As electric trucks (EV trucks) become more popular in logistics, construction, and last-mile delivery, one of the most common questions from business owners and fleet managers is: “How long does it take to charge an EV truck?”
The answer depends on several factors including battery size, charger type, and charging infrastructure. In this blog, we’ll break down the charging times of EV trucks, different charging levels, and how to optimize charging for your business.
⚡ Types of EV Truck Charging: What You Need to Know
1. Level 1 Charging (Standard Wall Socket)
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Charger Type: 120V AC (Home Plug)
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Charging Speed: ~4–6 km of range per hour
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Best For: Emergency or overnight charging at home
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Charging Time: Can take 24–36 hours to fully charge a medium-sized EV truck
🔋 Not ideal for commercial use or daily fleet operations.
2. Level 2 Charging (AC Fast Charging)
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Charger Type: 240V AC
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Charging Speed: ~25–40 km of range per hour
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Best For: Depot charging, fleet hubs, commercial use
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Charging Time:
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Light-duty EV trucks: 6–8 hours
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Medium-duty EV trucks: 8–12 hours
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🔌 Perfect for overnight fleet charging.
3. DC Fast Charging (DCFC)
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Charger Type: 50kW to 350kW DC chargers
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Charging Speed: Up to 300 km of range in under an hour
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Best For: Quick top-ups, highway stops, high-utilization fleets
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Charging Time:
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80% charge in 45–90 minutes, depending on battery size
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⚠️ Note: Frequent use of fast chargers may slightly reduce battery life over time.
🔋 Battery Size and Charging Time
The larger the battery, the longer it takes to charge. Here’s a quick comparison of typical battery capacities and charging times:
| EV Truck Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Level 2 Charging Time | DC Fast Charging Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Ace EV | 21.3 kWh | 6–7 hours | 1–1.5 hours |
| Mahindra Treo Zor | 7.37 kWh | 3–4 hours | ~1 hour |
| Euler HiLoad EV | 12.96 kWh | 5–6 hours | 1–1.5 hours |
| Tesla Semi (global) | 800+ kWh | Not practical (L2) | ~1 hour (DC Supercharger) |
Note: DC charging times vary based on charger power and battery management system (BMS).
🧠 What Affects EV Truck Charging Time?
Several factors influence how fast an EV truck charges:
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Charger Output: Higher kW = faster charging
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Battery Size: Bigger batteries need more time
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State of Charge (SOC): Charging from 20–80% is fastest
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Ambient Temperature: Cold or very hot weather may slow charging
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Vehicle’s Onboard Charger: Determines the maximum AC input speed
🔌 How to Optimize Charging for Business Fleets
✅ Use Scheduled Charging
Set your EV trucks to charge during off-peak hours to reduce electricity costs and avoid grid overload.
✅ Install Fleet Charging Infrastructure
Set up dedicated Level 2 or DC chargers at your depot. This ensures reliability and faster turnaround.
✅ Use Smart Charging Apps
Platforms like Tata Power EZ Charge, Statiq, or ChargeGrid offer real-time monitoring, load balancing, and cost tracking.
🌏 What About Charging in India?
India’s EV charging infrastructure is growing rapidly:
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Over 12,000 public charging stations (as of 2025)
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Fast chargers are now installed across highways like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
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Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have strong EV support networks
🛠️ Pro Tip: Many EV truck manufacturers like Tata Motors and Mahindra provide their own charging networks for fleet customers.
🚚 Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to charge an EV truck? It depends on the battery size, charger type, and how you manage your fleet. Here’s a quick recap:
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Level 1 Charging: 24+ hours (slowest, not for fleets)
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Level 2 Charging: 6–12 hours (ideal for overnight charging)
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DC Fast Charging: 45–90 minutes (best for quick turnarounds)
By investing in the right charging setup, your business can reduce downtime, lower energy costs, and improve fleet efficiency.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I charge my EV truck at home?
A1: Yes, using Level 1 or a dedicated Level 2 home charger, but it’s slow and best for small businesses.
Q2: Will fast charging damage my EV truck battery?
A2: Occasional use is fine. Modern EVs come with thermal management systems to protect the battery.
Q3: Are charging stations available on highways in India?
A3: Yes, NHAI and private players have installed fast chargers along major highways and expressways.
💡 Stay Ahead
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