Guide to Home EV Charging: Tips, Benefits, and Portable Solutions
The Ultimate Guide to Charging Your EV at Home Safely and Efficiently
Introduction to EV Charging at Home
Charging your electric vehicle at home is convenient, cost-effective, and safe. With various options available, it can be challenging to determine the best method. In this guide, we explain the different approaches to EV charging and why using a portable EV car charger can be the smartest choice for many drivers.
Choose the Right EV Charger for Your Needs
We offer a selection of three EV chargers, perfect for home or office use. These chargers can be easily connected to a 230V 32-amp circuit, providing reliable and efficient charging for your electric vehicle. To ensure safety and optimal performance, professional installation by a qualified engineer is always advised.
Charge Point Location
Our wall box chargers are faster than a portable EV charger because they connect to 32 Amp mains power in the building, either directly to the consumer unit or via an additional RCD protected circuit connected to the tails on the meter. These are fixed to the wall and are not portable. Also, there is a need to consider locating these on your building. If you live in a house that does not have a driveway or is separated from the place you park your car by a public footpath, it might not be very convenient to use a wall box charger. The reason is, you really shouldn't be laying cables over a public right of way as this causes trip hazards etc. If you do have an off road parking bay or driveway, it can be highly beneficial to invest in your own wall box charger as they output 32 Amps at 230 volts 32x230=7360 (7.4kw). This means that you can generally charge an EV battery to 100% overnight. A 66kw battery would take 6 hours to charge from 20% to 80%. It is highly recommended that you stick between 20% and 80% for the very best EV battery care. Try not to allow the battery charge level to go much below 20% or charge much higher than 80%. By sticking to that rule, you can be sure that your battery will remain in really great condition. Of course, sometimes 100% is needed and it is ok now and again.
Considerations when mounting a wall box charger.
It is always a good idea, not essential but can be beneficial to locate the charger in a shaded area protected from direct sunlight. Charging cables do get hot if they are left in direct sunlight and it is always best to try and shade them as much as possible. Also, if you live in an area that might be prone to flood risk, your EV charger should be mounted on a wall, high enough to ensure that it will not become submerged in water. Although the use of an RCD or RCBO is required when installing the Wallbox charger, becoming submerged in water can damage the wall box beyond economic repair.
Charging speed is 7.4kw per hour
Includes Wifi for internet connectivity. Use to monitor the charger or activate a certain times of the day
Charging speed is 7.4kw per hour
Includes 4Gfor smart charging functions. Ideal for use with inteligent Octopus and other tariffs
Charging speed is 7.4kw per hour
Includes RFID card function for Employees or family members to start the charge with a card
Benefits of Home Charging
Home charging allows you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, saving on energy costs and offering convenience. With a reliable EV charger at home, you eliminate the need to wait at public charging stations, ensuring your vehicle is always ready when you are.
Wallboxes are basically Outdoor Type-2 Sockets
although most people refer to wall boxes as EV chargers, they are in fact, nothing more than Outdoor Sockets with an IP67 rating. Yes they contain a PP sensor that determines the capacity of the cable hat is connected using the Type-2 plug but that PP signal doesn't necessarily have to be received when connecting to an Electric vehicle.
Use Your Wallbox as an Outdoor Power Socket
At MotorCables we are innovators. Our exclusive selection of Type 2 Converters, allow you to use your outdoor wall box as a standard weatherproof outdoor power socket. So now you can watch TV on your front lawn! No seriously, you can connect to your mains power outdoors. Ideal for garden tools, Pressure washers, Festive Christmas lights, hoovering the car or anything else you need power outdoors for.
Portable Charging: Your Solution for On-the-Go Convenience
Our portable EV car charger is designed for ultimate versatility. Whether you’re visiting a friend, staying at an Airbnb, or parked at a static caravan, you can easily connect to a standard UK socket and ensure your vehicle is charged and ready to go. This charger offers a convenient way to manage your electric vehicle's power needs wherever you may be.
Why Choose Our Portable EV Car Charger?
- Compact and easy to carry, making it ideal for travel
- Safe with IP66 protection when connected and IP55 when not in use
- Backed by a 3-year warranty from Masterplug, a trusted UK brand
For more details on our portable charger, visit the product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge my car?
The charging time depends on your vehicle's battery size. With our 2.3KW charger, you can gain approximately 8 miles of range per hour of charging.
Is this charger compatible with all electric vehicles?
Our charger uses a Type-2 socket, which is standard for most electric vehicles in the UK and Europe. Always check your vehicle's specifications for compatibility.