{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car in the UK? A Complete Guide","text":"For decades, we’ve measured \"refuelling\" in minutes. Now that we are transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), the most common question is: \"How long does it take to charge an EV?\"","links":[{"name":"How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car in the UK? A Complete Guide","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.co.uk/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/"},{"name":"Electric vehicle charging","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging.html"},{"name":"Electric Vehicle Knowledge Hub","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub.html"},{"name":"How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car in the UK? A Complete Guide","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car in the UK? A Complete Guide","text":"\u003Cp\u003EFor decades, we’ve measured \"refuelling\" in minutes. Now that we are transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), the most common question is: \"How long does it take to charge an EV?\" The answer is, \"it depends.\" Unlike a standard-size petrol tank, EV charging time can vary from 20 minutes to over 12 hours. This isn't a drawback; it's a new mindset. You're no longer just \"filling up\", you're charging at home, at work, or on the road. This guide explains the key factors that determine your EV charging time and provides more precise estimates so you can plan your journeys with confidence.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header"},{"organism":"StandaloneAsset","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/main/section/standalone_asset_cop","model":{"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/_jcr_content/root/main/section/standalone_asset_cop.shellimg.jpeg/1791471645506/electric-car-at-charging-station.jpeg","height":1515,"width":3461}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/main/section/text","model":{"title":"Factors That Influence EV Charging Time:","text":"\u003Cp\u003EBefore we look at average times, it's crucial to understand \u003Ci\u003Ewhy\u003C/i\u003E they vary. The time it takes to charge your EV is a dynamic calculation based on several factors working together.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBattery Size (in kWh):\u003C/b\u003E This is the most straightforward factor. Think of it as the size of your \"fuel tank.\" A car with a large 80kWh battery will take longer to charge than a car with a 40kWh battery, given the same power source.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECharger Power (in kW):\u003C/b\u003E This is the \"speed\" of the \"fuel pump.\" A 7kW home charger delivers power much more slowly than a 150kW ultra-rapid public charger.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EYour Vehicle's Max Charging Rate:\u003C/b\u003E Your car has its own limits. It has a maximum AC charging rate (e.g., 7kW or 11kW) and a maximum DC charging rate (e.g., 100kW). Plugging a 100kW-max car into a 175kW charger will only result in a 100kW charge. The car is in control.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EState of Charge (SOC):\u003C/b\u003E A battery charges fastest when it's nearly empty. To protect the battery's health, the car's Battery Management System (BMS) significantly slows charging speed as it approaches full, especially after 80%. This is known as the \"charging curve.\" Therefore, charging from 20% to 80% is much faster than charging from 80% to 100%.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-size: 0.8125rem;\"\u003EBattery and Ambient Temperature:\u003C/b\u003E Batteries are like humans; they have a preferred temperature range. If the battery is too cold (on a freezing winter day), the BMS will limit the charging speed to protect it until it warms up.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ol\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_725828728","model":{"title":"Average Charging Times by Charger Type","text":"\u003Cp\u003ELet's put those factors into practice. Here are the typical \u003Cb\u003EEV charging times\u003C/b\u003E you can expect in the UK, based on the type of charger you're using. We'll use a 60kWh battery as our example, a standard size for many new EVs.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESlow Charging (e.g., 3kW 3-pin plug)\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ETime (0-100%): ~20-22 hours\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ETime (20-80%): ~12 hours\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFast Charging (e.g., 7kW home wallbox)\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EBest for: The default, everyday overnight charging at home.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ETime (0-100%): ~8.5-9 hours\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ETime (20-80%): ~5 hours \u003Cbr\u003E\r\nThis is the \"wake up with a full tank\" method. You plug in\r\nwhen you get home, and it's ready by morning.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFast Charging (e.g., 22kW public AC)\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EBest for: Destination charging (supermarkets, gyms, work).\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ETime (20-80%): ~3.5 hours (with 11kW on-board)\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERapid Charging (e.g., 50kW public DC)\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EBest for: The standard motorway service stop.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ETime (20-80%): ~35-45 minutes \u003Cbr\u003E\r\nThis has been the backbone of the UK's charging network for years.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EUltra-Rapid Charging (e.g., 150kW+ public DC)\u003C/b\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EBest for: Minimising wait times on busy days, urgent top-ups, or keeping you moving on long journeys.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ETime (20-80%): 30 minutes or less (depending on what speed your EV can take)\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nThis is the real game-changer. For compatible vehicles, this makes EV charging feel almost as fast as a petrol stop.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ol\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_1523378163","model":{"title":"How Battery Capacity Impacts Duration","text":"\u003Cp\u003ETime (in hours) = Battery Size (in kWh) / Charger Power (in kW)\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis is a simplified formula for a perfect world, as it doesn't account for the 80% slowdown or temperature.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EUsing this, you can see the relationship:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EA \u003Cb\u003E60kWh\u003C/b\u003E battery on a 50kW charger: 60 / 50 = 1.2 hours (for a full charge, in theory).\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EA \u003Cb\u003E40kWh\u003C/b\u003E (smaller) battery on a 50kW charger: 40 / 50 = 0.8 hours.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EAn \u003Cb\u003E80kWh\u003C/b\u003E (larger) battery on a 50kW charger: 80 / 50 = 1.6 hours.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe car with the larger battery takes longer to charge, but it will also have a longer range, meaning you'll need to stop less frequently. The key is to match the charge stop to your journey's need; you rarely need to charge from 0% to 100% on a public charger.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_813814836","model":{"title":"Ultra-Rapid Charging: Power in Minutes, Not Hours","text":"\u003Cp\u003EThe development of \u003Cb\u003E150kW+ ultra-rapid charging\u003C/b\u003E is what makes long-distance EV travel truly effortless. These chargers are being installed at key locations, like Shell Recharge hubs, and are designed for high-turnover \"en route\" charging.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen your compatible car and a 150kW charger communicate, the charging time plummets. A 20-minute stop can add 150 miles or more of range. This is why many new EV owners find their \"range anxiety\" disappears after their first long-distance trip.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_800430317","model":{"title":"How Shell Recharge Helps Reduce Wait Times","text":"\u003Cp\u003EWe know that charging time isn't just about the 20 minutes your car is plugged in, as it's also about finding a free charger. Nothing is more frustrating than arriving at a charge point to see it's in use or out of order.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Cb\u003EShell App\u003C/b\u003E is designed to tackle this. It provides \u003Cb\u003Ereal-time charger availability,\u003C/b\u003E so you can \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging/find-an-ev-charge-point.html\"\u003Efind an EV charging point\u003C/a\u003E and check whether a charging spot is free before you even set off. You can plan your route, find a charger, and see that it's operational and ready for you, saving you time and giving you peace of mind.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/main/section/text_200057428","model":{"title":"Making Charging Work for You","text":"\u003Cp\u003EThe key to living with an EV is flexibility:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBase Charging:\u003C/b\u003E Whether at home or a destination, slower charging works in the background while you sleep or work.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOn-the-Go Charging:\u003C/b\u003E Time is everything. This is where the public rapid network shines. It provides the freedom to drive where you want, ensuring you are never tethered to a single location.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EBy combining these options, you ensure your car is always ready. Public charging with Shell Recharge isn't just for long trips; it's for keeping you moving on busy days, offering ultra-rapid speeds that get you back on the road in the time it takes to grab a coffee and eat a snack.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/main/section","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/main","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Footer","children":[{"organism":"Breadcrumb.Large","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/"},{"name":"Electric vehicle charging","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging.html"},{"name":"Electric Vehicle Knowledge Hub","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub.html"},{"name":"How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car in the UK? A Complete Guide","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.co.uk/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car in the UK? A Complete Guide","text":"For decades, we’ve measured \"refuelling\" in minutes. Now that we are transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), the most common question is: \"How long does it take to charge an EV?\"","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell UK"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.co.uk/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-GB"},{"name":"title","value":"How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car in the UK? 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This includes its sponsor and any policies, activities or services offered on the site, by any advertiser on the site or linked to the site.\r\n\r\nThank you for visiting the Shell UK website."},{"name":"themeMode"},{"name":"lastModified","value":"2026-10-28T17:12:49.056Z"},{"name":"dateModified","value":"2026-10-28T17:12Z"},{"name":"themeName","value":"shell-recharge"},{"name":"themePath","value":"/etc.clientlibs/amidala/clientlibs/theme-shell-recharge"},{"name":"themeCss","value":"/etc.clientlibs/amidala/clientlibs/theme-shell-recharge.ACSHASH23a752d535925afba7aeea6dc8e3b8f7.css"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/united-kingdom/en_gb/electric-vehicle-charging/electric-vehicle-knowledge-hub/guide-to-charging-times/jcr_content"}