How to Charge New Energy Vehicles at Home?
2 Answers
To install a home charging station, you must first obtain consent from the property management and then apply to the power company for the installation of an electricity meter. Once approved by the power company, the installation can proceed. Purchasing a portable home charger online allows you to charge your electric vehicle by simply plugging it into a standard 220V 16A household socket, though the charging speed is relatively slower.
I drive an electric car, and charging at home is simple and efficient. The first step is to prepare the charging cable: the electric vehicle usually comes with an onboard charger, which looks like a small box plug and can be directly plugged into a standard household socket. I use a 220V socket for Level 1 charging, which is slower but sufficient for daily commuting. After parking at night, I connect the charging port at the front of the car and set the charging schedule via a mobile app to avoid peak electricity rates and save costs. In terms of timing, I usually start charging after 10 PM, taking about 8 hours to charge from empty to 80%. If that feels too slow, you can consider installing a Level 2 charging station, which has higher power and reduces charging time to 4-6 hours, costing a few thousand yuan, including an electrician's inspection. The key is to ensure garage circuit safety—avoid splashing water near the socket and monitor the device temperature during charging. Overall, home charging is hassle-free and cost-effective, making it ideal for commuters.