How Many Kilowatt-Hours of Electricity Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle Once?
4 Answers
After a complete discharge, charging once requires approximately 1.08 kilowatt-hours of electricity, with a typical charging time ranging from 8 to 10 hours. This means the electricity consumption per hour of charging is between 0.1 and 0.14 kilowatt-hours. The amount of electricity charged into an electric vehicle's battery is generally 1.05 times the battery's discharge capacity. For a newly purchased vehicle, due to the time required for factory shipment, transportation, and storage, the battery may not be fully charged, necessitating an initial charge before use. It is important to check whether the rated input voltage for charging matches the power supply voltage. The battery can be charged directly on the vehicle, but the power switch must be turned off. Alternatively, it can be removed and taken to a suitable location, such as indoors, for charging.
I remember when I used to commute with an electric car, I researched the issue of charging capacity. The amount of electricity needed for charging an electric vehicle mainly depends on the battery capacity and remaining charge. For example, a car with a 60 kWh battery at 20% charge would theoretically need 48 kWh to fully charge. However, in reality, there are losses during the charging process, plus the power consumption of the battery management system, so the actual electricity drawn from the grid would be about 10% more. The differences between models can be quite significant—mini cars might only need around 30 kWh, while large SUVs can exceed 100 kWh. I usually check the numbers displayed on the charging station screen; a full charge typically shows around 55 kWh, which is enough for my weekly commute. Personally, I recommend not frequently letting the battery level drop too low before charging, as it can negatively impact battery lifespan.
I specifically consulted a car repair friend about this question. The amount of electricity required to fully charge an electric vehicle depends on the battery capacity of the car. The simplest calculation method is to multiply the battery capacity by the percentage difference of the remaining charge. However, the actual situation is more complex. Charging efficiency decreases in winter and improves slightly in summer. For example, my car has a nominal 78 kWh battery, but in reality, it can only charge up to around 73 kWh due to line losses and conversion losses. The electricity meter on the charging station shows about 5%-15% more than the display in the car. Additionally, fast charging results in greater losses, so the same amount of electricity consumes more power with fast charging. Many people don't pay much attention to these details.
Estimating the charging capacity of an electric vehicle is actually quite straightforward. Check the label on the side of the passenger door, which displays the battery capacity. For example, if it says 55kWh, it means you can charge up to 55 kWh when the battery is completely depleted. However, most people charge when the battery is at around 20%, so the actual charge would be approximately 44 kWh. Charging stations typically measure about 10% more than the battery due to conversion losses. There are also seasonal variations, with charging efficiency noticeably lower in winter. Personally, I recommend charging during off-peak electricity hours for better cost efficiency. Additionally, avoid using extension cords for charging as they can pose safety hazards.
