Learn More About Battery Charging For Your Cadillac EV

The transition to an electric vehicle and the Cadillac Electric Life is an exciting step, and at Red Noland Cadillac, we’re here to make the experience as seamless as possible. One of the most common questions we hear from new and prospective EV owners is, “How long does it take to charge?” The answer, much like filling a gas tank, depends on a few key factors.

Here’s a breakdown of the different charging levels and what you can expect when you get behind the wheel of an all-electric Cadillac, like the groundbreaking LYRIQ.

The Three Levels of EV Charging

Electric vehicle charging is categorized into three main levels, each offering a different speed and convenience.

• Level 1 Charging: This is the most basic form of charging, using a standard 120-volt household outlet. It’s the slowest option, often referred to as “trickle charging.” While it’s great for topping off your battery overnight if you have a short commute, it can take up to three days to achieve a full charge from empty. For the Cadillac LYRIQ, a Level 1 charger can add about 3-4 miles of range per hour. It’s a convenient backup option, but not the primary method for most drivers.
• Level 2 Charging: This is the go-to solution for most EV owners, and for good reason. Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt outlet, similar to what you’d use for a clothes dryer. It’s significantly faster than Level 1. Many Cadillac owners choose to have a Level 2 charger professionally installed at home. The Cadillac LYRIQ, with its standard 11.5 kW AC charger, can add up to 31 miles of range per hour. This means you can get a full charge overnight, typically in around 6-10 hours, and wake up to a fully charged vehicle every morning.
• DC Fast Charging: When you’re on a road trip and need a quick boost, DC fast charging is your best friend. Available at public charging stations along major highways, these chargers provide the fastest charging speeds. The Cadillac LYRIQ can add up to 76 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a DC fast-charging station. This allows you to quickly recharge while grabbing a meal or a coffee, getting you back on the road in no time. The LYRIQ’s impressive charging speed allows it to go from 10% to 80% charge in about 25-30 minutes.

Factors That Affect Charging Time

While knowing the different charging levels is a great starting point, understanding the nuances behind charging can help you optimize your electric vehicle experience. Here’s a deeper dive into the key factors that influence how long it takes to charge your EV.

1. The Charging Curve and State of Charge (SoC)

This is one of the most important factors, especially when using DC fast charging. An EV battery doesn’t charge at a linear, consistent rate from 0% to 100%. Instead, it follows a “charging curve.”

• Fastest at the Start: A battery charges fastest when it’s at a low State of Charge (SoC), typically between 10% and 80%. Imagine trying to fill a crowded room with people—it’s easy at first, but much slower and more difficult as it gets full. The same principle applies to lithium-ion batteries.
• Slowing Down to Protect the Battery: As the battery approaches 80% SoC, the charging rate slows down significantly. This “tapering” effect is a built-in safety measure managed by the car’s Battery Management System (BMS). It’s designed to protect the battery from overheating and premature degradation, ensuring its longevity and health. This is why you often see DC fast charging times quoted to 80%—that last 20% can take as long as the first 80%.

2. Temperature

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can have a noticeable impact on charging speed.

• Cold Weather: In cold temperatures, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down. Your Cadillac EV has a thermal management system must use energy to warm the battery to an optimal temperature before it can begin charging at a normal rate. This process adds time to the overall charging session and can slightly reduce your range.
• Hot Weather: Similarly, in very hot weather, the Cadillac EV’s thermal management system may need to cool the battery to prevent overheating. This can also slow down the charging rate to protect the battery from damage. This is why some EV owners will “pre-condition” their battery by using the car’s navigation to a fast charger. The car will automatically warm or cool the battery to the optimal temperature, allowing for faster charging upon arrival.

3. Battery Size and Health

• Battery Capacity: It’s simple logic—a larger battery, with a higher kilowatt-hour (kWh) capacity, will take longer to fill up than a smaller one, assuming the same charging speed. For example, a Cadillac LYRIQ with its 102 kWh battery will take longer to charge from empty to full than an EV with a 60 kWh battery.
• Battery Age: Over time, an EV’s battery will experience a slight decrease in its overall capacity and ability to accept a charge, a natural process known as degradation. This is very gradual, and modern EVs are designed to retain most of their capacity for a decade or more of normal use, but it can eventually lead to slightly longer charging times.

4. Charger and Vehicle Power Limits

• The Lowest Common Denominator: The actual charging speed is limited by the lower of two numbers: the maximum power the charger can deliver (measured in kW) and the maximum power the vehicle’s onboard charging system can accept.  For example, if you plug a Cadillac LYRIQ into a 50 kW DC fast charger, it will charge at a maximum of 50 kW (or less, depending on the factors above). But if you plug the same LYRIQ into a 350 kW charger, it will still only charge at its maximum acceptance rate, which is currently 190 kW. You’ll never get more power than the car is designed to accept.
• Cadillac’s all-electric models, built on the Ultium Platform, have impressive charging capabilities. Here are the maximum charging rates for each model:
  • Cadillac Escalade IQ: This model is capable of an 800-volt DC fast charge, with a maximum charging speed of 350 kW.
  • Cadillac Lyriq: The Lyriq’s DC fast charging rate is 190 kW.
  • Cadillac Vistiq: The Vistiq offers a maximum DC fast charging rate of 190 kW.
  • Cadillac Optiq: The Optiq has a DC fast charging capability of up to 150 kW.

  The actual charging speed will depend on several factors, including the charging station’s power output, the vehicle’s battery level, and ambient temperature.

At Red Noland Cadillac, we’re not just selling electric vehicles; we’re here to be your partners in the transition to an electric future. We can help you understand all the factors involved in EV charging, so you can confidently hit the road.  Come visit us and learn more about the Cadillac EV Lineup from one of our vehicle concierges!