How Long Does It Really Take to Charge an Electric Car in India? AC vs. DC Charging Explained
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining momentum in India, with sales crossing the million-unit mark in recent years. Yet, one of the most persistent hurdles for potential buyers is the question of charging time. Many worry that EVs will leave them stranded or force hours of waiting, especially compared to the quick refueling of petrol or diesel cars. This concern is valid but often overstated, rooted in misconceptions about how EV charging works. In this guide, we’ll break down the realities of charging an electric car in India, focusing on the differences between AC and DC methods, realistic timelines for popular models, and practical expectations for daily use versus long road trips.
Whether you’re considering models like the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, or Mahindra XUV400, understanding charging dynamics can alleviate “range anxiety” and highlight why EVs are a viable option for urban commuters and even highway travelers. We’ll use verified data from reliable sources to set straight the facts, helping you make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll see that charging isn’t the barrier it’s made out to be—it’s more like plugging in your smartphone overnight, with faster options for when you’re on the move.
Understanding AC and DC Charging: The Basics Explained
To demystify EV charging, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental difference between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) charging. These two types represent the core ways EVs replenish their batteries, and they cater to different scenarios in India, from home setups to public stations.
AC charging is the most common and accessible method, often referred to as “slow” or “Level 2” charging. It uses alternating current, which is the same type of electricity supplied by India’s power grid to your home or office. When you plug in an EV with an AC charger, the vehicle’s onboard converter transforms this AC into DC to store in the battery. This process is slower because the onboard charger has a limited capacity—typically ranging from 3.3kW to 7.2kW in popular Indian EVs.
In simple terms, think of AC charging as sipping energy gradually, ideal for overnight top-ups at home where time isn’t a constraint.
For instance, a standard 3.3kW AC wall box might take 10-15 hours to fully charge a mid-sized EV battery, depending on the model’s capacity. Upgrading to a 7.2kW AC charger can halve that time, making it practical for daily routines. In India, AC chargers are affordable to install at home (starting around ₹50,000 including setup) and use regular 220-240V outlets. They’re energy-efficient and gentler on the battery, promoting longer lifespan. However, they’re not suited for quick boosts during travel.
On the other hand, DC charging, also known as “fast” or “Level 3” charging, delivers direct current straight to the battery, bypassing the vehicle’s onboard converter. This allows for much higher power outputs, often 50kW or more at public stations, resulting in significantly faster charging times.
Imagine DC as gulping energy—perfect for pit stops on highways. In India, DC chargers are found at malls, petrol pumps, and dedicated EV hubs operated by companies like Tata Power, Ather, or ChargeZone.
The key advantage is speed: A 50kW DC charger can take an EV from 0-80% in under an hour for most models, though the last 20% slows down to protect the battery. DC charging is more expensive (₹15-25 per kWh versus ₹7-10 for home AC) and can generate more heat, potentially affecting battery health if overused. But for occasional use, it’s a game-changer.
The distinction boils down to convenience versus speed: AC for routine, cost-effective charging at home, and DC for rapid top-ups on the go. This setup mirrors how most EV owners in India operate—90% of charging happens at home via AC, with DC reserved for emergencies or trips. Factors like battery size, ambient temperature (hot Indian summers can slow charging by 10-20%), and state of charge influence times, but the AC-DC divide is the primary differentiator.
In practice, AC charging aligns with India’s residential power infrastructure, where stable 3-7kW supplies are common. DC, while expanding rapidly (over 10,000 public chargers nationwide as of 2025), requires higher-voltage setups and is more infrastructure-intensive. Choosing between them depends on your lifestyle: If you’re a city dweller with parking access, AC suffices; for frequent travelers, access to DC networks is crucial.
Charging Times for Popular EVs: A Clear Comparison
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into specifics. Charging times vary by EV model due to battery capacity and onboard charger compatibility. We’ll focus on three popular electric SUVs in India: the Tata Nexon EV (40.5kWh battery), MG ZS EV (50.3kWh), and Mahindra XUV400 (39.4kWh). These are mid-range options priced between ₹10-20 lakh, making them accessible for many buyers.
To provide clarity, here’s a table summarizing approximate charging times based on verified data.
Note: AC times are for 0-100% charge, while DC is typically quoted for 0-80% (as full charging slows beyond that). These are lab-tested figures; real-world conditions like temperature or grid voltage may add 10-20%. All models support the chargers listed, though actual power draw depends on the vehicle’s limits.
EV Model
Battery Capacity
- 3.3kW AC (Home Slow)
- 7.2kW AC (Home Fast)
- 50kW DC (Public Fast)
Tata Nexon EV
- 40.5kWh
- 10.5 hours
- 6 hours
- 56 minutes (0-80%)
MG ZS EV
- 50.3kWh
- 15 hours
- 7-9 hours
- 60 minutes (0-80%)
Mahindra XUV400
- 39.4kWh
- 13.5 hours
- 6.5 hours
- 50 minutes (0-80%)
Sources for these figures include official manufacturer specs and independent reviews. For the Tata Nexon EV, the 3.3kW AC time is around 10.5 hours for a full charge, while the 7.2kW option reduces it to 6 hours. The 50kW DC charger achieves 0-80% in 56 minutes, making it ideal for quick sessions.
For the MG ZS EV, AC charging at 3.3kW takes about 15 hours, calculated from battery size and power rate, while 7.2-7.4kW AC (close to the model’s max) spans 7-9 hours. DC fast charging at 50kW hits 0-80% in 60 minutes.
The Mahindra XUV400 offers similar performance: 13.5 hours on 3.3kW AC, 6.5 hours on 7.2kW AC, and 50 minutes for 0-80% on 50kW DC.
These times assume a depleted battery, but most users charge from 20-30% daily, halving durations. In India, where average daily drives are 30-50km, you rarely start from zero. Installation costs for home AC chargers range from ₹40,000-80,000, with subsidies available under schemes like FAME-II. Public DC stations are proliferating, with apps like PlugShare or MyMahindra helping locate them.
Remember, not all EVs charge at the full rated power— the Nexon EV caps AC at 7.2kW, while the ZS EV handles up to 7.4kW. For accuracy, check your model’s manual or use manufacturer apps for personalized estimates.
Setting Realistic Expectations: Daily Charging vs. Long Road Trips
EV ownership in India isn’t one-size-fits-all; charging expectations shift dramatically between daily commutes and extended journeys. Let’s set realistic benchmarks based on user experiences and infrastructure realities.
For daily use, EVs shine with AC home charging. Most Indians drive under 50km per day in cities like Mumbai or Delhi, consuming 10-15kWh. Plugging into a 3.3kW or 7.2kW wall box overnight (8-10 hours) easily replenishes this, costing ₹50-100 at residential tariffs. It’s seamless—like charging your phone while sleeping. No queues, no hassle, and batteries last longer with slow AC cycles. In apartments, shared chargers or portable 15A plugs (slower, 15-20 hours for full) work well. Expect to charge 2-3 times a week, not daily, saving time over petrol station visits.
However, long road trips demand planning. India’s highways have over 5,000 DC chargers, but coverage is uneven—dense on routes like Delhi-Mumbai, sparse in rural areas. A 500km trip in a Nexon EV (range 300km) might require 1-2 stops, adding 1-2 hours total for DC charging. Users report successful 1,000-2,000km trips, but factor in 20-30% extra time for charging versus ICE vehicles. Apps like ABetterRouteplanner help map stops at reliable stations (e.g., Tata’s network).
Challenges include charger reliability—outages or queues can extend waits—and summer heat reducing efficiency. Yet, with planning, trips are feasible: Charge to 80% at stops, combine with meals, and avoid peak hours. For realism, EVs suit occasional trips; frequent long-haulers might prefer hybrids.
Overall, daily charging is effortless and cheap, while road trips require apps, flexibility, and a mindset shift—view stops as breaks, not delays.
Busting Common Myths About EV Charging in India
Misinformation abounds, fueling hesitation among buyers. Let’s debunk key myths with facts.
Myth 1: EVs always take hours to charge, making them impractical. Reality: While full AC charges can take 6-15 hours, daily partial top-ups are quicker (2-4 hours). DC fast charging delivers 80% in under an hour, comparable to a coffee break. In India, 80% of owners charge at home overnight, avoiding “long waits.”
Myth 2: There aren’t enough charging stations in India. Fact: Public chargers exceed 12,000, growing 50% annually, with initiatives like the PM E-Drive scheme adding thousands more. Urban areas are well-covered; rural gaps exist but are closing.
Myth 3: Fast charging damages the battery quickly. Truth: Occasional DC use is fine; modern batteries have thermal management. Limit to 20% of charges for longevity—most degradation comes from heat, not speed.
Myth 4: EVs aren’t suitable for long trips due to range limits. Busted: With 300-400km ranges and strategic DC stops, multi-day trips are common. Users complete 2,000km journeys, though planning is key.
Myth 5: Charging costs more than fueling. False: Home AC charging is ₹2-3/km versus ₹8-10 for petrol, saving thousands monthly.
These myths stem from early EV tech; today’s models and infrastructure have evolved.
Conclusion: Embracing EV Charging Realities
Charging an EV in India is more straightforward than it seems—AC for daily ease, DC for speed, with times fitting most lifestyles. Popular models like the Nexon EV, ZS EV, and XUV400 offer practical options, debunking fears of endless waits. As infrastructure grows, EVs will only become more convenient. If range anxiety holds you back, start with home charging trials. The future is electric; plug in and drive forward. Can also buy them from their official websites like: https://www.mahindraelectricsuv.com/esuv/xev-9e/MXV9.html
You mah also like to read: https://khabarkhabri.com/top-5-safest-cars-in-india-2025/