Charging your electric car from a household socket: a good or a bad idea?

Why isn’t the mains socket suitable for EV charging?

Before plugging your electric car into a domestic socket, it’s essential to understand why this solution isn’t ideal. It’s not just a question of power, but also of safety and efficiency!

Risks of overheating and overvoltage 

Household sockets are designed for standard home appliances and aren’t equipped to handle the substantial loads required for EV charging. Using such a socket can lead to overheating of the electrical circuit and, in the worst-case scenario, a fire risk. Electrical safety is paramount, and an overload can have serious consequences. In the UK, standard outlets are typically rated for 13 amps, which may be insufficient for prolonged EV battery charging 🔋.

Slow charging time and loss of energy

As well as the risk of overheating, slow charging is another major drawback 🐢. Charging an electric car from a household socket can take forever. For an average-sized battery, it can take more than 24 hours for a full charge! What’s more, this method is inefficient in terms of energy consumption, as some of it is lost as heat! A study carried out in the UK showed that charging from a domestic socket can be up to 30% less efficient than using a dedicated charging point. This means that you consume more electricity to obtain the same amount of energy. So unless you want to spend a whole weekend waiting for your car to charge, you’d better opt for a more efficient solution!

Use should remain exceptional

Considering the risks mentioned above, we recommend that you do not use a domestic socket to charge your vehicle on a regular basis. It’s a makeshift solution to be used only in emergencies and for short periods of time. Experts recommend using a domestic socket only for occasional, low-power charging. You can use it, for instance, for short journeys or to charge a plug-in hybrid vehicle, which requires less energy ⚡️. 

Despite these limitations, there are fortunately more suitable charging solutions for electric vehicle owners.

Which home charging solutions should you choose?

For those who wish to charge their electric car at home, here are some safer and more effective options than standard household sockets.

Heavy-duty sockets: a safer option 🛡️

Heavy-duty sockets are specifically designed to handle higher loads than standard household sockets. This makes charging safer. Ideal for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, they generally offer a charging power rating of up to 3.7kW, which is around three times higher than a standard socket. Heavy-duty sockets, such as Green’Up sockets, are ideal for this purpose. They reduce the risk of overheating and overvoltage. However, even with a heavy-duty socket, charging speed remains limited and requires several hours for a full charge.

The home charging point: the optimum solution 

For efficient, safe charging, the best option is to install a home charging point. This considerably reduces charging time and optimises energy efficiency. Charging points offer power ratings ranging from 3.7kW to 22kW. This means you can be fully charged in just a few hours. Costs can vary depending on the power rating of the charging station and the installation fees, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros 💶. However, the investment is well worth it for those looking for a practical long-term solution. It’s a bit like switching from a bike to an electric scooter, a considerable improvement in terms of speed and comfort!

Looking to explore the different options available for home charging points? The Mister EV website offers several high-quality models, including:

• The VELOCY BOX – Type 2 (7.4kW), ideal for fast and safe home charging.
• The MAXICHARGER Type 2 mobile charging station, perfect for those looking for a flexible, portable solution.
• The Lektri.co TRI – Type 2S (2.3 kW to 22 kW) is a complete, smart charging station with dynamic energy management. It maximises charging speed to save money, in particular by activating charging only during off-peak hours or by using your solar energy.

These options cover various needs, from fixed charging to mobile solutions, to suit all situations. Discover the full range of Mister EV charging stations.

Other charging solutions

Charging solutions are not limited to the options available at home. Here are some alternatives for charging your EV away from home.

 Charging at public charging points 🌐

Public charging points are an accessible alternative for many drivers. They generally offer rapid charging and can increasingly be found in urban areas and on main roads. Some public charging points can even offer ultra-rapid charging of up to 150kW ⚡️. This means that a battery can be charged to 80% in less than 30 minutes. However, it’s important to choose your charging point carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises, such as high prices and long queues.

Charging at work 🏢

More and more companies are installing charging points for their employees. This trend is encouraged by favourable policies and private investment, and meets the growing demand for electric vehicles. It’s a godsend for users on their way to work! So when you’re not working remotely, you can take advantage of a practical EV charging solution during the day. This initiative allows employees to benefit from easy charging, especially those who don’t have the option of installing a charging point at home.

In short, charging your electric car from a domestic socket is a makeshift solution that should be avoided whenever possible. The safety risks and inefficiency of this method make home charging points or other public and professional options much more attractive. Investing in a charging point is a wise choice for safety and convenience as it guarantees a faster and safer charging experience 🚗🔌

Find public charging points on your journeys at a glance.
Download or update your Chargemap app.