How Long Does It Really Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle in Australia?

One of the first questions people ask when thinking about buying an electric vehicle is, “How long does it take to charge?” It’s a fair question. Unlike filling up a petrol car, which only takes a few minutes, EV charging time can vary a lot depending on the type of charger, the size of the battery, and even the electricity setup at your home or business. 
 
In Australia, where more households are switching to EVs each year, understanding charging times helps you decide what kind of charging solution is right for you. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect. 
 
Battery size makes a big difference 
 
Every EV has a different size battery, measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). Think of it like a fuel tank — the bigger it is, the more energy it can hold, and the longer it takes to refill. 
 
For example, a smaller EV such as the Nissan Leaf has a 39 kWh battery. A larger car like the Tesla Model Y can have a 82kWh battery. If you use a basic power point, both will charge very slowly, but the Tesla will take much longer because of its larger capacity. 
 
The three main ways to charge an EV 
 
In Australia, there are three main charging options: plugging into a standard household socket, installing a dedicated wall charger, or using a public fast charging station. 
 
1. Standard household power point 
A normal 240-volt socket can be used with the portable charging cable that comes with most EVs. This is sometimes called trickle charging. It’s the slowest option, adding about 10 to 15 kilometres of driving range per hour of charging. To fully recharge an average EV battery this way can take more than 24 hours. It is handy in an emergency or for very light users, but it isn’t practical as a long-term solution. 
 
2. Home or workplace wall charger (Level 2 AC) 
Most EV owners in Queensland and across Australia choose to install a dedicated wall charger. These chargers usually supply 7 kW on a single-phase connection, which adds around 40 to 50 kilometres of range per hour. This means a typical EV can be charged from empty to full overnight while you sleep. 
 
If your home or business has three-phase power available, you can install a faster 22 kW charger, which can add more than 100 kilometres of range per hour. Not every car can take advantage of three-phase charging, but for those that can it significantly reduces charging time. 
 
3. Public DC fast chargers 
Fast chargers, usually found at highway service stations or shopping centres, bypass the onboard charger in the car and deliver direct current (DC) straight into the battery. They range from 50 kW to 350 kW depending on the site. At the lower end, a 50 kW unit can charge an EV to 80 per cent in about an hour. At the top end, a 350 kW ultra-fast charger can add 300 kilometres of range in under 20 minutes. 
 
Real-world examples 
 
Take the Hyundai Kona Electric, which has a 64 kWh battery. On a normal power point it can take around 30 hours to fully charge. With a 7 kW wall charger that time drops to about 9 hours. On a 50 kW fast charger it reaches 80 per cent in just over an hour, and with a 350 kW ultra-fast charger it takes under 50 minutes to hit 80 per cent. 
 
The Tesla Model 3, with a 60 kWh battery, takes a similar amount of time. On a wall charger at home, it recharges in about 8 hours. Using Tesla’s Supercharger network, which supplies up to 250 kW, it can be topped up to 80 per cent in around 25 minutes. 
 
These examples show how the charging time varies depending on both the car and the charging method. 
 
Why most Australians install a home wall charger 
 
While public fast charging is excellent for long road trips, most EV owners in Queensland rely on home charging for day-to-day use. Installing a dedicated 7 kW wall charger is the most practical option because: 
 
- You can simply plug in at night and wake up with a full battery. 
- It is far cheaper than using public charging stations, especially if you have access to off-peak electricity rates. 
- If you have rooftop solar, you can program your charger to run during the day and use free solar power instead of buying from the grid. 
- A good quality charger is designed to last for years and is safer and more efficient than using a regular power point. 
 
The bottom line 
 
The question of how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle doesn’t have a single answer, because it depends on the setup you choose. If you rely on a normal power point, it could take more than a full day. With a dedicated wall charger at home, it usually takes between 6 and 10 hours, which is why it’s the option most households choose. Public fast chargers are excellent for road trips and quick top-ups, but they are not designed to replace home charging. 
 
For anyone in Queensland looking at EV ownership, the most important step is making sure you have the right charging solution at home or at your business. The convenience of overnight charging, the cost savings from using off-peak power or solar, and the peace of mind of having your car ready to go each morning make it the most practical option.