By EV Charge Cost Editorial Team. Published September 28, 2026, updated October 26, 2026.
A full charge from empty is the worst case, and it is rare in daily life. Still, it is the number people ask about, and it is easy to calculate: the energy the car draws from the wall for its full EPA range, divided by the charging power.
The formula
Energy from the wall (kWh) = EPA range × kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100. Because the EPA efficiency figure is measured at the wall, this already includes charging losses. Hours = that energy ÷ charging power in kW.
Full-charge times for popular models
Each model uses its representative trim's EPA range and efficiency. Power levels follow the 80% continuous-load rule: 12 A on a 15 A household circuit, and 16, 32 or 48 A at 240 V.
| Model | Energy from wall | 120 V (1.44 kW) | 16 A (3.84 kW) | 32 A (7.68 kW) | 48 A (11.52 kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 90.5 kWh | 62 h 52 min | 23 h 35 min | 11 h 47 min | 7 h 52 min |
| Tesla Model 3 | 91.3 kWh | 63 h 22 min | 23 h 46 min | 11 h 53 min | 7 h 55 min |
| Tesla Model S | 113.1 kWh | 78 h 31 min | 29 h 26 min | 14 h 43 min | 9 h 49 min |
| Tesla Model X | 112.7 kWh | 78 h 15 min | 29 h 20 min | 14 h 40 min | 9 h 47 min |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 139.4 kWh | 96 h 50 min | 36 h 19 min | 18 h 9 min | 12 h 6 min |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | 100.1 kWh | 69 h 32 min | 26 h 5 min | 13 h 2 min | 8 h 42 min |
| Chevrolet Blazer EV | 100.9 kWh | 70 h 3 min | 26 h 16 min | 13 h 8 min | 8 h 45 min |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | 141.7 kWh | 98 h 25 min | 36 h 54 min | 18 h 27 min | 12 h 18 min |
These are wall-power calculations. If your car's onboard charger accepts less than the charger supplies, use the onboard rating instead: a car limited to an example 7.2 kW onboard charger takes the same time on the 32 A and 48 A units. See onboard charger limits.
Why real sessions differ
- You rarely start from empty. Charging from 20% to 80% needs 60% of the energy, so about 7 h 43 min at 32 A for the typical EV above.
- The last few percent are slower. Charging tapers near full to protect the battery.
- Cold weather. Battery heating uses some of the power, so it takes longer to add the same range.
- Your daily limit. Many owners set a charge limit below 100% for everyday use; see should you charge to 100%.
- Real-world range. Highway driving and winter use more energy than the EPA rating, but the battery holds the same kWh, so a full charge takes about the same time regardless.
What it means for everyday charging
What matters day to day is replacing what you drove. The average 37-mile day at 13,500 miles a year needs about 12.4 kWh for a 33.5 kWh/100 mi EV:
- Level 1 — 120 V, 12 A: 8 h 36 min
- Level 2 — 240 V, 16 A: 3 h 14 min
- Level 2 — 240 V, 32 A: 1 h 37 min
- Level 2 — 240 V, 40 A: 1 h 17 min
- Level 2 — 240 V, 48 A: 1 h 5 min
So even the slowest option refills a normal day overnight, while a full charge from empty on 120 V can take 2.6–4.1 days for the models above.
And the cost?
Time and cost are independent. The full charge for the typical EV above costs about $17.95 at the U.S. average price of 18.16¢/kWh (August 2026), whether it takes one night or three. For state-by-state figures see the cost to fully charge an electric car, and for any mileage try the charging time calculator.