How Long Does It Take to Fully Charge a Car Battery When the Engine Is Running

[DelBarrett]

It takes approximately 4-5 hours to charge. Here is more information about car batteries: 1. Battery maintenance precautions: Avoid storing the battery in a discharged state. A discharged state refers to when the battery is not charged promptly after use, which can easily lead to sulfation. Lead sulfate crystals adhere to the plates, blocking ion channels and resulting in insufficient charging and reduced battery capacity. The longer the battery remains idle in a discharged state, the more severe the damage. When the battery is not in use, it should be charged once a month to extend its lifespan. 2. Battery function: It supplies electricity to the engine. When the vehicle is about to start, the battery discharges to provide power to the starter, which then drives the flywheel and crankshaft to start the vehicle. When the engine's power supply is insufficient or not started, it provides power to in-car electrical appliances such as the audio system and lighting system. Once the engine begins to supply power normally, the battery collects and stores electrical energy for future use.

[SanDaniel]

When I first got into electric vehicles, I was particularly curious about the differences in charging times. After driving for a while now, I've realized that charging times can't be generalized. It mainly depends on the charging type: if you're using a standard household socket, the power is low, and a full charge can take over 10 hours, which is suitable for overnight charging. Fast charging stations, like the DC chargers at public stations, can get you to around 80% in about half an hour, with the remaining portion being slower. Battery capacity also plays a big role—smaller cars like the Wuling Mini charge faster, while larger SUVs take longer. Extreme weather temperatures, too high or too low, can affect efficiency, with charging being quicker in summer and slower in winter. I recommend not frequently charging to 100% because the final stretch takes longer and can harm the battery. I usually stop at 90%, which extends battery life and saves time. Planning your charging schedule and making reservations via an app in advance can make life much easier.

[IsaacLynn]

For my daily commute, I prefer charging near home or work. Based on experience, full charging times vary significantly: home slow chargers with lower power may take 8-12 hours, while fast chargers can replenish most of the battery in just 30 minutes. The key is considering battery status and trip needs—for instance, when only 20% charge remains, a quick 30-minute fast charge suffices for commuting, switching to slow charging during downtime. Finding available public chargers is easier with map apps showing wait times. I always carry a notebook to log charging sessions, noticing efficiency drops in high temperatures—waiting a few minutes after parking before charging enhances safety and speed. This routine saves me time and money while reducing range anxiety.

[LaValeria]

After switching to a new energy vehicle, I pay special attention to the balance between charging economy and time. Charging duration mainly depends on the choice: slow charging at home overnight for a full charge is cost-effective but time-consuming; fast charging stations can charge to 70-80% in under 30 minutes, but are more expensive and may harm battery health. I prioritize slow charging unless I'm in a hurry, also considering practical factors like battery age—older batteries charge even slower. I've learned to use the timer function in apps wisely to avoid peak electricity hours and save costs. This helps protect the environment by reducing emissions.