Tushar Katiyar and Varun B R

In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), a few persistent concerns remain at the forefront of consumers’ minds: range anxiety, and long charging times. This is further amplified in the scenario where consumers fear being stranded en route to their destination. It’s no secret that these apprehensions can often overshadow the undeniable benefits of EVs. However, it’s time to put these fears to rest and shed light on the reality of EV charging. Let’s dive in and explore the truth behind EV charging time and how it aligns with your daily driving needs.

• Changing Perception of Refueling

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) brings about a fundamental shift in how we perceive refueling our vehicles. The traditional concept of driving to a nearby fuel station and swiftly filling up the entire tank within minutes no longer applies to EVs. Instead, envision a scenario where your home becomes your personal “fuel station” for your EV. This eliminates the need to dedicate extended periods of time to refuel at public charging stations.

To understand this paradigm shift better, imagine a situation where you only need to charge your EV for a few minutes, specifically when you’re running low on energy and are nearing your destination. These few minutes of charging are analogous to the brief moments you spend at a conventional fuel station. During this time, you can recharge your EV to gain an additional 15-20 kilometers of driving range. Once you’ve replenished this quick burst of energy, disconnect from the charger, and you can continue your journey. And again plug in your EV when you reach your destination.

This new approach to refueling embraces the practicality of EVs. Rather than viewing charging as a time-consuming task akin to filling a traditional fuel tank, it aligns with the needs of modern driving by offering short, targeted charging sessions that fit seamlessly into your daily routine.

• Availability of Charging Stations in States

One of the primary misconceptions surrounding EVs is the perceived scarcity of charging stations. Contrary to popular belief, the charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding across major cities and beyond. In urban areas, public charging stations are growing at a steady rate, with 10,184 (as of 22 August 2023) installed across India as per BEE. The figure below shows a state-wise distribution.

• Distances to be Covered in the City

Let’s address a common scenario: your daily city commute. Whether it’s a short 5 km trip or a slightly longer 15 km journey, the charging implications might surprise you. Most modern EVs offer a range that comfortably covers these distances on a single charge. A study using Census 2011 data showed that less than 60% of all trips are less than 5 km while less than one-third of all trips are more than 10 km^[1]. This means you’ll often find yourself needing to charge only once every few days, depending on your specific driving habits.

• Charging Time Calculation

Now, let’s crunch some numbers to demystify charging time requirements. Charging speed varies based on factors like the charger’s power rating, your EV’s battery capacity, and the current state of charge. If you need to cover a short 10 km daily commute and your EV has a range of 300 km, a full charge could last you around at least 25 days^[2]. That’s right, a monthly routine of plugging in your EV overnight is all you need.

Even in a scenario where your EV is required to be charged en route, the charging times are shorter than generally assumed. Table 1 illustrates the average time required to charge your EV to attain the required range to get to your destination in the city.

• Embracing the EV Revolution

As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction when it comes to EV charging time. The availability of charging stations, battery management best practices, and the reality of daily city driving distances all contribute to a hassle-free EV experience. With convenient charging options and efficient charging practices, the fear of lengthy charging times becomes a thing of the past.

So, let’s embrace the electric revolution with confidence, knowing that your EV’s charging needs align perfectly with your daily lifestyle. Say goodbye to the apprehensions – the future of driving is electric, and it’s more convenient than you ever imagined.

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026427511831031X

[2] Considering appropriate driving behaviour