How long does it take to charge an electric car in Houston??

So, you wanna know how long it takes to charge an EV? Well, there’s not an easy answer, as SO much can affect charging times, like:

• How low your battery is when you plug it in (the lower it is, sometimes the faster it will charge)
• How fast your EV pulls/the size of your battery - lots of EVs pull at different rates
• Where you’re charging - are you charging at home? At the supermarket? At a service station?

A good equation for working out your charging time is:

But no need to fret. Though this might sound a little confusing, it’s pretty simple once you’ve got the hang of it. So, let’s get started in explaining how fast your EV’ll charge, depending on where you’re charging it.

To help us illustrate how you can incorporate a charging routine into your regular day-to-day life, meet Alex.

Alex is the embodiment of modern urbanite living in Midtown Houston, where the buzz of city life meets the warmth of a close-knit community. As a young parent and busy professional, Alex navigates the challenges and joys of raising a family in the heart of one of Texas's most dynamic cities.

Charging his ID.4 fits naturally into Alex's family-centric lifestyle. With a mix of home charging overnight and strategic top-ups at public stations during the day, Alex ensures his electric SUV is always ready for whatever the day holds. Whether it's a quick drop-off at school, a family outing to the Houston Zoo, or a spontaneous road trip, the ID.4 is an integral part of the family's daily routine.

Charging at Home with a Level 1 Charger

Each night, Alex plugs his ID.4 into a standard 110-volt outlet in his garage. This Level 1 charging method is slow, taking about 3 days to fully charge the vehicle from empty. However, it does provide about 30 miles of range overnight! It's a straightforward process for Alex, ensuring his ID.4 is ready for the daily commute and school runs, even if it means the car needs to be plugged in almost continuously when at home.

Upgrading to a Level 2 Charger

Realizing the need for a quicker charging solution, Alex installs a Level 2 charger at home. This 240-volt charger cuts down the ID.4's charging time to about 11 hours for a full charge. This upgrade fits perfectly into Alex's life, allowing the car to fully recharge overnight and be ready for whatever the next day brings, with some flexibility for additional charging if needed.

Public Charging in Midtown Houston

For public Level 2 charging, Alex often uses the charging stations at Whole Foods Market on Waugh Drive in Midtown. This location is convenient for Alex because he can shop or grab a coffee while the ID.4 charges. The chargers here are typically 7 kW, perfect for a quick top-up while running errands or during a family outing to the nearby parks.

Fast Charging for Longer Trips

When planning longer trips, Alex targets fast charging stations like the Electrify America station at the Walmart Supercenter on South Rice Avenue. This station is just a short drive from Midtown and offers several 150 kW and 350 kW chargers. It's an ideal spot for Alex and his family to charge the ID.4 quickly, reducing waiting times significantly. The location is convenient, allowing them to shop while the vehicle charges.

These locations offer Alex and his family the flexibility and convenience they need to maintain their usual routine in Houston while enjoying the comforts of electric driving. Alex relies on applications like PlugShare to map out chargers available in his area as well as when going on longer trips.