Charge electric car at home in 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 in 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, what risks it entails, and why a charging box is often a better solution.
Can you charge the electric car in a regular wall outlet?
Yes, it is technically possible to charge an electric car in a regular 230V wall outlet (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 as the outlet is not built for prolonged high load.
Example: Charging an electric car with a 60 kWh battery in a regular outlet can take over 24 hours depending on the charging current and the vehicle's capacity.
What does the Electrical Safety Authority say?
The Electrical Safety Authority advises against regular charging via ordinary wall or engine heater outlets. They recommend that a dedicated charging box be installed to meet electrical safety requirements for electric car charging.
- Charging boxes with type 2 outlets and charging according to Mode 3 provide higher safety.
- The installation should 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: Regular outlets are not built for continuous high current.
- Insufficient protection: Ground fault circuit interrupters in the home are not always adapted for charging.
Advantages of installing a charging box at home
- Faster charging: Shorter charging time compared to wall outlets.
- Higher safety: Built-in safety features in the charging box.
- Better control: Smart control, e.g., based on electricity price or schedule.
- Increases the value of the property: A charging box is attractive to future buyers.
Did you know that you can save thousands per year by charging the electric car smartly – for example, via a charging box that is controlled according to the stock price?
Cost and grants 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 receive up to 50% in tax reduction on both hardware and installation.
With us, you get charging boxes that:
- Are OCPP compatible
- Support controlling charging according to stock price (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 in 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 both safety, comfort, and the future.
Ready to charge smart? Explore our charging boxes and find the right solution for you!
What do insurance companies say?
Several Swedish insurance companies, such as Folksam, Länsförsäkringar, and If, have clear recommendations regarding electric car charging at home.
- 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 compensation from the insurance.
- A permanently installed charging box is often a requirement for home insurance to fully apply during electric car charging.
- If you charge in a regular outlet and damage occurs, compensation may be reduced or completely denied depending on the insurance terms.
Tip: Check with your insurance company before you start charging in wall outlets – or install a charging box directly and get both safety and insurance coverage.