Wondering about charging times for hybrid cars? Generally, it takes anywhere from a few hours to overnight to fully charge a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), depending on the charging method used and the battery size.
The world of automobiles is changing fast. More and more people are looking at hybrid cars. These cars use both gasoline and electricity. This helps save fuel and lower emissions. A big question for many is: “How long does it take to charge a hybrid car?” This guide will give you all the answers you need. We’ll explore the different types of hybrids, charging speeds, and what affects how long charging takes.
Image Source: www.greencarguide.co.uk
What is a Hybrid Car?
Before we dive into charging times, let’s quickly define what a hybrid car is. There are a few types:
- Traditional Hybrids (HEVs): These cars have a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The electric motor helps the engine, especially when starting or at low speeds. They can also recapture energy when you brake. You cannot plug these cars in to charge them. Their batteries charge themselves automatically.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These are what most people mean when they ask about charging a hybrid car. PHEVs have a larger battery than traditional hybrids. You can plug them into an external power source to charge the battery. This allows them to travel on electric power alone for a significant distance before the gasoline engine kicks in.
This guide will focus primarily on PHEVs, as these are the ones that require external charging.
Factors Affecting Hybrid Battery Charging Duration
Several key things influence how long it takes to charge a PHEV. Think of it like filling a water bottle: the size of the bottle and the speed of the tap both matter.
1. Battery Size (kWh)
Just like a phone, a hybrid car has a battery. The bigger the battery, the longer it will take to fill it up with electricity. Battery sizes for PHEVs vary. Some have smaller batteries for shorter electric-only ranges, while others have larger ones for longer electric driving. A larger battery will naturally take more time to charge.
2. State of Charge (SoC)
You rarely need to charge a PHEV from completely empty to completely full. Most people charge their cars overnight or when the battery is partially depleted. Charging from 50% to 80% will be much faster than charging from 10% to 100%. The final few percent of charging often slow down to protect the battery.
3. Charging Level and Speed
This is a crucial factor. There are different ways to charge a PHEV, and each has a different speed. We’ll get into these levels in more detail later, but generally, faster chargers mean shorter charging times.
4. Car’s Onboard Charger
Every PHEV has a built-in charger. This charger limits how fast the car can accept electricity. Even if you use a very fast charger, the car’s onboard charger might not be able to handle that speed, slowing down the charging process.
5. External Temperature
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect charging speed. Very cold batteries might charge slower to protect themselves. Very hot temperatures can also cause the car’s systems to slow charging to prevent overheating.
Charging Levels Explained
When we talk about EV charging time or hybrid battery charging duration, we often refer to charging levels. These levels dictate the speed and type of equipment used.
Level 1 Charging
This is the most basic type of charging.
- What it is: Level 1 charging uses a standard household outlet (like the one you plug your toaster into).
- How it works: You plug a special cord (often called an EVSE – Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) into the outlet and then into your car.
- Charging Speed: Level 1 is the slowest. It typically adds about 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging.
- How Long Does It Take To Charge A Hybrid Car (Level 1): For a PHEV, a full charge using Level 1 can take anywhere from 8 to 16 hours or even more, depending on the battery size. This is often done overnight. It’s suitable for PHEVs with smaller batteries or for drivers who don’t need a full charge every day.
Level 2 Charging
This is a more common and faster way to charge.
- What it is: Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt outlet, similar to what an electric dryer or oven uses. You can install a Level 2 charger at home or find them at public charging stations.
- How it works: It requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit and a Level 2 charging station. The charging cable connects the station to your car.
- Charging Speed: Level 2 is significantly faster than Level 1. It typically adds about 10 to 60 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger’s amperage and the car’s onboard charger capacity.
- How Long Does It Take To Charge A Hybrid Car (Level 2): Charging a hybrid car with Level 2 usually takes 1 to 4 hours for a full charge, again, depending on the battery size and the charger’s power output. This is the most practical option for many PHEV owners for overnight charging at home or quick top-ups when out and about.
Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging)
This is for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and most PHEVs are not designed for this type of charging.
- What it is: Level 3 charging, also known as DC Fast Charging, uses a high-voltage direct current (DC) supply.
- How it works: These are large, powerful charging stations found in public places.
- Charging Speed: Level 3 can add hundreds of miles of range in less than an hour.
- How Long Does It Take To Charge A Hybrid Car (Level 3): Most PHEVs do not support Level 3 charging. Their onboard chargers are designed for AC power from Level 1 and Level 2. Attempting to use a Level 3 charger with a PHEV will likely not work or could potentially damage the vehicle. The focus for PHEVs is on AC charging.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a PHEV at Home?
Home charging time is a primary concern for PHEV owners. Most PHEVs are charged at home, either overnight or during the day.
Using Level 1 at Home
- Pros: Simple, no special installation needed, uses a standard outlet.
- Cons: Very slow. May not fully charge a larger battery overnight if you drive a lot.
- Typical Scenario: If your PHEV has a 10 kWh battery and you drive 30 miles per day, Level 1 charging (adding ~3 miles/hour) would take about 10 hours to replace that. This is manageable for overnight charging.
Using Level 2 at Home
- Pros: Much faster, practical for full overnight charging, maximizes electric driving.
- Cons: Requires professional installation of a 240-volt outlet and charger.
- Typical Scenario: A PHEV with a 15 kWh battery could be fully charged in about 2-3 hours using a 32-amp Level 2 charger. This offers great flexibility.
Table: Estimated Home Charging Times for PHEVs
| Battery Size (kWh) | Level 1 Charging (2kW) – Miles/Hour Added | Estimated Full Charge Time (Level 1) | Level 2 Charging (7kW) – Miles/Hour Added | Estimated Full Charge Time (Level 2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | ~4-5 | 2-3 hours | ~20-25 | ~0.5-1 hour |
| 15 | ~3-4 | 3-4 hours | ~18-22 | ~1-1.5 hours |
| 20 | ~2-3 | 7-10 hours | ~15-20 | ~1.5-2 hours |
| 25 | ~2 | 10-12 hours | ~12-18 | ~2-2.5 hours |
Note: These are estimates. Actual charging times can vary based on the specific car model, battery health, ambient temperature, and charger efficiency. “Miles/Hour Added” for Level 2 is an approximation and depends heavily on the car’s efficiency.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a PHEV at Public Charging Stations?
Public charging time for PHEVs is similar to home charging, but you’ll primarily find Level 2 chargers available.
- Level 2 Public Chargers: These are common at shopping centers, workplaces, and parking garages. They offer a convenient way to top up your battery while you’re busy.
- How long to charge PHEV at a public Level 2: Expect similar times to home Level 2 charging, around 1 to 4 hours for a full charge. This is great for running errands or during a workday.
- Level 1 Public Chargers: Less common, but some locations might offer them. These will be very slow, as discussed before.
- Level 3 (DC Fast Chargers): As mentioned, most PHEVs cannot use these. If you see a very fast charger, it’s likely intended for fully electric vehicles.
How to Optimize Your PHEV Charging
To get the most out of your PHEV and minimize charging times, consider these tips:
- Install a Level 2 Home Charger: This is the single biggest improvement you can make. It drastically reduces charging times and makes daily electric driving much more feasible.
- Charge Regularly: Don’t wait for the battery to be completely empty. Plug in whenever it’s convenient, especially overnight. This keeps your battery in a good state of charge and maximizes your electric range.
- Check Your Car’s Settings: Many PHEVs allow you to schedule charging. You can set it to charge during off-peak electricity hours to save money.
- Use Smart Charging Apps: Some charging stations and home chargers offer apps that let you monitor and control your charging, find other stations, and even get notifications.
- Precondition Your Cabin: Before you unplug your car to drive, use the car’s preconditioning feature (if available) while it’s still plugged in. This uses the power from the charger to heat or cool the cabin, saving battery power for driving.
Specific Examples of Popular PHEVs and Their Charging Times
Let’s look at some common PHEVs and what you can expect:
Toyota Prius Prime
- Battery Size: Around 13.6 kWh.
- Electric Range: Roughly 25-30 miles.
- Level 1 Charging: Takes about 5.5 hours for a full charge.
- Level 2 Charging: Takes about 2.5 hours for a full charge.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- Battery Size: Around 20 kWh.
- Electric Range: Roughly 38-40 miles.
- Level 1 Charging: Takes approximately 8-9 hours for a full charge.
- Level 2 Charging: Takes about 4 hours for a full charge.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
- Battery Size: Around 16 kWh.
- Electric Range: Roughly 32 miles.
- Level 1 Charging: Takes about 7 hours for a full charge.
- Level 2 Charging: Takes about 2 hours for a full charge.
These examples illustrate the general trends. Always check your specific vehicle’s manual for precise charging information. The plug-in hybrid charging speed is directly tied to these battery sizes and the car’s internal charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I charge a traditional hybrid car (HEV) at home?
A1: No. Traditional hybrid cars (HEVs) do not plug in. Their batteries are charged by the gasoline engine and by regenerative braking. Only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can be charged from an external power source.
Q2: What is the fastest way to charge a PHEV?
A2: The fastest way to charge a PHEV is by using a Level 2 charger. This uses a 240-volt outlet and significantly reduces charging time compared to Level 1 charging.
Q3: Does charging a hybrid car use a lot of electricity?
A3: Charging a PHEV uses electricity, but it’s generally much cheaper than buying gasoline. The amount of electricity used depends on the battery size and how often you charge. For context, charging a 15 kWh battery fully with Level 2 charging would use about 15 kWh of electricity, which is a modest amount compared to household energy consumption.
Q4: Will charging my PHEV affect my electricity bill significantly?
A4: Your electricity bill will increase, but typically not dramatically. The cost of electricity to fully charge a PHEV is usually less than the cost of gasoline to drive the same distance on its gasoline engine. Many utility companies also offer off-peak charging rates that can further reduce costs.
Q5: Is it bad for the battery to charge a PHEV every night?
A5: No, it’s generally recommended to charge your PHEV regularly, ideally every night. Modern battery management systems are designed to handle frequent charging cycles without significant degradation. Keeping the battery at a moderate state of charge can even be beneficial for battery longevity.
Q6: What is the difference between EV charging time and PHEV charging time?
A6: While both refer to charging electric vehicles, “EV charging time” often encompasses the full spectrum, including very fast DC charging for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). “PHEV charging time” is typically focused on AC charging (Level 1 and Level 2) because most PHEVs cannot use DC fast chargers. PHEVs also have smaller batteries than BEVs, meaning their charging times are generally shorter.
Q7: How long does it take to charge a plug-in hybrid car if the battery is almost empty?
A7: If the battery is almost empty, a full charge using Level 1 charging might take 8 to 16 hours or more, while Level 2 charging could take 1 to 4 hours. The exact time depends on the PHEV’s battery capacity and the charging equipment used. This is essentially asking how long to charge PHEV from its lowest point.
Q8: What does “electric vehicle charging time” typically refer to?
A8: Electric vehicle charging time is a broad term. For Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), it can refer to anything from several hours on Level 2 to under an hour on DC fast chargers. For Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), it usually refers to the shorter AC charging times of Level 1 and Level 2, as they generally don’t utilize DC fast charging.
Q9: What is the typical hybrid battery charging duration for a PHEV on a standard home outlet?
A9: The typical hybrid battery charging duration for a PHEV on a standard home outlet (Level 1) can range from 8 to 16 hours or more for a full charge, depending on the size of the battery.
Q10: What is the charging speed for a plug-in hybrid?
A10: The plug-in hybrid charging speed varies by charging level. Level 1 charging adds about 2-5 miles of range per hour, while Level 2 charging can add 10-60 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger’s amperage and the car’s onboard charger.
Conclusion
The question of “how long does it take to charge a hybrid car?” primarily applies to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). The answer is not one-size-fits-all, as it depends heavily on the battery size, the chosen charging level (Level 1 or Level 2), and the car’s specific onboard charging capabilities.
For most PHEV owners, home charging time is the most relevant. Using a standard household outlet (Level 1) is slow but convenient for overnight charging. However, upgrading to a Level 2 charger at home significantly reduces hybrid battery charging duration, typically allowing for a full charge in just a few hours. This makes it much easier to maximize your electric driving and enjoy the fuel-saving benefits of a PHEV.
By understanding the different charging levels and factors involved, you can make informed decisions about how and when to charge your plug-in hybrid, ensuring you get the most out of your electrified driving experience. Whether you’re looking at EV charging time in general or specifically how long to charge PHEV, the key is to match your charging method to your driving needs and lifestyle.