It is a common surprise: the charger says 120 kW, but your car shows much less. Usually nothing is wrong. Charging speed is decided by several things, and the lowest limit wins.
1. Your car's maximum
Every EV has a maximum charging power. If your car accepts 50 kW on DC, a 120 kW charger still delivers about 50 kW. On AC, your car's onboard charger sets the limit, often 7.2 or 11 kW.
2. Battery level
Batteries charge fastest when they are low. Above about 80%, the car deliberately slows charging to protect the battery. Arriving at 15–20% gives you the fastest session.
3. Battery temperature
Batteries charge best within a temperature range. If the battery is very hot after a long highway drive in summer, or cold, the car reduces power until it reaches a safe temperature.
4. Power sharing
Some stations share power between guns. If another vehicle is charging at the same time, the power may be split. The total is used efficiently, but each car may get less than the maximum.
5. Site power limits
Some sites cap total power to stay within their grid connection, especially at busy times.
6. Charger condition
Occasionally a charger runs at reduced power because of a fault or high internal temperature. If speed is unusually low, try another gun and report it.
How to charge faster
- Arrive with a lower battery, around 15–20%.
- Unplug at about 80% unless you need more for the next stretch.
- Pick a charger that matches your car's maximum.
- If your car has battery pre-conditioning, use it when navigating to a charger.