Charging curve
The graph of charging power against battery level. Its shape, not the peak number, decides how long a fast-charging stop really takes.
Plot a DC fast-charging session with battery percentage on one axis and power in kW on the other and you get the charging curve. The Australian Government says charging between 20% and 80% is usually when a battery can charge at its highest rate, and that the final 20% is generally slower because more cells are already near their maximum charge. The US Department of Energy likewise says most batteries reduce charging power in the 80–100% range.
The shape matters more than the advertised peak. A car that briefly touches a high kW figure but tapers early can be slower stop-to-stop than one that holds a modest power across the useful range. This is why CarPairly lists the 10–80% charging time, which reflects the whole curve, taper included. The Department of Energy adds that 80% often suits immediate driving needs, though extreme cold or a longer trip may justify charging further.
Curves also change with battery temperature, which the Australian Government lists among the factors that set charging speed. The Department of Energy notes that many EVs can warm the cabin and battery before driving, called preconditioning; check what your car offers.