One of the biggest questions new and experienced EV drivers ask is: how long does it actually take to charge an electric car?
The truth is, there isn’t a single answer - charging speed depends on your car’s battery, the type of charger you plug into, and even the weather. But don’t worry: we’ll break it down step by step, and give you real-world charging times for some of the UK’s most popular EVs in 2025.
Whether you’re planning a long road trip, or just want to know how much time to budget for a motorway pit stop, this guide has you covered.
Let’s get plugged in…
Charging basics - the short version
If you only remember one thing, it’s this: EV charging is measured in kilowatts (kW), which is the speed of the charger. The higher the kW, the faster the charge.
AC chargers (typically 7- 22 kW) are the ones you’ll find at home, workplaces, or on streets - good for overnight charging.
DC rapid chargers (50 - 350 kW) are what you’ll find on the public network, at motorway services or dedicated charging hubs. These are what matter most for quick top-ups.
Because charging slows down as you get closer to full, the industry benchmark is 10 - 80%. That’s the sweet spot: fast, efficient, and kinder to your battery.
What affects charging time?
Even with a powerful public charger, different EVs charge at different speeds. Here’s why:
Battery size: Bigger batteries take longer to fill - though they also go further.
Max charging power of the car: Your EV can only accept so much power. Plugging into a 350 kW charger won’t help if your car’s limit is 125 kW.
Battery temperature: Cold or very hot conditions can slow charging down. Many EVs pre-condition the battery to help.
Charger output: A 150 kW charger might be “shared” with another car, giving you less power.
State of charge: The closer you are to full, the slower the charging curve gets.
Real-world comparison: popular 2025 EVs in the UK
Here’s what you’re really here for - actual charging times. Below are 10 - 80% rapid charging estimates for six of the UK’s best-selling EVs in 2025. These assume you’re plugged into a working high-power DC charger, with the battery in good condition.
Model
Max DC charging power
10–80% time (approx.)
What that means in practice
Tesla Model Y
Up to ~250 kW
24–27 mins
Enough time for a quick snack stop
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Up to 350 kW
18–20 mins
One of the fastest-charging cars on sale
Kia EV6
Up to 350 kW
~18 mins
Coffee and stretch break, then back on the road
VW ID.4
Up to ~135 kW
~28 mins
A standard motorway break
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Up to ~150 kW
35–41 mins
Better suited to a longer stop
Renault Mégane E-Tech
Up to 130 kW
~32 mins
A steady top-up while you grab lunch
Note: These times are estimates. Real-world results vary depending on conditions, charger, and battery temperature.
Tesla’s best-seller remains popular thanks to its strong charging network and decent efficiency. On a Tesla Supercharger (V3), you can expect 10 - 80% in around 25 minutes - just long enough to stretch your legs.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
This car shook the industry with its 800V charging system, allowing it to add hundreds of miles in under 20 minutes on a 350 kW charger. In the UK, that’s about as quick as it gets.
Kia EV6
Sharing the same 800V architecture as the IONIQ 5, the EV6 is equally speedy. A well-placed 18-minute stop will get you back on the road with plenty of range.
Volkswagen ID.4
The ID.4 charges at a lower peak speed, but ~28 minutes for a 10 - 80% charge is still perfectly manageable. Think of it as your average motorway service station break.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
A bigger battery and slower charging curve means the Mach-E takes longer - typically 35 - 40 minutes for 10 - 80%. If you’re driving long distances, plan for a proper sit-down coffee or lunch.
Renault Mégane E-Tech
Compact but practical, the Mégane E-Tech charges at up to 130 kW. A half-hour stop gets you most of the way topped up - not bad for a smaller battery.
How to estimate charging time for your EV
Even if your exact model isn’t in the table, you can estimate charging time with a quick formula:
Take your battery size (usable capacity in kWh).
Multiply by the percentage you want to add (10 - 80% = 70%).
Divide by the average charging power your car can accept.
A 60 kWh battery × 0.7 = 42 kWh to add. If your car averages 115 kW on a 150 kW charger, that’s 42 ÷ 115 ≈ 0.36 hours, or around 22 minutes.
Tips for faster charging in the UK
Arrive low: You’ll get the best speeds between 10 - 40%.
Precondition your battery: Some EVs let you warm up the pack before a fast charge.
Pick higher-power hubs: Not all “rapid” chargers are equal. Check your app before heading out.
Avoid peak times: Busy motorway services can mean waiting or shared power.
Don’t wait for 100%: Above 80%, charging slows right down - save it for when you really need maximum range.
Not unless you need to. Regularly charging to 100% can wear out the battery faster - stick to 80% for daily use.
How long is a “typical” pit stop?
On most 2025 EVs, expect 20 - 35 minutes for a decent motorway top-up - about the same as grabbing a sandwich, stretching your legs, and using the loo.
