How to charge your electric car at home

Charging an electric car at home is one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to ensure the vehicle is always ready to drive. As electric mobility continues to grow, more and more drivers are looking for solutions that allow them to recharge with convenience, safety, and control over energy costs.

But how exactly does home charging work? Is it necessary to install specific equipment? How long does it take and how much does it typically cost to charge a vehicle from a household power supply?

In this article, we answer the key questions for anyone considering charging their electric car at home. We explore the available options — from using a regular socket to installing a wallbox — as well as the average charging times, cost estimates, installation considerations, and best practices for safe and efficient home charging.

Charging without a dedicated charger (just using a standard socket)

Despite the title, "charging without a dedicated charger" doesn’t mean charging without any equipment. Most electric vehicles come with a portable emergency charger — usually with a power output of 2.3 kW — that allows the driver to plug the car into a regular household socket, typically a Schuko-type outlet.

This method is simple and accessible and, as the name suggests, the emergency charger is intended for occasional use — when there’s no access to a dedicated charger or a higher-powered socket. It can be useful during unexpected trips or in locations without specific charging infrastructure.

What’s needed?

• Emergency charger included with the vehicle.
• A socket in good condition, preferably with a direct connection to the electrical panel and without extension cords.
• A safe location, such as a garage or private parking space, to ensure stability and protection during charging.

Advantages:

• No additional investment in equipment is required.
• Can be suitable for occasional use or in emergency situations.

Limitations:

• Limited power (2.3 kW), resulting in slow charging — a full charge can take over 20 hours, depending on battery capacity.
• Recommended for occasional use: although it can be used at home, the emergency charger is typically designed for short-term needs. Frequent use may not be the safest or most efficient option, especially in electrical installations that are not prepared for continuous load.

Ways to charge an electric car at home

When thinking about home charging, people often imagine just two scenarios: either using a regular socket or installing a wallbox. In reality, there are three main ways to charge an electric car at home, each with important differences.

1. Emergency charger using a standard socket

• Power: around 2.3 kW
• Connection: Schuko socket (standard household outlet)
• Best for: occasional use, short trips, emergencies
• Estimated time: 20 to 30 hours for a full charge (60 kWh battery)
• Recommendations: not for daily use; the installation should be safe and dedicated

2. Portable charger with reinforced installation

• Power: ranges from 3.7 kW to 22 kW — most common are 3.7 kW and 7.4 kW models
• Connection: industrial socket (CEE type) or a properly prepared single-phase/triple-phase setup
• Best for: users who want flexibility and power without installing a wallbox
• Estimated time: 3 to 16 hours for a full charge, depending on the available power
• Recommendations: requires proper electrical inspection and safety protections

3. Wallbox

• Power: between 3.7 kW and 22 kW (7.4 kW is most common in homes)
• Connection: directly to the main electrical panel, with dedicated protections
• Best for: daily charging, frequent use, and more control
• Estimated time: 6 to 9 hours for a full charge (60 kWh battery)
• Additional benefits: smart control, scheduled charging, enhanced safety features

Average charging time

The simplest way to estimate how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle at home is by dividing the battery capacity by the available charging power:

Time (in hours) ≈ Battery capacity (kWh) ÷ Actual charging power (kW)

For example, if the battery has 60 kWh and the charging is done at 7.4 kW: 60 ÷ 7.4 = approximately 8 hours

This calculation gives a fairly good estimate, but the actual time can vary significantly depending on several factors that directly affect charging speed.

In practice, charging time is not determined by the charger alone. Several elements influence the result:

• The battery capacity of the vehicle (the larger it is, the longer it takes);
• The power available in the electrical installation (single-phase or three-phase, with or without limitations);
• The power of the charger (2.3 kW, 3.7 kW, 7.4 kW, 11 kW, or 22 kW);
• The maximum charging power accepted by the vehicle — every EV has a manufacturer-defined limit to protect the battery, whether charging with alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC);
• The battery level at the start of the session — in most cases, charging is not done from 0% to 100%;
• The charging curve, as most vehicles reduce charging speed when the battery approaches full capacity.

A key point: charging speed is always limited by the weakest link — whether at home or in public charging.

Even with a powerful charger and a reinforced installation, charging may be slower if the vehicle doesn’t support the full power.

The charging speed will always be defined by the lowest value among: electrical installation, charger, and vehicle.

Example: If a vehicle supports up to 11 kW, even with a 22 kW wallbox and a compatible installation, charging will still occur at 11 kW, as that is the vehicle’s limit.

Below is an estimate based on a 60 kWh battery (a common size in many EVs). Times refer to full charges, from 0% to 100%, and may vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

Note: since home charging is usually done partially (for example, from 30% to 80%), the actual charging time is often significantly shorter than the examples above suggest.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?

Home charging is one of the most practical ways to keep an electric vehicle ready to drive. In addition to offering greater flexibility in time management, it also allows the user to have better control over charging costs, especially when paying attention to the time of day and the electricity tariff.

To estimate the cost of a home charging session, simply multiply the energy consumed (in kWh) by the price per kWh defined in the electricity contract:

Cost (€) = Energy charged (kWh) × Price per kWh (€)

For example, if 40 kWh are charged at a price of €0.20/kWh, the total cost would be €8.

Keep in mind that this value may vary depending on the electricity plan and the time the charging takes place.

In dual-rate or time-of-use contracts, off-peak hours (usually overnight and early morning) offer significantly lower prices. Scheduling charging sessions during these hours can lead to substantial savings over time.

It’s also important to remember that charging is not 100% efficient: there are always technical losses, typically ranging from 5% to 15%, depending on the type of charger and the quality of the electrical setup. This means the actual energy drawn from the grid will be slightly higher than what goes into the battery.

For those who generate their own electricity — such as through solar panels — the cost can be even lower. When charging takes place during the day, using surplus solar energy, it's possible to power the vehicle with no additional energy cost. This is becoming increasingly common, especially in single-family homes, and contributes to both economic savings and a more sustainable approach to mobility.

How often should you charge at home?

Unlike fossil fuels, where the tank is usually refilled only when nearly empty, electric vehicle charging works differently. Most EV drivers charge regularly, in short and frequent sessions, much like the habit of plugging in a phone every night.

This approach offers several advantages:

• Avoids reaching very low battery levels, which can be less efficient and more stressful in case of unexpected needs;
• Reduces charging time per session, since only a small amount of energy is typically needed;
• Takes advantage of off-peak electricity rates, especially when charging overnight;
• Helps preserve battery health, by keeping the charge within ideal ranges (e.g., between 30% and 80%).

In general, the best frequency depends on each user's routine. Those who drive short distances daily may only need to charge a few times per week, while those covering long distances regularly might prefer to charge every night to keep the battery consistently topped up.

The key is to integrate charging into daily life in a way that’s practical and stress-free — without relying on long sessions or last-minute charging. Whenever possible, having the vehicle connected to a reliable charging point — whether a wallbox, a reinforced outlet, or a safe domestic socket — ensures greater predictability and convenience in everyday use.

How to choose and install a home EV charger

Installing a dedicated charger — such as a wallbox or a higher-powered portable charger — is one of the best ways to ensure convenience, safety, and efficiency when charging at home. However, before choosing a device, it’s important to consider a few key factors that will help determine the best option for your setup.

What to consider when choosing a charger

• Compatibility with the vehicle: Check the maximum AC charging power supported by the car. For example, if the vehicle supports up to 7.4 kW, installing an 11 or 22 kW charger won’t speed up the process.
• Power capacity of the electrical installation: Homes with a single-phase connection usually support up to 7.4 kW. For 11 or 22 kW chargers, a properly prepared three-phase installation is required.
• Usage profile: Drivers with short daily trips may opt for a 3.7 or 7.4 kW charger. Those who drive long distances or need faster charging may benefit from higher power options.
• Additional features: Some wallboxes allow scheduled charging, adjustable power limits, integration with solar energy, and other smart functionalities.

Installation

Installation should always be carried out by a qualified electrician, who will assess the home’s electrical panel capacity and install the necessary protections. It’s essential that the circuit is dedicated to the charger, with its own circuit breaker and residual-current device.

Even for simpler setups — such as using portable chargers with industrial sockets (CEE type) — an inspection by a technician is strongly recommended to ensure long-term safety and performance.

For those living in apartment buildings or shared garages, specific rules and procedures may apply. Learn more in this article: How to install an EV charger in a condominium.

miio works with certified installation partners to help you install a home charger safely and professionally. The technical evaluation is free — simply get in touch to schedule it.

Safety and best practices

• Avoid using extension cords or improvised adapters.
• Make sure the charger is installed in a weather-protected location (especially outdoors).
• Regularly check the condition of the socket, cables, and connectors.
• Prioritize equipment with certifications and built-in protections (such as overvoltage or overheating protection).

Investing in a well-matched and safely installed solution is key to enjoying a smooth and stress-free EV ownership experience.

Conclusion

Charging an electric vehicle at home is a practical, cost-effective, and above all, flexible solution. With multiple charging options available — from using an emergency charger to installing a wallbox — each driver can adapt the setup to their daily routine, available power, and mobility needs.

Rather than simply choosing the most powerful solution, the key is to find a balance between range, convenience, and safety. With a well-designed installation and attention to charging schedules, it's possible to lower costs, protect the battery, and ensure the vehicle is always ready to go.

For those who generate solar energy, home charging also represents an additional opportunity for savings — further amplifying the positive impact of electric mobility on sustainability.

By understanding how home charging works, users are better equipped to make informed decisions and get the most out of their electric vehicle.

Quick summary: How to charge your electric car at home

• Charging at home is convenient and often more affordable, especially when done during off-peak hours and under the right electricity tariff.
• There are three main ways to charge: using an emergency charger (2.3 kW), a portable charger with a reinforced setup, or a wallbox.
• Charging time depends on the battery capacity, charger power, electrical installation, and the vehicle’s own charging limit.
• To estimate time: divide the number of kWh to charge by the actual power available (in kW).
• Charging speed will always be limited by the weakest component (vehicle, charger, or installation).
• The average cost of charging is calculated by multiplying the energy used (in kWh) by your electricity rate — it’s often lower during off-peak hours.
• Using solar energy can significantly reduce the cost — or even eliminate it if surplus energy is available.
• Regular charging is ideal; avoid letting the battery get too low or constantly charging to 100%.
• Wallbox installations should always be carried out by qualified technicians. miio offers free assessments with certified partners.

Want to learn more about EV charging? Explore the full content on the miio blog.