A charge time estimating method includes communicating a target state of charge for a traction battery from a first control module to a second control module that is different than the first control module, using the second control module to establish an estimated amount of energy that is needed to charge the traction battery to the target state of charge, communicating the estimated amount of energy from the second control module to the first control module, and using the first control module to establish an estimated time required to charge the traction battery to the target state of charge. The estimated time is at least partially based on the estimated amount of energy.