An Inconvenience Comparison: Electric Car Charging vs. Filling Up Gas

Electric cars (EVs) have gained popularity in recent years, but many people still wonder how their charging times compare to the convenience of filling up a gas tank. In this article, we'll explore the convenience of both methods, drawing on insights from several people with firsthand experience.

Convenience Factors in Filling Up Gas

Filling up a gas tank is generally a straightforward and quick process. Most drivers fill their car's tank to cover a 300-mile range, which takes about 1.25 minutes at a typical gas station. Although this may interrupt your drive, the overall process is quite convenient. The average time spent at a gas station is typically around 13-18 minutes, including time to exit the car, drive to the pump, and pay. Consider that many times, you can find a spot at the pump without much waiting.

Convenience Factors in Charging Electric Cars

Charging an electric car can vary widely depending on where you charge and the type of charger used. Let's look at a few different scenarios.

Home Charging

Many electric car owners, like one respondent, charge their vehicles at home. These drivers usually plug in their car when they park at night and do something else while it charges. Home charging is the most convenient for those who can do it, as it allows the vehicle to charge while the owner sleeps, meaning it's always ready to go the next morning. For someone who commutes 500 miles each way twice a week, this method might involve a bit more planning, but the total time spent is likely not much more than a gas refill.

Public Charging

Public chargers can be less convenient, especially in areas with fewer charging stations. One person mentioned that it took a 9-hour stop at a charging station for a 500-mile trip compared to a 7-hour drive. This highlights the challenge public charging stations can pose, particularly for long-distance travel. Public chargers may only provide 12-25kW of charge, which can take 3-6 hours to fully charge the battery, which is less convenient than a quick gas fill.

Fast Charging Stations

Fast charging stations, such as Tesla Superchargers, can provide a much quicker solution. A 75kW charger can charge a battery in about an hour, while a 250kW charger can do it in around 20 minutes. However, reaching these stations can add an hour or more to the overall charge time. This means that while the actual charging time is shorter, the total trip time can be longer due to travel to and from the charging station.

Considerations and Personal Experiences

One person noted that charging at home during a 7-hour commute trip was about the same as stop-and-go gas refills. Another person preferred charging at home, leaving the car fully charged and saving about 12 hours a year in gas station visits. A few others noted that charging at night or when they are not using the car made it less of an inconvenience.

It's clear that the convenience of charging an electric car versus filling up a gas tank depends largely on your personal situation and where you are charging. For those who can charge at home, convenience is high. However, for those who rely on public chargers, the inconvenience can be significant, especially when traveling long distances.

Conclusion

While charging an electric car can be less convenient immediate when compared to filling up a gas tank, advancements in technology are making it more accessible and efficient. Home charging remains the most convenient option for many, and fast charging stations offer a quicker solution for those who frequently travel long distances. By understanding these factors, drivers can better plan their charging needs to make the most of their electric car experience.