battery at an ideal temperature, improving EV battery charging speed. Some EVs offer battery preconditioning, which warms or cools the battery before charging starts, ensuring more efficient power delivery.

5. Charging Cable And Connection Quality

Believe it or not, your charging cable can also influence charging speed. If the cable is not rated for high power levels or the connection is loose or worn out, the system might throttle the power output to avoid overheating or electrical faults.

Ensure you’re using a certified, compatible cable for your EV and check it regularly for any signs of wear and tear. When using public chargers, ensure the plug is connected correctly before starting the session.

6. Power Source And Voltage Supply

The power source that your charger is connected to also affects speed. A home wall box charger connected to a single-phase supply (standard in UK homes) usually delivers less power than a three-phase system. This difference in voltage supply means that charging times can vary even when using the same charger model.

In some cases, public chargers might be affected by local grid demand or energy limitations, resulting in reduced charging station power output during peak hours. Charging during off-peak times can speed up the process and lower energy costs.

7. State Of Charge and Battery Management

Your EV’s internal battery management system plays a big part in how fast it charges. Typically, charging is fastest when the battery is between 20% and 80%. The system often reduces charging speed below 20% or above 80% to prevent stress on the battery cells.

This is why topping up from 80% to 100% can take almost as long as charging from 20% to 80%. If you’re on the go and don’t need a full charge, it’s more time-efficient to unplug once you hit around 80%.

Tips To Maximise Your EV Charging Speed Efficiently

Understanding the factors above can help you optimise your charging habits. Here are some practical tips to maximise your EV charging speed efficiently:

• Precondition your battery before charging, especially in cold weather.
• Use the right charger type based on your location and time constraints.
• Avoid charging to 100% unless you need the full range.
• Check your charging cable for wear and use one rated for the charger’s output.
• Plan your charging sessions during off-peak hours to benefit from stable power output and lower energy costs.
• Monitor your battery health with regular maintenance and software updates if available.

Final Thoughts

As more drivers transition to electric vehicles, understanding what influences EV charging speed becomes increasingly important.

When improving your EV charging speed, installing the correct charger is one of the most critical steps. Based in Kent and serving London and the Southeast, EVC Electrical Installations has a team of fully qualified electricians specialising in EV charger installations tailored to optimise your charging performance.

As recognised installers for leading charge point manufacturers, we ensure a smooth process from the initial site survey to efficient and professional installation. With our knowledge of EV battery charging speed and the factors that influence it, we help you get the most out of your vehicle by reducing EV charging time and enhancing overall vehicle charging performance.

Contact us today and power your EV journey—quickly and efficiently.