5 reasons your EV isn’t charging as fast as you expected

Wondering why your electric car isn’t charging as fast as you expected? Well, fear not, because we’ve got you covered.

Charging your EV is a bit like charging your phone - it’s not always as straightforward as you’d like it to be. And there’s quite a few factors to consider. So, let’s break down what we need to be looking at if your EV isn’t charging as fast as you thought it would: 

Let’s be honest - bigger isn’t always better. Especially when it comes to charging. A larger battery (higher kWh) will take longer to charge compared to a smaller one. It’s kind of like trying to fill up a bathtub compared to a sink  - one’ll take a bit more time than the other.

Your EV battery level can affect charging rates in two ways, depending on whether you’re charging on a rapid charger or a standard charger:

1. If you’re charging on a rapid charger, you’ve got to think of your EV like that bathtub again. If you’re filling it up, the closer you get to full, the slower you’ll fill the bath, cause you don’t want to get your floor wet.  (usually in fear of overspill). Your EV chargers act in the same way. If you plug your car in at 10%, it’ll be super speedy to charge compared to if you plugged it in at 80%.
2. If you’re charging on a home charger or slow charger, your battery charge’s similar to how your phone would charge - at a steady continued pace.

Some cars can only charge at a certain rate, so the fastest charging isn't always possible on certain models (this could be why your EV is only pulling 80kw at a 150kw charger). It's like trying to make a tortoise run at the speed of a hare – not happening.

In cold weather, it might take a bit longer to charge your EV, even with a rapid charger. Cold temperatures make all cars less efficient (EVs and petrol cars), giving you fewer miles per hour of charging.

The more the merrier doesn't always apply when it comes to charging. If more than one car is plugged into a charger, it can decrease the charging speed of that unit. It's kind of like if you tried to fill two cups from the same tap, they'd both fill up, just at a slower rate.

In the end, charging times vary based on your car, the charger, and the location. Planning ahead can make a world of difference – charge your EV when you're not using it, and you'll be ready to hit the road whenever you need to.

For more information on charging, head to our EV Charging Hub.