Long waits at chargers are often raised as a reason not to opt for an electric car – but times are changing, and quickly.
Advances in battery chemistry, cooling systems and inverter technology are enabling faster charging than ever. Some EVs now have 800V electricals – twice the voltage we're used to.
It’s an important step: higher-voltage delivers more power (and much faster charging) without the increased heat you would get from raising the current (amps), and that technology is getting cheaper all the time.
However, no two EVs are identical. Some hold onto their maximum charging speed for longer than others, while efficiency influences how much range you get back per minute plugged in. And that’s the most important measure.
To level the playing field, we’ve calculated an average charging speed (additional miles of range per minute) for a 10-80% session, based on official figures. By that metric, here are the 10 fastest-charging EVs on sale in the UK.
10. Audi A6 E-tron Performance Sport (15.6 miles/minute)
The first electric A6 is the most aerodynamic Audi yet and benefits from the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture – which means 800V technology is standard across the line-up. However, you need to upgrade to the 100kWh battery to get 270kW charging, as the 83kWh pack tops out at 215kW.
WLTP range: 469 miles
Charging time: 21 minutes
Range added: 328 miles
Price:£68,860
9. MG IM6 100 Long Range (16.0 miles/minute)
MG’s premium electric SUV has its sights set on the UK’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, with 800V charging as an important differentiator. All versions have the same 100kWh battery pack and charge from 10-80% in 17 minutes, but the Long Range makes do with just a single motor. It’s therefore more efficient, travelling 75 miles farther on a full charge than the four-wheel-drive models.
WLTP range: 388 miles
Charging time: 17 minutes
Range added: 272 miles
Price: £48,495
8. Porsche Taycan (16.4 miles/minute)
One of the earliest 800V EVs sold in the UK, the Taycan remains an accomplished cruiser with charging speeds that still stand up to rivals'. Even the Turbo model would come close to making our top 10. However, the entry-level single-motor version offers the most miles per minute plugged in – and it’s the rangiest Taycan too.
WLTP range: 421 miles
Charging time: 18 minutes
Range added: 295 miles
Price: £91,196
7. BMW iX3 50 xDrive (16.4 miles/minute)
BMW’s first Neue Klasse EV has some impressive credentials up its sleeve. It’s a sign of how quickly the technology is advancing that the entry-level iX3 40's 300kW charging and 400-mile range aren't enough to get it into the top 10. The larger battery option adds 93 miles of range, four-wheel drive and 400kW charging, so it takes the same time to get to 80%. Not that either leave much time for a mid-journey coffee break.
