After buying an electric car, one of the first and most important questions is: how will I charge it? While public charging points are becoming more common, true convenience and cost-effectiveness come from charging at home. But which charger should you choose? What should you look for? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about home electric car chargers, so you can confidently and wisely make the best decision.
What is an electric car charger and why do you need one at home?
In short, an electric car charger (also known as a wallbox) is a specialized device that safely and much more quickly charges your car’s battery than a standard wall socket. Think of it as your own private fuel station in your garage.
The most important benefits are clear:
- Convenience: Imagine never having to search for a charging station again. You arrive home, plug in your car, and start the next day with a full battery, worry-free.
- Cost-effectiveness: Home electricity (especially off-peak or "night" electricity) is much cheaper than the fees at public charging points. In the long run, you can save a significant amount of money with your own charger.
- Safety: Wallboxes are designed specifically for this purpose. Unlike conventional sockets, they have all the necessary safety features to prevent overheating and overloading of the electrical grid.
While a simple socket charger (often called an emergency charger) can be a temporary solution, a dedicated wallbox is the reliable, fast, and safe choice for everyday use.
The types of electric car chargers: What is each one for?
When looking for a charger, you’ll encounter several types. Let’s see which one is best for what purpose.
- Wall chargers (wallbox): This is the most common and practical solution for home use. As the name suggests, it is mounted on the wall in your garage or driveway. It provides stable, safe, and, depending on your grid, fast charging. Most models come with a fixed cable, making connection just a single motion.
- Portable chargers: These devices offer more flexibility, as you can take them with you on trips or if you need to charge in a place without a wallbox (e.g., at a holiday home). They are generally slower than their wall-mounted counterparts and are best considered as a supplementary or temporary solution.
- Charging posts/pillars: You are most likely to encounter these in public places, office building car parks, or apartment complexes. Their function is similar to a wall charger, but they are needed when there is no nearby wall to mount the charger on.
The most important technical terms, simply explained
It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon of chargers. Don’t be intimidated; it’s simpler than you think!
- Power (kW): This number indicates the "speed" at which the charger can transfer electricity to your car. The higher the kW value, the faster the charge. Home chargers typically have power ratings of 3.7 kW, 7.4 kW (on 1 phase), and 11 kW or 22 kW (on 3 phases).
- Phases (1 or 3): Most households have a 1-phase electrical connection, which generally allows for charging up to 7.4 kW. A 3-phase connection (common in newer homes or easily installed) can handle 11 or even 22 kW, significantly reducing charging time.
- Connector Types: In Europe, including Hungary, the Type 2 connector is the standard for AC (alternating current) charging. Almost all modern electric cars are equipped with it, so you can’t go wrong choosing this type.
How to choose an electric car charger? A 5-step checklist
Now that you understand the basics, let’s see how to choose the perfect charger for you.
- Assess your car’s capabilities: Check your vehicle’s specifications: what is its maximum AC charging power? It’s pointless to buy a 22 kW charger if your car can only accept 11 kW.
- Check your home’s electrical grid: This is the most crucial step. Ask an electrician to assess how many phases and Amperes are available in your home. This will determine the maximum power of the charger you can safely install.
- Think about your charging habits: How much do you drive in a day? Is it enough for the car to charge comfortably overnight in 8-10 hours, or do you need faster charging in just a few hours? For most users, an 11 kW charger is more than sufficient.
- Smart features – do you need them? Modern chargers offer many extras: they can be controlled via a mobile app, charging can be scheduled (e.g., for cheaper night-time electricity), and most importantly, they can integrate with solar panel systems to charge your car for free.
- Safety first: Ensure that the chosen charger has all the necessary safety features and that a mandatory RCD (Residual Current Device) is installed during the setup.
Unsure which power level would be ideal for you? Our experts can help you choose!
The installation process: who to call and what to expect?
It’s vital to know: an electric car charger must be installed exclusively by a qualified electrician! This is essential not only for the warranty but also for your safety and the safety of your car.
The process generally consists of the following steps:
- Site survey: The specialist inspects your electrical network and fuse box and suggests the optimal location for the charger.
- Cabling: They install a cable of the appropriate thickness from the fuse box to the future location of the charger.
- Installation of safety devices: They install the necessary circuit breaker and the mandatory RCD.
- Mounting the charger: They mount the wallbox on the wall and connect it to the electrical grid.
- Testing and commissioning: They check the system’s operation and show you how to use the charger.
The process usually takes only a few hours, but choosing the right professional is key.
Introducing Voltie: the intelligent Hungarian charger
If you are looking for a truly modern, reliable, and future-proof solution, you should get to know Voltie smart chargers. Why?
Because Voltie is more than just a simple charger. It is a Red Dot design award-winning product, designed and manufactured by 100% Hungarian talent, representing the highest quality. The robust stainless steel housing is not only elegant but also withstands the elements.
Its real power, however, lies in its smart features. With the Voltie mobile app, you can accurately track consumption, schedule charging, or even harness the potential of your solar panel system. With the "Green Mode" feature, you can set your car to charge exclusively with the free solar energy you produce. This is the highest level of consciousness and savings.
See what a Voltie smart charger can do in your home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular wall socket to charge my car?
Yes, you can use the "emergency charger" that comes with most cars, but it is very slow (a full charge can take 24-30 hours) and not recommended for long-term use as it can strain the grid.
How long does it take to charge an average electric car with a home charger?
This depends on the car’s battery size and the charger’s power. An average 50-60 kWh battery can be fully charged by an 11 kW charger in about 5-6 hours.
Is it necessary to upgrade the power grid (increase amperage) to install the charger?
Not always. A qualified electrician can tell you during the site survey whether your existing capacity is sufficient for the chosen charger.
Is the Voltie charger compatible with all electric cars?
Yes, Voltie chargers have a standard Type 2 connector, making them compatible with all electric cars and plug-in hybrids sold in Europe.
How much does it cost to install an electric car charger?
The installation cost depends on many factors (e.g., the distance between the charger and the fuse box, required materials), so it is always best to request a custom quote from a qualified installer.
Choosing a home electric car charger is an important decision that will define your user experience for years to come. A device with the right power, features, and quality not only provides convenience and safety but also helps you save money. If you are looking for a reliable, Hungarian-made product that combines the latest technology with an elegant design, you are in the right place.