Can electric cars be charged at home?

[Mendoza]

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.

[Cooper]

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.

[Cupid]

Just installed a home charging station for my Tesla, the process was similar to installing an AC unit. First, the power company came to upgrade the meter capacity, then a certified electrician laid a six-square-millimeter copper cable. After installation, I realized the charging speed is limited by the charger's power—only a 21kW station paired with a fast-charging compatible car can deliver full performance. It's advisable to check your vehicle's charging limit before purchasing. Now my monthly electricity bill is just over 200 yuan, saving three-quarters compared to fuel costs. As a side note, don’t wait until the battery is drained to recharge; plugging in when there’s about 30% charge left can extend battery life.

[FelicityDella]

Installing a charging pile in your own yard depends on the circuit load. Last year when I did this in an old neighborhood, the electrician found that the incoming wire was only 4 square millimeters, and we had to replace it with a 10 square millimeter wire to solve the problem. The heat generated during charging is actually quite significant, so the circuit breaker must be upgraded to a 63-ampere one. Now in winter, the charging plug freezing is quite annoying, but I solved it by buying a dedicated anti-freeze cover. The scheduled charging feature of electric cars is very practical; setting it to start charging at midnight allows you to enjoy low electricity rates, and you wake up to a fully charged car.