How long does it typically take to charge an EV using a smart charger?

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) using a smart charger at home or work in the UK typically takes anywhere from a few hours to overnight, depending on the charger’s power rating and the EV model’s battery capacity.

Typical Charging Times with Smart Chargers in the UK

Smart chargers regulate charging efficiently and can vary in power output, commonly available in the UK at these key levels:

• 3.6 kW chargers: Often installed at homes or workplaces, these usually take around 18 hours to fully charge some EVs from empty.
• 7 kW chargers: The most common domestic smart charger, typically takes about 8 to 10 hours to fully charge an EV, suitable for overnight charging.
• 22 kW chargers: Usually found at workplaces or public locations, can charge an EV in about 3 hours.
• Rapid chargers (50 kW and above): Public rapid chargers can deliver a 20% to 80% charge in under an hour, with 50 kW chargers taking around 50 minutes, and ultra-rapid 100 kW+ chargers reducing this to about 20–40 minutes for many EVs.

UK Real-World Examples

• A Smart #3 EV charged on a typical home 7 kW smart charger takes about 8 hours and 55 minutes for a full charge, making overnight home charging practical for UK owners.
• Rapid charging at public stations can replenish 20–80% of the battery in around 40 minutes for this model, ideal for business owners needing quick top-ups during the day.
• Earlier Smart models with 3.6 kW chargers take about 18 hours to fully charge, reflecting older battery and charger tech.

Practical Advice for UK Homeowners and Small Business Owners

Benefits of Using Smart EV Chargers

• Cost savings: Smart chargers can be programmed to charge overnight during off-peak electricity hours, reducing running costs under UK Time-of-Use tariffs.
• Energy management: They balance energy load, helping avoid overloads on a home or business electrical system.
• Convenience: Scheduling and remote control via smartphone apps are common, allowing charging when electricity is cheapest or most renewable energy is available.
• Grid support: Smart chargers can integrate with emerging UK smart grid schemes to support local electricity supply and demand.

Common Charging Options & Times for UK Users

Charger Type	Location	Typical Full Charge Time	Suitable Use Case
3.6 kW (Smart)	Home, workplace	18 hours	Overnight charging for smaller EVs
7 kW (Smart)	Home, workplace	8-10 hours	Overnight charging for most EVs
22 kW (Smart)	Workplace, public	About 3 hours	Quick daytime charge for businesses
50 kW Rapid	Public charging points	50 minutes (20-80% charge)	Quick top-up during business hours
100 kW+ Ultra Rapid	Public charging points	20-40 minutes (20-80%)	Fast charging on long journeys

Key Pros of Smart EV Chargers

• Enable efficient energy use with scheduling and load balancing.
• Help reduce electricity bills by charging during off-peak hours.
• Support better battery health with controlled charging speeds.
• Provide remote access and monitoring for convenience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming all chargers charge equally fast: Charger power and vehicle compatibility dictate charging speed.
• Not installing a dedicated EV charger: Relying on a standard 3-pin socket can take 20-30+ hours to fully charge.
• Ignoring home electrical capacity: Older homes may need electrical upgrades for higher power smart chargers.
• Not checking government grants: The UK government offers EV charger installation grants that can reduce upfront costs.

Conclusion

For UK homeowners and small business owners, charging an EV using a smart charger typically takes 8 to 10 hours with a 7 kW home charger, making overnight charging the most practical approach. Faster options like 22 kW chargers (about 3 hours) or public rapid chargers (under an hour for a partial charge) are best for quick turnarounds or business use. Smart chargers add value by saving costs, optimising energy use, and offering convenience, helping UK EV users fully benefit from their electric vehicles.