How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV in South Africa? Complete 2026 Guide

EV Charging Times Explained for South Africa

EV charging time depends on three factors: charger power (kW), battery size (kWh), and current charge level. Here’s what South African EV owners actually experience:

Charging Type	Power	Time for 60kWh Battery	Range Added/Hour
Level 1 (Wall Socket)	2.3 kW	18-24 hours (0-100%)	10-15 km/hr
Level 2 (Home Charger)	7 kW	6-8 hours (0-100%)	40-50 km/hr
Level 2 (Fast Home)	11 kW	4-5 hours (0-100%)	60-70 km/hr
DC Fast Charging	50-60 kW	30-45 min (10-80%)	250-300 km/hr
Ultra-Fast DC	150+ kW	15-20 min (10-80%)	600+ km/hr

Most common: 7kW Level 2 home charging, which fully charges overnight while you sleep.

Real-World Charging Examples

BYD Atto 3 Standard Range (60.5 kWh, 420km range)

Home Charging (7kW):

Empty to full: 8.5 hours
10% to 80% (typical daily): 6 hours
Overnight charge (10pm-6am): Fully charges from 20%
Cost: R311 for full charge

DC Fast Charging (60kW):

10% to 80%: 35 minutes
Coffee break charge: Add 150km in 15 minutes
Cost: R620 for 10-80% (double home rate)

BMW iX1 (64.7 kWh, 439km range)

Home Charging (11kW three-phase):

Empty to full: 6 hours
Overnight charge: Easily full from any level
Cost: R333 for full charge

DC Fast Charging (130kW capable):

10% to 80%: 29 minutes
Lunch break: Add 200km in 15 minutes

Charging Speed Factors

Why Charging Slows Down Above 80%

EVs charge fastest from 10-80%, then slow dramatically to protect battery:

10-50%: Full speed (60kW DC charger)
50-80%: 80% speed (48kW)
80-90%: 40% speed (24kW)
90-100%: 20% speed (12kW)

Pro tip: For road trips, charge to 80% and move on. The last 20% takes as long as the first 60%!

Temperature Effects

Optimal (15-25°C): Full charging speed
Hot (>35°C): 10-20% slower to protect battery
Cold (<10°C): 20-30% slower, battery preheating needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fully charge an EV at home in South Africa?

With a standard 7kW Level 2 home charger, most EVs fully charge in 6-8 hours (0-100%). For daily use, you typically only need 2-3 hours to replenish your daily driving (50-80km). Overnight charging (8 hours) easily covers any daily needs.

Can I charge my EV overnight?

Yes, this is the recommended method. An 8-hour overnight charge with a 7kW charger adds 320km of range – more than enough for daily driving. Most EV owners plug in when arriving home and wake up to a full battery.

How long does DC fast charging take in South Africa?

DC fast chargers (50-60kW) charge most EVs from 10% to 80% in 30-45 minutes – perfect for a coffee break during road trips. Ultra-fast chargers (150kW+) do the same in 15-20 minutes but are less common.

Why does EV charging slow down after 80%?

Battery management systems slow charging above 80% to protect battery longevity. Charging 80-100% takes as long as 10-80%. For road trips, charge to 80% and move on – it’s faster and better for your battery.

How much range can I add in 1 hour of home charging?

With a 7kW home charger, you add approximately 40-50km of range per hour. A 11kW charger adds 60-70km/hour. This means even a 2-hour charge during dinner adds 100km – plenty for most daily needs.