Charge electric car at home using a regular outlet – what you should know
Charging an electric car at home is a convenient solution for most electric car owners. A common question is whether it is possible to charge the electric car using a regular wall outlet – and if it is safe. In this guide, we go through everything you need to know about charging the electric car in a regular outlet, the risks involved, and why a charging box is usually a better solution.
Can you charge the electric car in a regular wall outlet?
Yes, it is technically possible to charge an electric car using a standard 230V wall socket (Schuko). Many electric cars come with such a charging cable. However, this should only be used temporarily. It is not a solution for daily charging because the socket is not designed for prolonged high load.
Example: Charging an electric car with a 60 kWh battery from a regular outlet can take over 24 hours depending on the charging current and the vehicle's capacity.
What does the Swedish Electrical Safety Agency say?
The Swedish Electrical Safety Agency advises against regular charging via standard wall or engine heater sockets. They recommend that a dedicated charging box be installed to meet electrical safety requirements for electric vehicle charging.
- Charging boxes with Type 2 sockets and Mode 3 charging provide higher safety.
- The installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
- If a regular outlet is used temporarily, the charging current should be limited to a maximum of 10A.
Risks of charging in a regular outlet
- Fire risk: Outlets and cables can overheat from prolonged charging.
- Wear: Common outlets are not designed for continuous high current.
- Insufficient protection: Residual current devices in the home are not always suitable for charging.
Advantages of installing a charging box at home
- Faster charging: Shorter charging time compared to wall outlets.
- Higher security: Built-in safety features in the charging box.
- Better control: Smart management, e.g., based on electricity price or schedule.
- Increases the home's value: A charging box is attractive to future buyers.
Did you know that you can save thousands of kronor per year by charging your electric car smartly – for example, via a charging box controlled according to the stock market?
Cost and subsidy for charging box installation
A charging box costs from about 6,000 to 15,000 SEK depending on the model and features. You can also use the Green Technology deduction and get up to 50% tax reduction on both hardware and installation.
With us, you get charging boxes that:
- Are OCPP compliant
- Supports controlling charging according to the stock exchange (spot price)
- Can be supplemented with card terminal and app control
Tips for safe home charging
- Always use an approved charging cable or charging box.
- Have the installation done by a certified electrician.
- Avoid extending cables or using extension cords.
- Preferably charge at night when the power grid is less loaded – and cheaper!
Summary
It is possible to charge an electric car at home using a regular outlet – but it is not safe to do so regularly. If you want to charge faster, safer, and smarter, you should install a charging box at home. It is an investment in safety, comfort, and the future.
Ready to charge smart? Explore our charging boxes and find the right solution for you!
What do the insurance companies say?
Several Swedish insurance companies, such as Folksam, Länsförsäkringar, and If, have clear recommendations regarding home electric car charging.
- Most advise against charging in a regular wall outlet as it increases the risk of electrical faults and fire. If something were to happen, it could affect the insurance compensation.
- A permanently installed charging box is often a requirement for the home insurance to fully apply when charging an electric car.
- If you charge using a regular outlet and damage occurs, the compensation may be reduced or completely withheld depending on the insurance terms.
Tips: Check with your insurance company before you start charging from a wall outlet – or install a charging box directly and get both security and insurance coverage.