Can you charge an electric car indoors?

Introduction

One of the most common questions about EV ownership is regarding indoor charging. Home charging is a very tempting proposition for so many prospective zero-emission vehicle owners. No more gas stations or expensive fuel; charging your car at home is convenient and the cheapest way of charging in general. However, it is not without its challenges, and today we will tell you what you need to have in mind when optioning to install a Level 1 or even Level 2 charger at your home.

Charging Electric Car Indoors General Guidelines

Despite its limitations in terms of energy you can transfer to your vehicle in a certain amount of time, indoor charging is the simplest and easiest way to charge your electric car. There are two levels of charging: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 is basically a standard household outlet that delivers 120V of electricity, while Level 2 has 240V capacity but requires mounting an EV charging converter on the existing household power grid. Regardless of your choice, both ways are equally easy to use and require nothing more than plugging your car when you park it at night and unplugging it when you are about to leave in the morning.

However, although identical to use, there is a big difference in output and charging times. The base Level 1 charging is the slowest way available, with about 5 to 7 kilometers of range added in an hour of charging. In most cases, Level 1 delivers up to 2.3 kWh per hour, which means that charging an average EV battery (65 kWh) will take over 10 hours. However, the Level 2 charger is significantly more efficient, with up to 7 kWh per hour so that the electric car battery can be fully charged overnight. In terms of mileage, the Level 2 can add up to 40 kilometers of range in about an hour of charging.

The third most significant point regarding indoor or home charging is the price. The Level 1 home charging is the cheapest since 1 kWh of electricity usually sells for 0.20 to 0.40 euros, depending on the country. In some regions, the night electricity tariff is even more affordable, and that is when most EVs are charged so that rates could be even lower. The Level 2 charging will cost more since more electricity is used (2-3 times as much kWh), and this way also demands a wall box, 240 V sockets, cables, and professional installation. But for owners who prioritize fast charging times over cost, this is the only choice.

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How Can You Improve Your Indoor Charging?

Even though you cannot change the power grid, battery capacity, or local pricing, there is still something you can do to improve the charging experience. You are right; use the right equipment, charging cables, sockets, and electromagnetic locks. We at Voldt are dedicated to producing the best charging accessories on the market, specially designed to reduce charging times and heat buildup and last longer than the car itself. The technology behind the Voldt Level 1 and Level 2 charging cables uses the best materials, pure copper and high-quality alloys, which ensure that energy is transferred with no loss and as fast as possible. Compared to standard Level 1 cables provided with the EV, Voldt cables make a significant difference. This is even more visible with Level 2 accessories, and using Volt products will reduce charging times and make the whole process safer.

Safety Concerns When Charging Indoor

This brings us to another indoor charging concern – safety. When charging indoors, always be sure that sockets are not worn out or damaged, and always use quality cables like Voltd products. When charging with low-quality cables, you will notice that the cable will get warm, which could lead to catching fire. We all know how dangerous it is. Also, regardless of the type of charger you are using, the charging spot must be dry and protected from the elements. As you probably know, water and electricity are an extremely dangerous combination. If you are planning to use a Level 2 charging system, significant modifications to your electricity system are needed. Always use professional installation services and ensure the outlet or circuit is properly grounded.

Conclusion

Although simple and convenient, indoor charging still has some challenges, which can be overcome with careful planning and safety measures. Whatever type of charger you are using, you will benefit from Voldt’s premium charging cables and accessories. The high-quality materials, state-of-the-art design, and enormous range of products for all EVs on the market make Voldt an ideal place for all your electric car needs.