Thinking about electric car charging at home but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Many EV owners begin by charging from a standard power point, then later upgrade to a wall-mounted charger for faster and safer charging. The right setup depends on your driving habits, your home’s electrical supply, and how quickly you need your car charged each day.
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between power point charging and smart wall chargers, what Level 1 and Level 2 charging mean, and which option is best for your lifestyle.
Home electric car charging means plugging your EV into a household power supply so it can recharge while parked. For most people, home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective way to own an electric vehicle, as it reduces reliance on public charging stations.
There are two main ways homeowners charge their EVs: via a standard household power outlet or by installing a wall-mounted EV charger. Both options work, but they offer very different charging speeds and convenience levels.
The right setup can save time, reduce charging stress, and help you get the most out of your EV every day.
This setup involves plugging your EV into a regular power outlet using a portable charging cable supplied with the vehicle. It is often called “trickle charging” because it charges slowly.
Best for:
A wall-mounted charger is installed by an electrician and is specifically designed for electric vehicle charging. It delivers higher power and charges faster than a standard outlet.
Many wall chargers include smart features like scheduling, Wi-Fi control, and energy tracking.
Best for:
Level 1 charging means charging your EV from a standard power outlet. It is the slowest home charging method and works best when you have plenty of time to charge overnight or over the weekend.
Typical use case: Charging over 20–30 hours depending on battery size.
Level 2 charging refers to using a dedicated EV charger installed at home. It delivers more power and charges significantly faster than Level 1 charging. Because it requires professional EV charger installation, it is important to ensure your home electrical system can safely support the higher power output.
Typical use case: Faster overnight charging, often fully charging most EVs in just a few hours.
If You Drive Short Trips: A standard power outlet may be enough.
If You Drive Daily: A wall-mounted EV charger is more practical.
If You Have a Large Battery EV: Level 2 charging is usually recommended.
If You Want Simple Overnight Charging: A smart wall charger with scheduling is ideal.
If You Have Two EVs: Choose a smart charger with load management.
Home electric car charging is one of the biggest advantages of owning an EV. It allows you to charge conveniently, avoid public charging queues, and start each day fully powered.
For light drivers, a standard outlet may be enough. For daily commuters and larger battery EVs, a Level 2 wall-mounted charger is usually the better long-term option.
At EVSE, we help homeowners choose the right home EV charging setup, whether you’re starting basic or upgrading to a smart wall charger.
Yes, you can charge an EV using a standard household power point, provided you have the correct charging cable. This is known as Level 1 charging. It is slower than a wall-mounted charger but can suit plug-in hybrids or drivers who travel short distances and have time to charge overnight.
For most daily EV drivers, yes. A wall-mounted charger offers faster charging, improved safety, and greater long-term convenience. Many households choose professional EV charger installation to ensure the system is compliant and suitable for continuous use.
Level 1 charging means using a standard household power outlet. Level 2 charging refers to using a dedicated EV charger installed at home. Level 2 chargers deliver more power and charge significantly faster, making them the preferred option for most full-electric vehicles.
Charging time depends on your EV battery size and the charger type. A standard outlet may take 20–30 hours for a full charge, while a wall-mounted charger can reduce charging time to just a few hours. Many homeowners prefer Level 2 charging for reliable overnight charging.
Yes, smart chargers are worth it for many households. They allow you to schedule charging during off-peak hours, track energy usage, and control charging through an app. This improves convenience and can help reduce electricity costs over time.
Whether you’re starting with power point charging or upgrading to a smart wall-mounted EV charger, EVSE can help you choose the right solution for your home and vehicle.
Talk to EVSE today and get expert guidance on safe, efficient home EV charging.
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