It is one of the most common questions from new EV drivers: the charger says 120 kW, so why is my car only charging at a fraction of that? The answer is that charging speed depends on the car and the conditions as much as on the charger.
1. Your car has its own limit
Every EV has a maximum charging power its battery and electronics can accept. If your car's maximum is 50 kW, it will never charge faster than 50 kW, even on a 240 kW charger. Check your car's specifications.
2. Batteries slow down as they fill
Batteries accept the most power when they are low. As they fill, the car reduces power to protect the battery. Charging is usually fastest from around 10–20% to about 80%, then slows noticeably.
3. Temperature
Batteries charge best within a comfortable temperature range. Very hot or cold batteries are charged more slowly to protect them. After a long, hot drive, or in extreme heat, you may see lower speeds.
4. The charger is sharing power
Many fast chargers share power between guns. If another vehicle is charging on the same unit, your car may get less. See dynamic power sharing.
5. Site limits
Some sites cap total power to stay within their grid connection, especially at busy times.
| Cause | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Car's maximum power | Nothing; it is a vehicle limit |
| High state of charge | Arrive with a lower charge and unplug around 80% |
| Battery temperature | Use preconditioning if your car offers it |
| Shared charger | Choose a free charger or a different gun |
For the fastest stop on a road trip, arrive with a low but safe charge, charge to around 80%, and move on.