Schuko socket EV charging works, but it is slow, and for most drivers a wallbox is a better fit for home use. A household socket delivers about 2.3 kW, which adds roughly 12 km of range per hour in a typical car, while a three-phase wallbox can give around five times that. This guide shows how long a charge takes at each power level and what limits it.
In this guide
How charging power is set
Charging power depends on voltage, current and the number of phases.
In most of Europe, a single-phase socket is 230 V. At 10 A that gives 2.3 kW, at 16 A it gives 3.7 kW and at 32 A it gives 7.4 kW. A three-phase connection delivers three times as much: 11 kW at 16 A and 22 kW at 32 A. The charging speed also depends on the car, because the onboard charger limits how much AC power it accepts. Many cars accept 7.4 or 11 kW, and a few accept 22 kW.
Charge time at each power level
The example uses a 64 kWh battery charged from 20 to 80 percent, which needs 42.7 kWh from the socket with 10 percent losses. Divide the energy by the power for the time.
| Charging point | Power | Time for 42.7 kWh | Range added per hour at 17 kWh per 100 km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household socket, 10 A | 2.3 kW | 18.6 hours | about 12 km |
| Household socket or wallbox, 16 A single-phase | 3.7 kW | 11.5 hours | about 20 km |
| Wallbox, 32 A single-phase | 7.4 kW | 5.8 hours | about 39 km |
| Wallbox, 16 A three-phase | 11 kW | 3.9 hours | about 58 km |
| Wallbox, 32 A three-phase | 22 kW | 1.9 hours, if the car accepts it | about 116 km |
The range figures allow for losses. They are estimates. Charging slows as the battery approaches full, so real times are a bit longer than the table shows for sessions that end above 80 percent.
Why a household socket is limited
A KernelHost explainer notes that emergency charging cables for ordinary sockets are limited to 2.3 kW at 10 A or at most 3.7 kW at 16 A, and that charging at 11 kW is impossible through a Schuko socket. Household sockets and wiring are designed for short loads, and a car draws a high current for many hours. Sustained heavy loads can overheat old wiring or a worn socket. A dedicated circuit and a wallbox with its own protection are safer and faster.
If you must use a household socket, have an electrician check the circuit and the socket. Do not use extension reels or adapters, and use a cable designed for the purpose. Check your car's manual for the limits it recommends.
When a socket is enough
A slow charge is enough for many drivers. A commuter who drives 40 km a day uses about 7 kWh, and an overnight charge of 10 hours at 2.3 kW delivers about 23 kWh. For a plug-in hybrid with a small battery, a household socket is often all that is needed. The calculation changes for drivers with long daily distances or several cars on one supply.
Choosing a wallbox
A 7.4 kW single-phase wallbox is a common choice and fills most batteries overnight. An 11 kW three-phase unit makes sense when your supply is three-phase and your car accepts 11 kW. A 22 kW wallbox is rarely worth it at home, since few cars accept it, and it may need a larger supply connection.
Consider load management if your house has a limited supply. Some wallboxes reduce power automatically when other loads run, which avoids tripping the main fuse. Smart wallboxes can also start charging when the electricity price is lowest. Use the EV charging cost calculator to compare charging at different prices and powers.
Speed does not change the cost per kWh
A faster wallbox does not make electricity cheaper or dearer. The cost per kWh is the same at 2.3 kW and at 11 kW. A faster unit finishes sooner, and the choice depends on how long the car is parked and how much range you need. The guide to the cost of charging an electric car at home shows what a session costs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge an EV from a Schuko socket every night?
Many people do, but it is a sustained load. Have the circuit checked by an electrician, and use a cable rated for continuous charging.
Does a more powerful wallbox charge a car faster than its onboard charger allows?
No. The car limits the AC power it accepts, so a 22 kW wallbox charges a car with an 11 kW onboard charger at 11 kW.
Is a three-phase supply needed for a wallbox?
Only for 11 or 22 kW units. A single-phase supply handles up to 7.4 kW.