How long does it take to charge an electric car?

In recent years, electric cars have become increasingly common on our roads. Quiet, modern, and above all eco-friendly, they are a smart choice for anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact and long-term operating costs. But there’s one question everyone ends up asking: how long does it take to charge an electric car?

The answer isn’t the same for everyone, but in this article, we’ll try to clear up any doubts, focusing in particular on charging times using a 22 kW charging station — one of the most widely used solutions both in private and public settings. We’ll explore what affects charging times, how much electricity is needed, and how to navigate the various types of charging stations available.

At FastParkingCatania.com, always committed to offering convenient and efficient services for travelers, we want to give you all the useful information to help you choose the right charging method for your electric vehicle.

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Let’s start with the most common question: how long does it take to charge a car battery?

The required time depends on several factors, including:

  • the battery capacity (measured in kWh),

  • the initial charge level,

  • the available power at the charging point,

  • and the type of charging (home or public).

For example, if you have a car with a 50 kWh battery that’s completely discharged, and you connect it to a 22 kW charger, in theory it should take just over 2 hours for a full charge. But in practice, things can vary.

In fact, cars don’t always charge at maximum power: the speed also depends on the car’s internal battery management system, the condition of the power grid, and the external temperature.

Charging times with a 22 kW station: what to expect

22 kW charging stations are quite common and offer a good balance between speed and efficiency. They are widely used in public charging stations, such as those found at our FastParkingCatania facility, as well as for home charging (if equipped with a suitable system).

So how long does it take to charge an electric car with a 22 kW station?

Here are some practical examples:

  • Car with a 40 kWh battery: around 2 hours for a full charge.

  • Car with a 60 kWh battery: around 3 hours.

  • Car with a 77 kWh battery: between 3.5 and 4 hours.

It’s important to note that the final stage of charging, when the battery level exceeds 80%, slows down for safety reasons. So if you’re wondering how long it takes to charge an electric car to 80%, the time is shorter — often just 30 minutes under optimal conditions.

Home charging vs public charging stations

Another important factor to consider is where you charge the car.

Home charging:

Home charging is certainly the most convenient: you return home, plug in your car, and find it fully charged the next day. But it’s also the slowest. A regular household setup typically provides between 3 and 7 kW, so charging an electric car at home can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, depending on available power and battery capacity.

If you install a wallbox of 11 or 22 kW, charging times are greatly reduced, approaching those of public charging stations.

Public charging stations:

Public stations are ideal for frequent travelers or for those without a private garage. They offer power levels of 50 kW, 100 kW, and more. With a fast 50 kW charger, many cars can reach 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

However, not all car batteries can handle such high power levels, so it's always wise to check your vehicle's limits.

How many kWh does it take to charge an electric car?

A question we often receive is: how many kWh are needed to charge an electric car?

Again, it depends on the battery capacity. For example, if you have a 64 kWh battery that’s completely empty and want to charge it to 100%, you’ll need 64 kWh of electricity.

However, keep in mind there’s a small energy loss during the process (around 10–15%) due to charging inefficiencies.

How much does charging cost?

Although this article is focused on time, it’s worth briefly mentioning costs.

On average, the cost of charging at home is about €0.25/kWh. So for a 50 kWh battery, the total cost would be about €12.50. At public charging stations, the cost is usually higher, especially at ultra-fast chargers, where it can reach €0.50/kWh or more.

How long does it take to charge an electric car? The answer varies — but you can track it

In conclusion, there’s no single answer to the question of how long it takes to charge an electric car.

It all depends on the car type, battery size, charging power, and your usage style.

In general:

  • At home with a standard socket: up to 12 hours

  • With a wallbox (11–22 kW): 2 to 6 hours

  • At a public 50 kW station: 30 minutes to 1 hour

So if you’re wondering how long it takes to charge an electric car while traveling or at the airport — the answer is simple: at FastParkingCatania.com, thanks to our electric car charging stations, you can leave your car while you fly and come back to find it fully charged.

FastParkingCatania.com: park and charge with peace of mind

At our parking lot near Catania Airport, we’ve thought of everything for green drivers. We offer charging stations up to 22 kW, so you can conveniently recharge your car while you’re away. Whether you're leaving for work or vacation, your electric vehicle will be safe and ready to go.

Plus, our staff is always available to assist with charging, explain how the service works, and make sure the battery is charged correctly.

Conclusion: how long does it take to charge?

To wrap up, if you’re still asking:

  • how long does it take to charge an electric car,

  • how long to charge a car battery,

  • or how long it takes to charge an EV with a 22 kW station...

...just know the exact time depends on various factors — but today there are increasingly faster, more practical, and more affordable solutions. With a bit of planning, you can travel electric without stress or downtime.

And if you're passing through Catania Airport, FastParkingCatania.com is the perfect choice to park and charge in one go!

Want more information? Contact us or visit our website.

We’re waiting for you and your electric car — for a greener future!


Parking in Catania - Contacts

Do you need to book a parking space at Catania airport? Make your reservation online, or contact Fast Parking! We will be happy to provide you with any information!