In 2022, I made an intriguing forecast about the future of electric vehicles (EVs):

• By 2030, the term “miles per hour” (mph) will refer to both a vehicle’s speed and its charging rate.

At the time, this seemed like a bold claim—but as EV technology evolves, it’s worth examining whether this dual meaning could become a reality.

The Prediction Explained: Why “MPH” for Charging?

Today, EV charging is typically measured in:

• Kilowatts (kW) – The power delivered by the charger.
• Miles of range added per hour – A more intuitive metric for drivers.

But as charging speeds accelerate, expressing charge rates in “mph” could simplify consumer understanding:

• “This charger adds 300 mph” could mean it replenishes 300 miles of range in one hour (or proportionally faster at higher speeds).
• “My car charges at 500 mph” would parallel how we say “my car tops out at 150 mph.”

Is This Already Happening?

Some automakers and charging networks already use “miles per hour” for charging:

• Tesla’s navigation system estimates how many miles of range a Supercharger will add in a given time.
• Electrify America’s app displays “miles per minute” for ultra-fast chargers.
• Porsche Taycan’s dashboard shows range recovery rates in real time.

This suggests the language is shifting—but will “mph” become the standard by 2030?

Factors That Could Make “MPH = Charging Speed” Mainstream

1. Ultra-Fast Charging Breakthroughs

By 2030, next-gen batteries and 350+ kW chargers could enable:

• 5-minute charging for 200+ miles (effectively 2,400 “mph”).
• Solid-state batteries with even faster replenishment rates.

If charging becomes as quick as refueling gas, comparing it to speed (mph) makes sense.

2. Consumer-Friendly Metrics

Most drivers don’t think in kilowatts—they care about:

• “How many miles can I add in 10 minutes?”
• “How fast can I get back on the road?”

“Miles per hour” is more intuitive than technical terms like kWh or C-rate.

3. Automaker & Charging Network Adoption

If Tesla, Rivian, or Electrify America start advertising charging rates in “mph,” others will follow.

• Example: “Charge at 600 mph with our new 800V hypercharger!”

Potential Challenges to the Prediction

1. Industry Standardization

• The SAE and IEC currently use kW for charging power.
• Switching to “mph” might require global consensus, which moves slowly.

2. Variable Charging Rates

• Unlike speed, charging slows as the battery fills (tapering).
• “500 mph” might only apply from 10% to 50% state of charge, confusing consumers.

3. Competition from “Miles per Minute”

• With ultra-fast charging, “miles per minute” (mpm) might be more practical.
• Example: “Add 100 miles in 3 minutes” instead of “2,000 mph.”

Early Signs the Prediction Is Gaining Traction

• Lucid Motors already markets “up to 300 miles in 20 minutes”—equivalent to 900 mph.
• GM’s Ultium Charge 360 uses range-added metrics in its app.
• IONITY (Europe) displays km/h charging rates in some locations.

Final Verdict: Will “MPH” Mean Both by 2030?

Conclusion

My 2022 prediction has a strong chance of becoming reality—at least in marketing and consumer jargon. While kW will remain the technical standard, “miles per hour” could become the everyday language for EV charging speed.

Why? Because people relate better to distance over time (mph) than electrical units (kW). If Tesla, GM, or Porsche start using “mph” in ads, the shift could happen faster than expected.

Check back in 2030—I might just be right! 🚗⚡💨

What do you think? Will “mph” mean charging speed by 2030, or will kW remain dominant? Let me know in the comments!**