How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

2021 BMW 530e blue charging

 

When it comes to charging your Johns Creek commuting electric vehicle (EV), you have a few options available. Because of this, there’s no one answer to the question, “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” The answer for your situation will depend on what you’re using to charge your EV, as well as what size, make, and model EV you have. On top of that, like any other battery-powered device, the charge-percentage you start at will also change the amount of time it takes to charge.

Keep reading to learn more about the three main types of electric vehicle charging – standard domestic, rapid domestic, and public – and how your use of one over the others will end up determining your EV’s total charge time. Then check out our research hub to learn more about our efficient options.

Electric Car Charging Time by Charge Type

Let’s get down to answering the question, “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” Like we said, there are three core types of charging: standard domestic, rapid domestic, and public stations. These are also known by their respective level names, 1, 2, and 3. All three options offer differing levels of charge efficiency. Read below to find out more!

Level 1: Standard Domestic Charging (Normal Outlet)

The slowest of the three charging methods makes use of a normal, grounded, three-prong 110-volt or 120-volt outlet. It doesn’t offer a very fast charge but it’s still dependable for getting a charge into your vehicle overnight, or in some cases over the weekend.

Level 2: Rapid Domestic Charging (Upgraded Outlet)

Typically only available with professional installation, level 2 charging, also known as rapid domestic charging, is a reliable method of charging that provides a middle ground for electric car charging time, between standard domestic charging and the much faster public charging stations. Some of these chargers can obtain an 80% charge in as little as a half-hour – but moving that sort of power into your vehicle, again, surely demands the attention of a professional installation.

Level 3: Public Charging (Fastest Method)

Similar to a Marietta area gas station, a public charging station is a publicly accessible utility that allows you to hook up to the fastest charging method available for your EV. You’ll often find these stations outside of major stores, next to gas stations, or in public transit areas like park n’ rides. While these stations do vary in size and speed, they can still be relied upon for *at least* the performance of a level 2 charger, if not much faster when using their 150kw potential.

United BMW, Your EV Resource!

As you saw above, electric vehicles, depending on what source they’re hooked up to, can charge in as little as an hour or up to as long as a couple of days. If you’d like more in-depth information regarding BMW Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) you can turn to the professionals at United BMW! We can help you choose your next fuel-efficient vehicle, and then work with you to find financing.

More from United BMW

  • HOW IT STACKS UP! BMW X3 VS THE FIELD

    2026 BMW X3 vs. the Field: How It Stacks Up Against the GLC, RX 350, and Q5 Every few years a luxury automaker redesigns its best seller and the internet loses its mind. The fourth generation BMW X3 did exactly that. Some people loved the sharper, flatter, angrier face. Some people wanted to write strongly…

  • BMW IS DOMINATING THE LUXURY CAR MARKET

    For years, the luxury automotive conversation started and ended with Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class was the benchmark. The three-pointed star was the symbol of arrival. But the data tells a different story in 2025. The Crown Is Already in Munich This race is not close. BMW shipped 2,200,177 vehicles globally in 2024, outselling Mercedes-Benz with a…

  • The All-New 2026 BMW iX3 Is Here! It Changes Everything

      Let’s be honest: the electric SUV market has been crowded for a while. There are good options out there. But for BMW those were not good enough. The all-new 2026 BMW iX3 isn’t just a new model, it’s the official debut of BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, which translates to “New Class.” The original New…

Get Directions

1501 Alpharetta Highway, Alpharetta, GA, 30009
United BMW 34.0671538, -84.3177635.