The charging curve matters more than the peak
A charging session is a changing flow of energy. The average power across the useful interval tells you more about elapsed time than one record-setting instant.
Canvas of Knowledge · 14 November 2026 · Illustrated explainerA SIMPLE EXAMPLE
Adding 60kWh in 20 minutes requires an average of 180kW at the measurement point: 60 ÷ (20/60). This is an illustrative calculation, not a claim about any car.
WHY POWER CHANGES
Battery condition, temperature, state of charge and equipment limits shape the curve. A high initial rate may taper as the battery fills.
COMPARE THE SAME WINDOW
Compare energy added and elapsed time over a stated interval, such as 10–80%, while also checking usable battery capacity. Equal percentage gains can represent different amounts of energy.
THE IDEA TO KEEPCharging power is the height of the curve; energy delivered is its area over time.
Sources & further reading
- BMW · charging training material, hosted by NHTSA →
- US Department of Transportation · Charger types and speeds →
Sources reviewed 14 November 2026. Specifications and availability depend on the product, market and date. Source organisations do not endorse this website.