What is a charging curve?
Charge your EV when you're on the go
An introduction to a common phenomenon that can see your EV charge at different speeds
New to the world of electric vehicles, or thinking about making the switch? It's common to question how long it might take to charge your EV. In this article, we go into detail about one specific phenomenon that can impact the speed at which your EV charges: the charging curve.
What is a charging curve?
A charging curve refers to the different speeds your vehicle charges at during a singular charging session.
How do charging curves work?
Typically, an EV with a low battery initially charges slowly when plugged into a charger. As the vehicle’s battery gains charge, the rate of charging tends to increase to either the maximum available power output of the charger you are using or the maximum charge rate of your specific EV, depending on which is smaller. The maximum charge rate for your specific EV will depend on its make and model. If you’re unsure what your vehicles maximum charge rate is, you should be able to find this in your vehicle handbook.
As the battery becomes fuller, the charging rate slows down. This tends to happen when the battery is at around 80% capacity (or 80% ‘state of charge’) to protect the battery and ensure its longevity, though this again depends on the make and manufacturer. To learn more about charging to 80%, click here.
In other words, an EV doesn’t simply start charging at its fastest rate straight away—it depends on how full the battery is when you reach a charger and the state of charge at which its charging rate slows.
Is the charging curve the only factor that impacts EV charging speed?
Understanding the charging curve for your vehicle is helpful to know what the speed of your charging might be. However, other factors can also impact charging times, such as the type of charger you are using, the ambient temperature, and the condition of your vehicle's battery.
Planning your journey with the charging curve in mind can help you better estimate how long it will take to charge your EV. For example, if your battery is particularly low, you might allocate more time for charging at first. Or, you might be aware that your battery charging slows down or stops beyond 80%, and adjust your charging strategy accordingly. Need to top up quick? Consider stopping to charge before your vehicle reaches low battery to speed up the rate of charging.
