More and more EV drivers are discovering the benefits of slow charging using a regular household socket. However, there are many misconceptions and uncertainties about this charging method.
In this article, we debunk the most common myths surrounding charging electric vehicles via a standard outlet. We provide clear answers so you can confidently enjoy the advantages of this smart charging strategy.
1. Myth: “Charging via a standard outlet is not safe.”
Many people worry about whether charging through a regular household outlet is safe. The answer is: yes, it is safe, as long as it is done correctly. The most important factors are ensuring that the electrical wiring and outlet are properly installed and connected. This prevents overloading and fire hazards.
Additionally, you should always use a suitable 230V charging cable with built-in safety features. These cables, known as Mode 2 chargers, have a protection system that stops charging once the vehicle is fully charged. They also provide safeguards against overheating, leakage current, overvoltage, and undervoltage.
2. Myth: “You always need a charging station, not a standard outlet.”
A common misconception is that an electric car must be charged at a charging station. This is simply not true. You can perfectly charge your EV using a standard household outlet—at home, at the office, or even at a friend’s or family member’s place. In Belgium alone, there are over 1.5 million outlets suitable for charging an electric vehicle.
Charging with an eCloud box via a standard outlet enables automatic split billing between employer and employee—without requiring a major investment or complex installation work.
3. Myth: “Charging via a standard outlet is too slow to provide enough driving range.”
This is a common concern, but it’s not entirely true. Yes, charging via a standard outlet is slower than using a dedicated charging station, but that does not make it impractical. When you charge your EV overnight, you have plenty of time to top up your battery, which is usually more than enough for daily use. If you drive 40 km per day—the average daily commute in Belgium—you can easily cover this distance by charging overnight via a standard outlet.
A regular outlet supplies 2.3 kW, which means you can charge about 27.6 kWh per night. This provides enough energy to drive at least 100 km in a typical EV, which is more than sufficient for most drivers.
4. Myth: “Charging via a standard outlet is not cost-effective.”
This misconception is often mentioned, but in reality, charging via a standard outlet is cheaper than using a charging station.When you charge your car at home via a standard outlet, you benefit from the lowest electricity rate and avoid a higher capacity tariff (which increases your total household energy costs—costs that your employer does not reimburse for private consumption).At a public charging station, electricity prices can be up to three times higher than what you pay at home via a regular outlet.
By charging at home via a standard outlet, you can save €200 to €600 per year on private energy costs, depending on your usage. You also avoid the high installation costs of a charging station, which can range from €1,000 to €2,500 or more.For most daily driving needs, charging via a standard outlet is a cost-efficient choice.
5. Myth: “You have no control over the charging process via a standard outlet.”
Some think that charging via a standard outlet cannot be monitored or managed, but this is incorrect. By charging with an eCloud box, you can track and manage your charging consumption in the eCloud app.
Do you have a dynamic energy contract? You can schedule charging sessions during low-rate hours to save even more on charging costs.
6. Myth: “Charging via a standard outlet is inconvenient and requires extra effort.”
Many assume that using a standard outlet for charging is complicated, but in reality, it’s very simple.No need for charging cards or expensive installations. Just plug in the cable, and you’re charging. This makes charging via a standard outlet more straightforward, cheaper, and more user-friendly than using a charging station.
7. Myth: “Charging via a standard outlet damages the car’s battery.”
Some believe that charging via a standard outlet is harmful to the battery because it’s slower than a charging station. In fact, slow charging is actually better for the battery. Fast charging at a charging station can cause the battery to heat up more quickly, which accelerates wear over time. Slow charging via a standard outlet reduces battery stress, extends its lifespan, and preserves the car’s resale value.
Conclusion: Charging via a standard outlet is a smart and safe choice
Many misconceptions about charging via a household socket are based on outdated information or misunderstandings. In reality, charging via a standard outlet offers many benefits—it’s cheaper, safer, and easier than most people think. If you drive up to 100-150 km per day, charging via a standard outlet is a cost-effective and practical solution.
Plus, with the eCloud reimbursement kit, you can easily monitor charging costs and receive automatic reimbursements. Do you have a company car? The eCloud solution ensures automatic split billing between employer and employee—seamlessly and correctly.
Want to learn more about charging via a standard outlet or The eCloud Company’s reimbursement solution? Contact us at info@ecloudcompany.eu or call +32 50 590 595.
