How can I install a charging point at home?

Do you have an electric or hybrid car or are you seriously considering one? Then you are probably looking at where you can charge. The most convenient thing is of course to recharge it at home, so you don’t lose time on the road. If you have solar panels for instance, that can also have a positive effect on the cost. But can and should you just charge at home? And how exactly do you start?

Charge at home via charging point or socket.

Charging at home is certainly possible if you have the space. You can charge the electric or hybrid car at home in two ways. You can either choose MODE 2 charging, namely via a socket or MODE 3 charging, via a charging point. One is a bit slower, but you don’t need much and the other is faster, but here you need to install a charging point.

MODE 2 CHARGING – REGULAR SOCKET

  • Slower solution
  • Via household socket with earthing
  • Charging power 2.3kW
  • Mode 2 charging cable required
  • Best not via extension cable, but it is allowed.
  • It takes an average of 8 hours to drive a 100 km

MODE 3 CHARGING – CHARGING POINT

  • Faster than Mode 2
  • Via installed charging point (may be done by yourself, or by a professional)
  • Charging power 3.6 kW – 22 kW (depends on installation)
  • Customized connection (1 or 3 phase)
  • Extension cable is prohibited, so place the charging point close enough
  • On average between 4h30 and 48 min for 100 km

You receive such a cable when you buy your electric car. The cable has an EV connector and a plug as you are used to. The cable also has an ICCB  (In-Cable Control Box) or IC-CPD (In-Cable Control- and Protecting Device) with built-in current limitation. The IC-CPD contains the security that is otherwise in the charge point and, just like a charge point, this box can exchange information with your electric or hybrid car.

With an average household socket, the charging current must be limited to 10A. Due to this limitation to 10A, the maximum charging capacity is 2.3 kW.

With Mode 3 charging, electric vehicles can be charged in a controlled manner, because communication takes place between the car and the charger. Only when a suitable charging current has been determined by both, voltage is applied to the socket. To charge with Mode 3 at home, you need a suitable connection that can be 1-phase or 3-phase. When charging at home with 3-phase, the main connection may need to be expanded to 3-phase. Home sockets output alternating current (AC), while electric vehicles require direct current (DC) to charge their batteries. That is why an inverter in the vehicle converts the alternating current to direct current. AC charging therefore falls under Mode 3 charging. A Mode 3 charging station can supply much more power than an ordinary socket and can supply from 1-phase 3.6 kW (230V/16A) to 3-phase 22 kW (400V/32A).

Home charging, cheap charging?

This completely depends on your individual situation. For example, do you have solar panels with extra storage battery? Then this can certainly make a difference. If you do not currently have the best rate with your energy supplier and you do not have solar panels, this may still be a more expensive option than, for example, the car on petrol. Here we go deeper into it.

MAES Hybrid Card

Can’t charge at home or at work? Then the MAES Hybrid Card is your ideal partner for charging on the go. Whether you have a fully electric car or a hybrid car, you can use our MAES Hybrid Card for both. It combines the positive points of the regular fuel cards with an option where you can also charge electrically.

I am applying for my Hybrid card

All useful information about electric charging with MAES can be found here.

FAQ

How much power do I need to charge my electric car?

The power required to charge an electric car depends on the capacity of the battery and the charging speed of the charging point. In general, the larger the capacity of the battery and the faster the charging speed, the higher the power required. An average electric car has a battery capacity of about 60 kWh and can be charged from 0 to 100% in about 8 hours with a charging speed of 7.4 kW. For faster charging speeds, for example at a fast charging station, higher power is required.

Can I charge my electric car at home?

Yes, most electric cars can be charged at home using a charging station or a regular socket.

Is it safe to charge an electric car?

Yes, it is safe to charge an electric car. Electric cars are designed to be safe while charging, and most charging stations have protection mechanisms to prevent overload and short circuits.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

This depends on the price of the electricity and the capacity of the charging point. In general, charging an electric car is cheaper than refueling with petrol or diesel.

Can I charge my electric vehicle while driving?

At the moment it is not possible to charge an electric vehicle while driving, as wireless charging technology is still under development.

How do I pay for charging my electric vehicle?

This depends on the charging infrastructure and the payment method that has been set up. For example, you can pay with a charge card (such as the handy MAES Hybrid card), via an app or via a credit card.

Where can I charge my electric car?

You can charge your electric car at public charging points, at fast charging stations, at home or at work.

What is the range of an electric car?

The range of an electric car depends on the capacity of the battery and the consumption of the car. On average, electric cars have a range of 200 to 300 kilometers.

Is electric driving expensive?

This depends on the price of the electricity and the capacity of the charging point.

How fast can I charge my electric car?

This depends on the power of the charging point and the capacity of the car’s battery. Fast charging stations can usually fully charge an electric car in 30 to 45 minutes, while normal charging points need several hours.

What is the difference between AC and DC charging?

AC charging uses alternating current to charge the batteries of an electric car, while DC charging uses direct current. DC charging is generally faster than AC charging.

What types of charging cables are there?

There are different types of charging cables, including Type 1 and Type 2 cables, which allow AC charging, and CCS and CHAdeMO cables, which allow DC charging.

What are the different types of charging points?

There are different types of charging points, including charging stations, fast charging stations, wall boxes and sockets.

Can I charge my electric vehicle with a regular socket?

Yes, you can charge your electric vehicle via a regular socket, but charging will be slower than with a special charging station.

How do I charge my electric vehicle?

You can charge your electric vehicle via a charging station or via a socket at home. The type of charger you need depends on the model of your car and its power needs.

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Discover the MAES Hybrid Card here

MAES Hybrid Card: the card for electric charging.