Electric cars are becoming more and more popular in Europe. However, many still choose to charge their car directly from a wall outlet. Given that it's convenient, but how safe is it really? And what other functionalities are being missed?

Disadvantages and risks with standard outlets

Despite the availability of standard wall outlets, the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority advises against the regular use of these for charging electric vehicles. Standard outlets, also known as Schuko outlets, are not intended to handle the high load that charging electric vehicles entails. Therefore, their use should be limited to 8-10A, and the control box that comes with the charging cable should be placed on a hook to avoid damage.

Old or faulty installations in the property can become overheated under the high load and cause fires. It is therefore important to have an electrical installation company check the condition of the home's electrical installations. Furthermore, extension cords should be avoided as they can lead to insufficient protection from fuses and increased risk of damage if placed on the ground.

In some homes, there are sometimes industrial outlets that can provide 3-phase power. This charging occurs according to mode 2, which does not provide the same safety as a EV charger. In addition, the electrical safety authority does not recommend standard electrical outlets (Schuko) for new charging point installations.

It is important to note that the responsibility to keep the existing electrical installation safe lies with the owner, which can lead to major complications in the event of a fire caused by charging in industrial outlets or standard wall outlets.

When it comes to speed, we can use a simple example.

- A standard electric car has an 80 kWh battery and can accept 3-phase 16 A (11 kW).
- Charging in a standard electrical outlet provides a maximum of 2.3 kW of power.
- Charging with a EV charger normally provides 11 kW of power.

Charging time from 0 to 100% in a standard electrical outlet: 34 hours and 46 minutes.
Charging time from 0 to 100% with a EV charger: 7 hours and 16 minutes.

Why should you install a EV charger at home?

Investing in a EV charger at home offers several advantages. First, they are designed to handle the high and continuous current that charging electric vehicles requires. This means that the charging is not only faster but also safer, with less risk of overheating and fire. A EV charger is also equipped with smart technology which, among other things, gives you the opportunity to schedule charging during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower electricity prices, which can lead to significant cost savings over time.

Advantages of a EV charger

Increased safety ✅

Wall outlets and engine heater outlets are not designed for the high load required to charge an electric vehicle. Which increases the risk of overheating and fire.

Faster charging ✅

A standard 80 kWh electric car takes about 35 hours to charge via a normal outlet. A EV charger with a capacity of 11 kW, on the other hand, can charge the car in less than 8 hours.

Smart features ✅

EV charger with smart features can help you save money, extend the battery life of your car, and increase the safety of your home.

Increased home value ✅

A EV charger at home contributes to increasing the home's value by making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Conclusion

In summary, it is possible to charge an electric car with a standard outlet, but it is not the recommended solution. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and to consider installing a EV charger for a safer and more efficient charging experience. By prioritizing the right equipment for electric vehicle charging, we can ensure a sustainable and safe transition to electrified transport.