The amount of kWh dispensed during a charging session will depend on a number of factors, including:
- How full your battery is or, your “State of Charge”. Batteries charge fastest when they are nearly empty (low SOC)
- The duration of your fast charge. As the battery fills up, the charge rate slows down to maximize the battery’s longevity. Above 80% SOC, it might be a better use of time to switch to an AC Level 2 charger.
- The temperature of your battery. Batteries don’t like to be too hot or too cold. In extreme weather (hot or cold), your charge rate will be slower.
- Battery deterioration. Batteries can deteriorate over time and lose capacity. The normal loss of a battery’s capacity is defined by the vehicle’s warranty.
- Your vehicle’s current and voltage limits. Imagine electricity as water flowing through a pipe. The amount of Power (kW) you receive is the product of Voltage (V) and Current (A). Both your vehicle and the charger have voltage and current limits. When you plug in (let’s say to a 100kW charger), the charger matches your EV battery voltage and delivers current. This current is limited by either the charger or the vehicle (whichever is lower). If your EV battery has a voltage limit below 500V (let’s say 380V), the charger may deliver less than maximum power available because the charger reached the maximum current limit (of 200A).
