Having new, big numbers to brag about your electric car is always a source of excitement. Thanks to the comprehensive charging test carried out by Edmunds, we have some eye-popping numbers to discuss. While the Porsche Taycan owners can boast about a charging speed of 690 mph, the Tesla Model S Plaid falls behind at a sluggish 523 mph. Meanwhile, the ’22 Chevy Bolt EUV drags along at a mere 172 mph. However, it’s important to note that these speeds are charging speeds, not driving speeds.
The significance of charging speed cannot be overstated. It is now being compared to the traditional five-minute gas fill-up, which offers a range of over 300 miles. Electric vehicles have long been associated with long charge times, but advancements in fast charging hardware are transforming the landscape, provided there is access to high-powered charging stations.
Charging speed is influenced by a multitude of factors, including the type of charger, the peak charging power of the car, battery management systems, and even weather conditions. Unlike pumping gas into a tank, charging an electric car is a complex process.
In the Edmunds test, the battery was charged from 10% to 80% capacity since charging slows down significantly beyond that point. Stopping at 80% charge most of the time is considered optimal for battery life.
The strength of the Edmunds test lies in providing consistent and comparable data for all cars. To gather their numbers, Edmunds collaborated with EV-testing specialists at P3. They used a device to monitor electricity use while the car was connected to a fast-charging station, as well as power request communication between the car and the station. This data, combined with Edmunds’ measurements of electricity consumption per mile of driving, resulted in accurate measurements of miles per charging hour.
Another relevant metric provided by the test is the time it takes each car to add 100 miles of range, which is useful for planning road trips. The Kia EV6 Wind RWD topped the chart, taking 7 minutes and 48 seconds to add 100 miles of charge. Other notable results include the Tesla Model 3 Long Range at 11 minutes and 25 seconds, the VW ID.4 at a little over 16 minutes, and the Ford Lightning at 18 minutes.
These charging metrics add a new layer of complexity to the car-buying process. Unlike in the combustion-car world, where filling up with gas takes a relatively uniform amount of time regardless of the vehicle, electric car buyers now have to consider charging speeds and infrastructure availability.
Independent testing, such as the one conducted by Edmunds, is crucial in providing reliable data. Relying solely on manufacturer claims may not always be a reliable source of information. In the world of electric vehicles, real-world, apples-to-apples testing is essential.
FAQs:
1. What is charging speed?
Charging speed refers to the rate at which an electric vehicle’s battery can recharge its capacity when connected to a charging station.
2. Why is charging speed important?
Charging speed is significant because it determines how quickly an electric vehicle can be recharged, impacting the convenience and practicality of electric car ownership.
3. What factors affect charging speed?
Several factors influence charging speed, including the type of charger, the peak charging power of the car, battery management systems, and external factors like weather conditions.
4. How was the charging test conducted by Edmunds?
Edmunds collaborated with EV-testing specialists at P3 to collect detailed charging data. They used a device to monitor electricity use and power communication between the car and the charging station. Edmunds combined this data with their measurements of electricity consumption per mile to determine actual miles per charging hour.
5. Why is independent testing important for electric cars?
Independent testing provides unbiased and reliable data that can be used to assess the performance and capabilities of electric vehicles. It helps consumers make informed decisions and ensures transparency in the industry.