Charging Your Electric Vehicle at Home: Key Considerations and Expert Insights

As the world moves toward sustainable mobility, understanding how to charge electric vehicles (EVs) efficiently and safely becomes crucial, especially when installing a home charging station. To address common concerns, the Solarabic team interviewed Engineer Ahmed Halawani, an expert in EV charging, to answer the most frequently asked questions from users and homeowners.

In this interview, we discuss the key factors to consider before choosing a home charger, electrical infrastructure requirements, the impact of charging on electricity bills, and the possibility of using solar power to charge EVs—all while highlighting essential safety measures.

If you're considering installing a home charger for your EV, this interview will be your ultimate guide to selecting the best solution. Keep reading for all the details!

What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home EV Charger?

There are three main steps to follow when selecting a home charger:

1. Determine Your Vehicle’s Maximum Charging Capacity Each EV has a maximum charging capacity, and chargers are available in different power levels (7, 11, and 22 kW). It’s essential not to choose a charger with a higher power output than your EV battery can handle from the AC charging side. You can check your vehicle’s specifications in the user manual, ask the official dealer, or search online.
2. Select the Right Phase (Single vs. Three-Phase) If your home has a single-phase electrical supply, you can only use a 7 kW charger. However, if your home has a three-phase system, you can choose between 7, 11, or 22 kW chargers.
3. Check Your Home’s Electrical Capacity Installing a home charger is similar to adding air conditioners; it increases the household's electrical load. You must assess whether your home’s electrical infrastructure can support the additional power demand or if upgrades (e.g., thicker cables or higher-capacity meters) are needed.

As a final step, I recommend choosing a reputable brand with a warranty of at least one year and purchasing from an authorized dealer who can provide maintenance and spare parts when necessary.

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Do Home Electrical Systems Need Upgrades for EV Chargers?

Yes, in some cases, the existing electricity meter may not be able to handle the added load of an EV charger. In such situations, an upgrade to a higher-capacity meter and thicker cables from the power source to the meter may be required. Additionally, running a separate cable from the meter to the charging point may be needed.

?Do Temperature and Time of Day Affect EV Charging?

Yes, temperature significantly affects the charging process. Mild temperatures, around 25°C and away from direct sunlight, allow for optimal charging efficiency whether in the morning or evening. However, during hot summer months, when temperatures exceed 27°C, it’s best to charge at night to minimize energy loss due to battery cooling. In contrast, during cold winter months, charging is best done at midday to reduce energy wasted on battery heating, as EV batteries cannot charge efficiently in very low temperatures.

Temperature also impacts both charging time and efficiency. For example, charging a lithium-ion EV battery to 80% capacity at 25°C takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, at 45°C, the same charge can take up to 3 hours. Car manufacturers are actively working on advanced cooling and heating solutions to enhance EV battery efficiency and reduce energy loss.

How Does Home EV Charging Impact Electricity Bills?

Charging an EV at home will increase your electricity bill, as it adds a significant new load to your total consumption. If your previous electricity usage was in a lower billing tier, EV charging might push you into a higher pricing bracket with your electricity provider.

To mitigate rising costs, we highly recommend installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to offset energy consumption and avoid moving into higher billing tiers.

How Can Solar Energy Help with EV Charging?

EVs can be charged using solar energy through two main options. The first is an off-grid system with batteries, where solar panels generate electricity that is stored in batteries and later used to charge the EV through an inverter. The second is an on-grid system without batteries, where solar panels generate electricity that is fed into the national grid and used to power the house, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and costs.

The on-grid system is often a cheaper solution as it does not require batteries, while still helping lower electricity bills.

Can EV Chargers Be Installed in Apartments or Shared Housing?

Yes, it is possible to install EV chargers in apartments or shared residential buildings, and some setups allow two apartments to share a dual-outlet charger, splitting the electricity usage between them.

However, challenges include:

• Installing cables from upper-floor apartments to the parking area can be difficult.
• Cable installation costs can be high, especially for long-distance wiring.

What Safety Measures Should Be Taken When Charging an EV at Home?

Safety is a top priority when installing a home EV charger. Users should ensure:

• Proper circuit breakers are installed to protect against electrical overloads.
• Residual current devices (RCDs) are used to cut power if a person comes into contact with live electricity.
• A grounding (earth) system is in place to safely discharge excess electricity in case of a fault.
• The charger is installed at a safe height to prevent children from reaching it.

Following these safety measures minimizes risks and ensures a safe and reliable home charging experience.

About the Expert

Ahmed El Hlawany is a dedicated EV charging expert with a strong passion for sustainable mobility. With extensive experience in designing, deploying, and optimizing EV charging infrastructure, he has played a key role in advancing the industry in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia. During his time at SHA7EN, one of Egypt’s largest charge point operators with a widespread EV charging network, he gained valuable firsthand experience in understanding the challenges EV users face and worked on developing effective solutions to enhance their charging experience. Throughout his career, Ahmed has led cross-functional teams, ensured compliance with industry standards, and played a hands-on role in troubleshooting, installation, and commissioning. Driven by innovation and a commitment to clean energy solutions, he continues to support the expansion of EV adoption across the Gulf region.