Home charging is the most logical, affordable, and convenient way to charge for most EV drivers. However, there is a lot of confusion about which plug or connector you need for that. Understandable, because the terms are flying at you from all sides: Type 1, Type 2, Schuko, CEE, single-phase, three-phase...
In this article, without technical jargon, we explain exactly what you really need to know about charging at home. You will discover which plug suits your home, the difference between a portable home charger and a fixed charging station, and what to look out for when purchasing one.
Why is the right plug crucial?
A wrong choice can lead to:
-
Slow charging times (e.g. 30 hours for a full battery)
-
Overheating or power outage
-
Unsafe situations or damage to your meter box
-
No compatibility with your car or connection
In short: the It is not just about what you can use, but about what you need to use safely and efficiently. And that starts with knowing which power connection you have at home.
Step 1: What type of connection do you have at home?
Let's start with the basics. There are three types of connections you might encounter at home:
1. Schuko (standard 230V socket)
-
Recognizable by: the classic 'round' wall socket
-
Max. charging capacity: 2.3 kW to 3.7 kW (1-phase)
-
Charging time: ± 24–36 hours for an empty battery
-
Most suitable for: plug-in hybrids or occasional charging
Important: Charging via a regular wall socket seems easy, but requires a certified mobile charger with thermal protection and earth leakage detection. Ordinary extension cords are life-threatening.
View mobile chargers for Schuko
2. CEE (three-phase power: blue or red)
-
CEE-blue = 1-phase (16A, 3.7 kW)
-
CEE red = 3-phase (16A/32A = 11 kW to 22 kW)
-
Recognizable by: round industrial plugs in the garage or meter cupboard
-
Most suitable for: faster home chargers or professional use
Tip: If you already have a CEE connection, you can still charge at high power using a suitable mobile charger without expensive installation.
3. Fixed charging station with Type 2 connector
-
European standard for EVs
-
Always Type 2 (regardless of your car or pole)
-
Connected to a single-phase or three-phase network
-
Smart charging via app, load balancing, or time control possible
Why do people choose this?
-
It looks neater than a cable out of your window.
-
You can set when it charges (e.g. at night).
-
You no longer have to switch plugs
View our fixed charging stations
Step 2: What type of connection does your car have?
Not only your house, but also your car has a 'connection'.In Europe, the following applies:
-
Most EVs use a Type 2 plug
-
Older models or Japanese cars sometimes still have Type 1
Check your car's manual or the cover of your charging port. Still unsure? We usually identify the type by the make + year of manufacture.
View all charging cables for Type 1 here & Type 2
Step 3: How fast do you want (or are you allowed) to charge?
Your power grid determines your possibilities. And your vehicle determines what it can handle.
| Connection | Max. power | Full EV charging time (60 kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Schuko (230V) | 2.3–3.7 kW | 4:30 PM |
| CEE 1-phase (blue) | 3.7 kW | ± 4 pm |
| CEE 3-phase (red) | 11–22 kW | 3–6 hours |
| Fixed charging station | 7.4–22 kW | Depending on connection |
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
1. “I just use an extension cord.”
Don't do it. Regular cords can melt or cause a short circuit. Always use an EV-approved cable.
2. “I charge via the wall socket and it takes forever.”
That's right. For daily use, a fixed charging point or CEE charger wiser and much faster.
3. “My car supports 11 kW, but I only charge at 3.7.”
Then it depends on your connection. Consider upgrading to 3-phase or a three-phase power connection.
What do you need in your situation?
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| No charging station, but there is a socket. | Mobile home charger with Schuko plug and protection |
| Garage with blue CEE plug (1-phase) | Mobile charger with CEE 16A adapter |
| Three-phase power connection (CEE 3-phase) | Mobile charger up to 22 kW or fixed charging station |
| Luxury or smart charging solution desired | Fixed charging station with app, RFID or load balancing |
Conclusion: choosing a plug = avoiding frustration
Many EV drivers buy “a charger” too quickly without knowing if it is compatible with their connection, car, or power grid. If you want to charge safely and quickly at home, you need to choosing the right combination of car connection, home connection, and charger.
Bar2Charge is happy to help you with that with clear explanations, safe products, and direct delivery.