How Long To Charge Electric Car On 110v?

Charging an electric car on a 110V outlet, or Level 1 charging, typically adds about 4-5 miles of range per hour. For a full charge, the time required varies depending on the battery size: a 24 kWh battery can take 24-30 hours, a 40 kWh battery can take 40-50 hours, a 60 kWh battery can take 50-60 hours, a 75 kWh battery can take 60-75 hours, and a 100 kWh battery can take 80-100 hours. Therefore, the exact time to charge your electric car on a 110V outlet depends on the battery capacity and the initial state of charge.

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular in the USA, many new EV owners are curious about the logistics of charging their cars at home. One of the most common questions is, “How long does it take to charge an electric car on a 110V outlet?”

This guide will help you understand the ins and outs of charging your EV using a standard 110V outlet, also known as Level 1 charging.

Table of Contents

What is Level 1 Charging?

Level 1 charging refers to using a standard 110V household outlet to charge your electric vehicle. This is the most basic and widely accessible form of EV charging, as it requires no special equipment beyond the charging cable that typically comes with the vehicle.

Charging Speed and Time

The main drawback of Level 1 charging is its speed. Charging an electric car on a 110V outlet is significantly slower than other charging options.

On average, a Level 1 charger provides about 4-5 miles of range per hour of charging. This means that for a full charge, it can take anywhere from 24 to 50 hours, depending on the battery size and the initial state of charge.

For example, a typical EV with a 60 completely empty kWh battery would take approximately 50 hours to reach a full charge using a 110V outlet. However, if you only need to charge your car for your daily commute of around 40 miles, you would need about 8-10 hours of overnight charging.

To give you a clearer picture of how long it takes to charge an electric car on a 110V outlet, here’s a summary table:

Battery Size (kWh)	Range Added per Hour (miles)	Time for Full Charge (hours)	Miles Added per 8-hour Overnight Charge
24 kWh	4-5	24-30	32-40
40 kWh	4-5	40-50	32-40
60 kWh	4-5	50-60	32-40
75 kWh	4-5	60-75	32-40
100 kWh	4-5	80-100	32-40

Practical Use Cases for Level 1 Charging

Despite the slow charging speed, Level 1 charging can still be practical for many EV owners, especially those who:

Drive Short Distances Daily: If your daily commute is relatively short (under 40 miles), overnight Level 1 charging can provide enough range to meet your needs.
Have Access to Charging at Work: If you can charge your car at work or other locations during the day, Level 1 charging at home can be a supplementary option.
Own a Plug-in Hybrid: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have smaller batteries than fully electric cars. Level 1 charging can be sufficient to recharge a PHEV overnight.

Installation and Cost

One of the main advantages of Level 1 charging is that it requires no additional installation costs. You can plug your EV into any standard household outlet, making it an attractive option for those who are renting or do not want to invest in a more expensive Level 2 charging station.

Tips for Efficient Level 1 Charging

Charge During Off-Peak Hours: Many utility companies offer lower electricity rates during off-peak hours (typically late at night). Charging your EV during these times can save you money.
Monitor Your Charging: Use your EV’s mobile app or onboard system to monitor the charging process. This can help you optimize charging times and ensure your car is ready when you need it.
Use a Dedicated Circuit: To avoid overloading your home’s electrical system, it’s best to use a dedicated circuit for charging your EV.

Conclusion

Charging your electric car on a 110V outlet is a feasible option for many EV owners, especially those with shorter daily commutes or access to additional charging locations.

While it may not be the fastest method, its convenience and low cost make it an attractive choice for many. By understanding the limitations and planning your charging schedule accordingly, you can effectively use Level 1 charging to keep your electric vehicle ready for the road.