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DRIVING an electric vehicle requires a change of mindset.

With petrol and diesel engines, users are not giving much thought to the speed of refuelling.

The Porsche Taycan has the fastest charging time
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The Porsche Taycan has the fastest charging timeCredit: www.autoexpress.co.uk
Audi e-tron has a charging rate of 270kW
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Audi e-tron has a charging rate of 270kWCredit: Getty
Two white Tesla EV cars refuel at an electric car charging station in a Tesco car park in Poole
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Two white Tesla EV cars refuel at an electric car charging station in a Tesco car park in PooleCredit: Getty

But recharging an EV isn't as simple as parking up at the station and waiting a few seconds, pump in hand.

It can take as little as 30 minutes or as much as 12 hours.

Electric models are ranked - along with other criteria - on how quickly they can refuel and be back on the road.

The highest selling EV, however - the Tesla Model 3 - is the best seller but only comes in third on the list of top 5 for charging.

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Manufacturers will quote a maximum charging speed - the theoretical highest amount of power it can draw from a rapid charger.

But it's only theoretical because the charger itself will also have a maximum possible power output, which can further vary depending on local electricity supply available.

A car charging at its maximum charging speed of 100kW for one hour could theoretically fill a 100kWh battery.

But in reality, the rate of charge slows dramatically after the battery is 80% full.

Instead, it is more likely a driver would add 25kWh in 15 minutes, which on average could allow for 87 miles of travel, according to .

NET-ZERO EMISSIONS

The UK Government has set a net-zero emissions target for 2050.

To meet this goal, all cars in the UK will need to be 100% battery- or hydrogen-powered by this date.

The first steps towards this target have been announced.

As of 2035, it will be illegal to sell brand-new petrol and diesel cars (ICEs).

However, with the most popular model - the Tesla 3 - costing at least £40,000, general drivers on average salaries will be hoping prices take a drastic nose dive in the next decade.

Top 5 fastest charging EVs

  1. 320kW Porsche Taycan
  2. 270kW Audi e-tron; Maserati Gran Turismo Folgore; Porsche Macan; Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo; Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo
  3. 250kW Tesla Model 3; Tesla Model S; Tesla Model Y
  4. 240kW Hyundai Ioniq 5
  5. 233kW Genesis Electrified GV70; Genesis GV60; Hyundai Ioniq 6; Kia EV6
Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the most popular electric car from Hyundai
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Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the most popular electric car from HyundaiCredit: Getty
KIA EV6 GT battery electric compact crossover SUV on display at Brussels Expo
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KIA EV6 GT battery electric compact crossover SUV on display at Brussels ExpoCredit: Getty
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