Can electric cars be charged at home?
2 Answers
Currently, a large proportion of electric vehicles can be charged at home. The charging methods for electric vehicles are as follows: Low-voltage slow charging: Low-voltage slow charging typically uses a civilian 220V voltage and can be directly charged. Although it is slow, it causes less damage to the battery system and is suitable for overnight charging after returning home. High-voltage fast charging: High-voltage fast charging generally uses high voltage. In major cities promoting pure electric vehicles, there are some pilot charging stations similar to gas stations that use high-voltage fast charging. For example, the BYD E6 claims to charge up to 80% in just 15 minutes. Of course, fast charging can also be done at home, but it requires the installation of a charging station, similar to a large transformer.
My electric car is always charged in the underground garage, and a regular 220V socket works fine. I had the property management install a dedicated 7kW charging pile, which can charge up to 400 kilometers overnight. While a regular socket can also be used, you need an adapter, and it charges extremely slowly—only about 100 kilometers after a full day of charging. For older buildings, it's best to have an electrician check the wiring first, as high-power equipment can easily trip the circuit. The most cost-effective way is to charge during off-peak hours at night, where electricity costs just over 0.3 yuan per kWh—way cheaper than fuel. However, be cautious about waterproofing the plug during rainy days, and always buy a charging pile with leakage protection from a reputable brand.
