Around 80% of EV charging in Europe happens at home — it's the cheapest and most convenient way to keep your battery full. Here's what every new EV owner should know.
Your three home charging options
1. Standard wall socket (2.3KW)
Every EV comes with (or can use) a portable charger that plugs into a regular household socket. It's slow — roughly 10–15 km of range per hour — but perfectly fine for plug-in hybrids or low daily mileage. Make sure the socket and wiring are in good condition; sustained load on old wiring is a hazard.
2. Portable charger on an industrial socket (up to 11KW)
A portable EV charger with a CEE (red or blue industrial) plug gives you wallbox-level speed without a fixed installation. It's the flexible choice: use it at home, take it to a holiday house, or keep it as an emergency kit in your trunk.
3. Fixed wallbox (11–22KW)
The most comfortable long-term solution: fast, weatherproof, and often with smart features like scheduled charging and energy monitoring. A wallbox must be installed by a qualified electrician — no exceptions.
How fast do you actually need?
Do the math for your own driving: an 11KW connection adds roughly 60–70 km of range per hour. If you drive 50 km a day, even a modest setup refills your daily usage in under an hour. Most drivers discover they need less speed than they thought — the car charges while they sleep.
Charging cheaply
- Switch to a time-of-use electricity tariff and schedule charging for off-peak hours.
- Charge to 80% for daily use — it's faster per kWh and better for battery health.
- If you have solar panels, charge midday on sunny days for near-free kilometers.
Safety checklist
- Use only certified equipment (IEC 62196-2 for Type 2 connections).
- Never use household extension cords or cable reels for EV charging.
- Have fixed installations done by a licensed electrician, with a dedicated circuit and RCD protection.
- Check connectors for damage or moisture before every use.
Getting started
For most new EV owners, the ideal starter kit is simple: a quality 22KW Type 2 cable for public charging, plus a portable charger for home and travel. You can always add a wallbox later once you know your routine.