What are the best electric cars in 2025 as far as charging speed?

Charging speed is a critical factor for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), as it determines how quickly you can recharge and get back on the road. For this comparison, I’ll focus on the EVs and PHEV from your previous question: the Nissan Leaf S, Hyundai Kona Electric SE, Chevrolet Equinox EV FWD, and Toyota Prius Prime SE. I’ll cover both AC (Level 1 and Level 2) and DC fast charging speeds where applicable, based on 2025 model specifications. Charging times depend on battery size, charger capability, and acceptance rates, so I’ll provide practical estimates. Charging Speed Comparison 1. Nissan Leaf S Battery Size: 40 kWh

Level 1 AC (120V, 1.4 kW): ~28-30 hours for a full charge (trickle charge, typically 4-5 miles of range per hour). Level 2 AC (240V, 6.6 kW): 6-7 hours for a full charge (20-25 miles of range per hour). DC Fast Charging (50 kW via CHAdeMO): 20-80% in 40-45 minutes (100 miles of range in 30 minutes under optimal conditions). Notes: The Leaf S is limited to 50 kW DC fast charging, which is slower than many modern EVs. Its CHAdeMO port is also becoming less common as charging networks shift to CCS or NACS standards, potentially limiting fast-charging options. It’s adequate for short trips but less ideal for frequent long-distance travel. 2. Hyundai Kona Electric SE Battery Size: 48.6 kWh (base SE model; higher trims use a 64.8 kWh battery) Level 1 AC (120V, 1.4 kW): 34-36 hours for a full charge (5-6 miles of range per hour). Level 2 AC (240V, 10.8 kW): 5-6 hours for a full charge (35-40 miles of range per hour with an 11 kW onboard charger). DC Fast Charging (100 kW via CCS): 10-80% in 43-47 minutes (140 miles of range in 30 minutes). Notes: The Kona Electric SE supports faster DC charging than the Leaf (up to 100 kW), making it more practical for road trips. Its Level 2 charging is also quicker due to a higher-power onboard charger. The CCS port aligns with widespread charging infrastructure, enhancing compatibility. 3. Chevrolet Equinox EV FWD Battery Size: ~79 kWh (estimated based on range and platform data) Level 1 AC (120V, 1.4 kW): 55-60 hours for a full charge (5-6 miles of range per hour). Level 2 AC (240V, 11.5 kW): 7-8 hours for a full charge (40-45 miles of range per hour with an 11.5 kW onboard charger). DC Fast Charging (150 kW via CCS): 10-80% in 30-35 minutes (200 miles of range in 30 minutes; adds 77 miles in 10 minutes). Notes: The Equinox EV excels with 150 kW fast charging, one of the highest rates in this price range, and a robust 11.5 kW onboard charger for Level 2. Its larger battery means longer full-charge times, but the fast-charging speed makes it a standout for convenience on longer drives. CCS compatibility ensures broad access to public chargers. 4. Toyota Prius Prime SE (PHEV) Battery Size: 13.6 kWh Level 1 AC (120V, 1.4 kW): 11 hours for a full charge (4 miles of electric range per hour). Level 2 AC (240V, 6.6 kW): 2-2.5 hours for a full charge (20-22 miles of electric range per hour with a 6.6 kW onboard charger). DC Fast Charging: Not available (PHEVs typically don’t support DC fast charging). Notes: As a PHEV, the Prius Prime has a smaller battery, so charging times are shorter overall. Its 6.6 kW Level 2 charging is quick enough for overnight or workplace charging, covering its 44-mile electric range. Lack of DC fast charging isn’t a major drawback given its hybrid fallback (50 mpg), but it’s less flexible for all-electric travel compared to full EVs. Side-by-Side Comparison Vehicle Level 1 (120V) Full Charge Level 2 (240V) Full Charge DC Fast Charging (10-80%) Max DC Rate Charger Type Nissan Leaf S 28-30 hours 6-7 hours 40-45 min (~100 mi/30 min) 50 kW CHAdeMO Hyundai Kona SE 34-36 hours 5-6 hours 43-47 min (~140 mi/30 min) 100 kW CCS Chevy Equinox EV 55-60 hours 7-8 hours 30-35 min (~200 mi/30 min) 150 kW CCS Toyota Prius Prime 11 hours 2-2.5 hours N/A N/A N/A (AC only)