Topping up the battery at home is the most convenient and inexpensive way to charge an electric car. Scroll on for the facts.
Topping up the battery at home is the most convenient and inexpensive way to charge an electric car. Scroll on for the facts.
Even though it’s possible to plug an electric car into a regular mains socket, this should only be done temporarily. The high current demand of an EV calls for the use of a dedicated charging station to avoid overly long charging times and going against safety regulations. Another good reason to decide on a home EV-charger is convenience. Park the car, connect the cable and go about your business.
The go-to EV charger for home use is a wallbox, as it can easily be placed on an existing wall and connected to the wiring that’s already there. The other option is to mount it on a post, allowing for more freedom of placement. Expect slightly higher installation costs for the latter, as it will usually require a new underground mains connection.
Choice paralysis is real, and the variety of home charging options is no exception. To simplify matters, we’ve narrowed it down to a single type of EV-charger, considering the set-up of the electricity supply and electric car compatibility. Modern EVs like Polestar 2 have the right specifications for this type of charger.
Output
11 kW
Charging time
0-100% charge in 8 hours / 59 kms range per hour
Electricity supply
3-phase, 16 Amps
- 01.Order from a preferred supplier
Car brands and leasing companies often work with carefully selected, certified suppliers of home charging solutions. When considering an EV, always ask about such partnerships as the companies involved will assist throughout the whole process, from choosing a charger to installation and use.
- 02.Plan ahead
Generally, installing a wallbox takes less than a day, but the supplier does need time to do their due diligence. Plan the installation well in advance of delivery.
- 03.Don’t forget the grant
The Irish government funds wallboxes with a special grant. It allows you to claim up to €600 towards the cost of installing one.
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