Ultimate Electric Vehicle Charging Review: Do EVs Charge as Fast as Advertised?

Charging electric vehicles (EVs) remains a hot topic, especially when it comes to the claims made by manufacturers regarding charging speeds. In our comprehensive test, we examined 10 popular EV models to see if they truly charge as quickly as advertised. Join us as we delve into the performance of each vehicle when plugged into ultra-rapid DC chargers and uncover the realities behind charging times.

Understanding EV Charge Curves

To evaluate charging performance effectively, it's essential to comprehend the factors influencing how swiftly an EV battery can absorb a charge. The ambient temperature plays a significant role; most EV batteries perform optimally in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. As batteries charge, they may heat up due to resistive losses, prompting the battery management system to decrease the charge current at higher states of charge to avoid damage.

The Testing Methodology

To ensure fair testing conditions, we calculated 60% charge levels for each vehicle without preconditioning the batteries. With an average ambient temperature of just 13-14 degrees Celsius, we timed how long each vehicle took to add 60% to the battery and also measured their average charging speeds.

Key Findings from the Test

BYD Seal

Battery Size: 82.5 kWh
Claimed Charge Rate: 150 kW
Peak Charge Rate Achieved: 123 kW (5 minutes)
Time to Add 60%: 32 minutes
Avg Charge Rate to 80%: 104 kW
Time to Charge 80-100%: 56 minutes (stopped at 99%)

The BYD Seal started slowly but ramped up before experiencing a significant drop in charge rate after 60% capacity. Strangely, it did not charge beyond 99%.

Citroen e-C3

Battery Size: 44 kWh
Claimed Charge Rate: 100 kW
Peak Charge Rate Achieved: 69 kW (3 minutes)
Time to Add 60%: 34 minutes
Avg Charge Rate to 80%: 57 kW
Time to Charge 80-100%: 47 minutes

Charging was slower than expected, with a disappointing final 10% taking an extended amount of time compared to its mid-charge speed.

Ford Capri

Battery Size: 79 kWh
Claimed Charge Rate: 187 kW
Peak Charge Rate Achieved: 187 kW (2 minutes)
Time to Add 60%: 20 minutes
Avg Charge Rate to 80%: 154 kW
Time to Charge 80-100%: 15 minutes

The Ford Capri showcased impressive performance, achieving its peak rate and maintaining it longer than most, demonstrating excellent charge management.

Kia EV3

Battery Size: 78 kWh
Claimed Charge Rate: 135 kW
Peak Charge Rate Achieved: 128 kW (2 minutes)
Time to Add 60%: 27 minutes
Avg Charge Rate to 80%: 117 kW
Time to Charge 80-100%: 28 minutes

The Kia EV3 excelled in rapid charge sessions but experienced a quick slowdown after reaching 70% capacity.

Peugeot E-3008

Battery Size: 73 kWh
Claimed Charge Rate: 130 kW
Peak Charge Rate Achieved: 123 kW (3 minutes)
Time to Add 60%: 38 minutes
Avg Charge Rate to 80%: 86 kW
Time to Charge 80-100%: 74 minutes

Underwhelming performance marked this model, taking too long to achieve peak rates and degrading efficiency rapidly.

Porsche Taycan

Battery Size: 97 kWh
Claimed Charge Rate: 320 kW
Peak Charge Rate Achieved: 282 kW (3 minutes)
Time to Add 60%: 15 minutes
Avg Charge Rate to 80%: 243 kW
Charge Time 80-100%: N/A (stopped at 93%)

While achieving exceptional charging performance, the Taycan faced a fault at 93%, cutting power abruptly.

Tesla Model Y

Battery Size: 75 kWh
Claimed Charge Rate: 250 kW
Peak Charge Rate Achieved: 145 kW (1 minute)
Time to Add 60%: 30 minutes
Avg Charge Rate to 80%: 103 kW
Time to Charge 80-100%: 63 minutes

Charging was disappointingly slow compared to claims, with significant reduction towards the end of the cycle before stopping at 99%.

Recommendations for EV Charging

Precondition Your Battery: Optimize charging times by ensuring your battery is warmed up using built-in features.
Charge at Lower Battery Levels: Most EVs charge faster below 80% capacity, so plug in early.
Adopt a Splash and Dash Strategy: For quick recharges, charge until sufficient and then top up later at a faster rate.
Plan Journeys Wisely: Check for high-output charging stations along your route to minimize downtime.
Charge at Home When Possible: Overnight charging can help avoid the need for rapid charging during travel.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that while EV manufacturers' claims may set expectations high, the reality reveals a more complex interaction between charging speeds and vehicle management systems. The tested models had an impressive range of performance, highlighting the need for realistic expectations among consumers regarding the charging capabilities of their electric vehicles.

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