Factors That Can Impact EV Charging Speed
Ever wondered why your EV isn’t charging as fast as the number on the charger suggests? You’re not alone! Here’s what’s really going on, and how to get the best charge every time.
When you see charging power on an EV charger, like 50kW or 150kW, it’s important to know that this is the maximum power the charger can deliver, not a guaranteed speed.
If you’re not getting the full power, don’t worry - here are a few reasons why:
- Your vehicle’s charging system
Different EV models can support different rates of charging. The lower your car’s maximum rate, the slower it will charge. If in doubt, consult your vehicle manual to check your maximum charge power. - Battery temperature
Extreme heat or cold can slow charging. Most EVs charge best around 20°C. - Battery level
Charging is fastest when your battery is low. Once it’s over ~80%, charging slows to protect the battery. That’s why many drivers charge from 20% to 80%. - How busy the charging site is
Busy charging sites may temporarily reduce speeds to balance energy across chargers. This helps keep all chargers working but may lower peak speeds.
Charging speeds may be slower than expected at some locations due to power limits. The actual maximum speed is shown on the charger screen.
- A single charger
When two EVs share a single charger, power is shared across each vehicle. If you have a choice of charging bays, it’s best to leave a gap between cars and select a charger that’s not in use.
We monitor all bp charge chargers to keep them running smoothly. If you think a charger isn’t performing as expected, please call our Customer Care team
on 0800 002 788 - we’re here to help.