How to charge an electric car at home: complete guide with power, socket and time

The transition to more sustainable, environmentally friendly mobility is in full swing, and electric cars are a key part of this revolution. To get the most out of your electric vehicle, however, it is crucial to understand in detail how to charge an electric car at home.

Here's a quick, direct answer: Yes, you can charge your electric car at home without problems. Although a conventional socket can do the job occasionally, installing a wallbox is the most advisable option for speed, safety and convenience

But let's dig a little deeper…

Charging an electric car at home is entirely possible and, in fact, the most common way of recharging the vehicle for most users. Household infrastructure even allows you to use a conventional socket.However, this is not advisable for practical reasons, since it is very slow, and above all for safety reasons, since it is a potentially dangerous option.

As noted above, the most widespread and recommended solution is to install a charging point known as a wallbox. This device is specifically designed to charge electric vehicles faster, more stably and more safely. It allows you to make better use of the available power, schedule charging times and, in many cases, integrate smart features such as mobile control or consumption optimisation based on the electricity tariff.

In addition, installing a wallbox is usually a simple process when an authorised installer is involved, and there are also public grants that can significantly reduce the total cost. Together, having a home charging point brings convenience, efficiency and peace of mind, making it the ideal option for those who use an electric car daily.

Home charging of electric vehicles has become a key element of sustainable mobility infrastructure.Installing a charging point at home, whether a private or shared garage, makes it possible to optimise the use of the electricity grid, reduce operating costs and improve the energy efficiency of the vehicle. It also makes it easier to integrate with smart energy management systems, such as dynamic tariffs or photovoltaic self-consumption.

Below, we list the main advantages of charging an electric car at home:

• Financial savings

Charging an electric car is generally cheaper than public charging, since the latter usually includes commercial margins and infrastructure costs that push up the price per kilometre.

• Optimisation of the contracted power

Home chargers allow you to regulate the charging power to match the contracted power and avoid overloads. Many devices include load balancing, which automatically adjusts the power so as not to exceed the installation's limit.

• Integration with renewable energy

If the home has solar panels, it is possible to charge the vehicle with photovoltaic surpluses, further reducing the energy cost and increasing self-sufficiency. Some chargers let you prioritise solar energy via specific charging modes.

• Smart management and advanced monitoring

Home chargers usually include WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, which makes it possible to:

• Schedule charging times.

• Monitor consumption in real time.

• Check energy history.

• Adjust power levels and charging modes from an app.

• Longer battery life, since home charging usually takes place at moderate power levels.

• Guaranteed electrical safety

Home charging points include specific protections (such as DC leakage control, overcurrent protection and automatic disconnection systems) that reduce electrical risks and protect both the installation and the vehicle.

• Full availability and time savings

Having your own charging point removes the dependence on the public network, avoiding waits, trips and possible issues. The vehicle charges while it is not in use, which optimises the user's time.

• Access to grants and incentives

Governments and authorities offer financial aid for the installation of home charging points, noticeably reducing the initial investment. There are also tax deductions and support schemes that make the transition to electric mobility easier.

Unlike internal combustion vehicles, electric cars run on rechargeable batteries. Charging your electric car at home therefore means connecting it to a power source to recharge these batteries.

It is advisable to charge the electric vehicle preferably at night, when electricity demand is lower. This can not only mean lower costs for the individual, but also eases the load on the grid and contributes to a more stable, sustainable electricity system.

It is neither practical nor safe to charge an electric car using your home's conventional sockets. Instead, you need sockets specifically designed for electric vehicle charging. A good example here is the Simon vehicle chargers SM34 and SM40, which provide a safe, efficient solution for charging your electric car at home.

It is also advisable to purchase a home modulator that balances the maximum power available in your home's electrical installation. This ensures that charging your electric car does not exceed the capacity of your electrical system, and that any energy not used by your home is directed to the electric vehicle charger. This measure is essential to avoid overloads and maintain the safety of your electrical installation.

To charge an electric car at home you don't need to set up a “power station”, but you do need to install a few basic elements so that the charging is safe, convenient and legal. We explain it clearly and concisely:

• A charging point (wallbox)

• It is the safest and most efficient way to charge.

• Allows you to schedule times, adjust power and monitor consumption.

• Much better than a conventional household socket.

• A dedicated electrical line from your panel

• Specific wiring running from the electrical panel to the garage.

• Avoids overloads and ensures stable charging.

• Mandatory protections in the panel

• Magnetothermic breaker: protects against overloads.

• Residual current device: prevents current leakage.

• A surge protector is sometimes added.

• A secondary meter (only if necessary)

• Common in shared garages to measure your consumption.

• It is linked to your home and billed on your invoice.

• Adapting the electrical panel (if applicable)

• Only if your installation is old or has low power.

• Many cars charge well at low power levels, so it is not always necessary to upgrade.

• Installation carried out by an authorised electrician

• Guarantees safety, compliance with regulations and certification.

• In shared garages: notify the homeowners' association

• You don't need permission, just to give written notice that you will install a charging point.

The power needed to charge an electric car at home depends on the charging mode you use. Each mode defines the socket type, speed and safety level, and not all are suitable for domestic use.

• It uses a conventional schuko socket, with no dedicated infrastructure or communication with the vehicle. It is very slow charging with no specific protection, so it is not recommended for electric cars. It is normally used for electric bicycles or motorcycles.

• It also starts from a domestic socket, but incorporates a cable with a small control device. Although it adds some safety, it remains slow charging and intended as an emergency solution for electric cars, not for daily use.

• It is the standard recommended for homes. Here we are talking about a dedicated installation, normally a wallbox, with specific protections, advanced communication with the vehicle and Type 1 or Type 2 connectors. It allows normal or semi-fast AC charging that is safe and efficient.

• Corresponds to fast charging in direct current, the kind you find at public stations. It uses connectors such as CCS2 or CHAdeMO and requires very high-power equipment, so it is not a system designed for home installation.

There is no single charging time figure, since it depends on several factors:

• The available power in your installation.

• The type of charger you use.

• The battery capacity of your car.

• The maximum charging power that the vehicle itself accepts.

The charging speed is also not constant: it can vary depending on the state of the battery, the temperature or the car's internal management.

In general, batteries charge faster when partially discharged compared with when they are completely empty.The optimal charging range sits between 20-80%.

Regardless of the charging time — which, as we have seen, is variable — charging an electric car at home is a feasible, worthwhile process, but it requires a proper grasp of the technical details and of the available options. The choice of charging mode, the correct installation of sockets and power management are essential elements in this process.

Having quality products such as the Simon SM34 or SM40 vehicle charger and the home modulator can significantly simplify and optimise your charging experience.

There is also the possibility of making the electric vehicle's charging process compatible with the home's photovoltaic installation (especially for detached homes), where through its different charging modes (grid, mixed, solar) we can choose between fast, efficient or ecological charging, respectively, depending on the user's needs. In this case, we will need a photovoltaic modulator plus a home modulator to handle the balancing correctly with the usual consumption of the home.

Charging an electric car at home or in a shared garage is still, today, the most economical way to recharge a vehicle. With a time-of-use tariff, especially if you make the most of off-peak early-morning hours, a full charge usually costs between 4 and 10 euros for a medium-sized battery. This is because the price per kWh at those times is much lower, typically between 0.10 and 0.15 euros, allowing a battery of around 50 kWh to be filled at a very low cost. In practice, driving 100 kilometres can cost just a couple of euros.

In a shared garage the cost is practically the same, since the installation is usually connected to your own meter or to a secondary meter associated with your home. In other words, you pay exactly the same tariff as at home, with no extra charges for being in a shared car park. The only difference may come from the initial installation cost, but once it is set up, the price per kWh is identical.

The key to keeping these costs low lies in choosing the right tariff and scheduling charging during the cheapest hours. Many users also adjust the contracted power, since large amounts of power are not needed to charge a car overnight. And if you also have solar panels, part of the charging can be virtually free during sunny hours.

Charging an electric car at home is one of the most convenient, economical and safe ways to keep your vehicle always ready. Even so, it is normal to have questions about the installation, the required power, the costs or the available options.

These FAQs will help you understand the essentials quickly:

• Can I install a charger in a shared garage?

Yes. You do not need the association's permission, only to give written notice.

• Which electricity tariff is most convenient?

A tariff with time-of-use pricing, to charge during off-peak hours.

• What do I need to install to charge an electric car at home?

A wallbox, a dedicated line with protections and an authorised installer.

• How much power do I need to contract?

Normally between 3.7 kW and 5.5 kW is enough to charge overnight.

• How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?

Between 4 and 10 hours, depending on the power and the car's battery.

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

Between 4 and 10 euros per full charge on a night tariff.

• Do I need an additional meter in a shared garage?

Only if the installation requires it. It is often connected to your home's meter.

• Can I schedule charging to make it cheaper?

Yes, most wallboxes and cars allow scheduling.

• Does the installation require building work?

Generally no. You only need to run cabling from your electrical panel to the garage.

• Is home charging safe?

Yes, as long as a wallbox is used and the installation is certified.

• Can I use solar energy to charge my car?

Yes, if you have solar panels you can charge at very low cost during the day.

Charging an electric car at home has become the most practical and economical option for most users. With a proper installation and an optimised tariff, home charging offers convenience, safety and a very low cost compared with other alternatives.

In addition, current technology allows you to schedule times, monitor consumption and adapt the power to the needs of each home, which makes the transition to electric mobility even easier. In short, having a charging point at home doesn't just simplify daily life, it also maximises savings and efficiency.