Why is your EV charging slowly? Tips to speed up home charging

One of the easiest ways to increase charging speed is to shift from a Level 1 to Level 2 charger
An undated image of an EV car charging. — DepositPhotos
An undated image of an EV car charging. — DepositPhotos

As electric vehicles (EV) become more common worldwide, many owners are looking for ways to reduce charging times at home. 

Although plugging in overnight is convenient, but slow charging can quickly become frustrating, especially for drivers who have to cover long distances or rely on their EV every day.

Fortunately, charging speed is not determined by a single factor. Your charger, home electrical setup, battery condition, and even the weather can all affect how quickly your vehicle replenishes its battery. 

Therefore, understanding these factors can help you get the most out of your home charging setup.

1. Upgrade to a Level 2 charger

One of the easiest ways to increase charging speed is to shift from a Level 1 to a Level 2 charger. Standard Level 1 chargers use a regular 120V household outlet and can take more than 20 hours to fully charge some EVs.

Meanwhile, a Level 2 charger operates on a 240V circuit and can add significantly more range per hour, making overnight charging much more practical for everyday use.

2. Choose the highest safe amperage

Not all chargers deliver the same amount of power. If your home's electrical system can support it, choosing a charger with a higher amperage rating can significantly reduce charging times.

However, it is important to note that your EV's onboard charger also limits how much power the vehicle can accept. Installing a more powerful charger won't always result in faster charging if your vehicle cannot utilise the additional capacity.

3. Install a dedicated circuit

If you're sharing a circuit with large appliances such as dryers, ovens, or air conditioners, it can reduce charging efficiency and even trip breakers.

Here a dedicated 240V circuit helps ensuring stable power delivery and allows your charger to operate at its maximum potential without interruption.

4. Charge between 20% and 80%

EV batteries charge fastest when they are between 20% and 80% capacity. Once the battery reaches higher charge levels, charging speeds naturally slow down to protect battery health.

What causes slow EV charging?

Slow charging is often caused by using a Level 1 charger, sharing electrical circuits, charging in extreme temperatures, using extension cords, or attempting to charge a battery that's already near full capacity.

Moreover, whenever possible, park and charge your vehicle in a garage or shaded area where temperatures remain more stable.

Smart charging features can also help optimise charging performance by managing household electricity usage and ensuring maximum available power reaches your vehicle.