Electromobility is the current trend in the automotive sector as it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional internal combustion vehicles. When purchasing an electric car, it’s crucial to master certain technical aspects, including how to charge your car. Charging is a key factor for the driver to make a step towards electric mobility.
For an electric vehicle to be charged it has to be simply connected to an energy source. However, it’s important to understand the different types of charging stations, the technical characteristics of your battery, and more. This guide will help you learn how to charge your electric car in the most efficient and convenient way.
Types of charging stations and plugs used to charge electric cars
Electric cars use different types of charging stations to gain energy. These stations are divided into two groups: alternating current (AC) charging and direct current (DC) charging. Additionally, there are four different types of plugs to connect your vehicle to a charging station.
Type 1 and Type 2 plugs are commonly used for AC charging. Type 1 plugs are found in vehicles used in Asia and America, while Type 2 plugs are standard for vehicles in Europe. These plugs can deliver charging power of up to 22 kW.
For fast DC charging, CHAdeMO and CCS systems are the preferred options. These systems provide power levels between 50 and 300 kW to electric vehicles. In any case, any car purchased in Europe will automatically be compatible with Type 2 plugs for 22 kW charging and CCS plugs for rapid charging.
But where can you find these charging stations? There are several options to charge your electric car, which vary based on their location and the cost of charging.
Home charging
If you own an electric vehicle, you’ve probably wondered: Can you charge an electric car at home? The answer is yes, and it’s actually one of the most common methods used to recharge electric cars. There are two main options for home charging:
Using a standard domestic outlet
This option might seem the simplest and most logical, especially if you live in a house or standalone villa. However, it comes with several notable drawbacks. Charging via a standard outlet is extremely slow: it can take up to 24 hours to fully charge your car’s battery, which may not be practical for daily use.
If you live in a multi-residential building, the situation can be even more complicated. The only way to charge your car in a shared garage might be to connect to the building’s common electrical supply, which could be considered energy theft by the property owner or other tenants.
Installing a home charging station
To avoid these issues, it is highly recommended to invest in a home charging station using alternating current (AC). A 22 kW AC charging station provides a much faster and more efficient charge than a standard outlet. It is also a safer option, significantly reducing the risk of fire.
Modern charging stations are equipped with smart technology that automatically stops charging if the device temperature becomes too high. This level of safety is not guaranteed with a standard domestic outlet, making a dedicated charging station not only a more practical solution but also a more reliable one.
Use domestic charging stations to charge your EV efficiently, quickly and safely.
Public charging
If you don’t have the means to install a home charging station, public charging stations are an excellent alternative. Public parking lots and shopping centers now offer expanded access to these infrastructures, making it easier to charge electric vehicles.
To locate an available charging station near your home or workplace, several mobile apps are at your disposal. For example, SuissEnergie provides a map with approximately 14,200 publicly accessible charging stations across Switzerland.
AC Public charging stations (Slow charging)
These stations are similar to the ones you could install at home. The main difference is their location in publicly accessible spaces such as parking lots or commercial areas. However, they offer a maximum power of 22 kW, meaning it will take several hours to fully charge your vehicle.
Despite their slower speed, these stations are essential for users who don’t have access to private or dedicated parking spaces.
DC Public charging stations (Superchargers)
For faster charging, DC charging stations are the ideal solution. Located primarily along highways, these stations allow you to recharge your vehicle much more quickly. They convert AC power from the grid into DC power to charge your battery directly.
DC charging stations provide high charging power, ranging from 50 to 350 kW. Ultra-fast chargers (250-350 kW) can recharge up to 80% of your battery in just 30 to 60 minutes, making them an indispensable option for long trips.
However, it’s important to note that frequent use of these fast chargers can slightly accelerate long-term battery degradation.
While DC fast chargers offer quick charging along highways, their frequent use may lead to battery degradation over time. Conversely, AC public charging stations, though slower, help preserve the longevity of your vehicle’s battery.
Comparison criteria for charging stations
Charging Speed: DC charging stations provide significantly faster charging compared to AC stations, making them ideal for users with immediate energy needs.
Installation Cost: The cost varies depending on the type of station chosen. Generally, DC stations are substantially more expensive to install than AC stations, often costing several times more.
How long does it take to fully charge an electric car?
The charging time for an electric car can be determined using the following formula:
Battery capacity (kWh) / Charging power (kW) = Charging duration in hours
To optimize your car’s charging process, consider the factors below:
- Type of charging station: Choosing the right charging station for your car is crucial. Note that DC charging stations provide much faster charging compared to AC stations.
- Battery status: The speed of charging is heavily influenced by the battery’s state before charging begins. An empty battery can be recharged more quickly than one that is partially full.
- Battery capacity: If your car’s battery has a large capacity, the charging duration may be longer.
One common question for electric vehicle owners is: How long does it take to fully charge my car?
The table below provides answers:
| Type of Charging | Charging Power (kW) | Charging Time |
| Domestic Outlet | 2.3 | 20 – 24 hours |
| Slow Charging (AC) | 7 – 22 | 4 – 8 hours |
| Fast Charging (DC) | 50 | 1 hour |
| Ultra-Fast Charging (DC) | 150 – 350 | 30 – 45 minutes |
How much does it cost to charge my electric car?
The cost of charging depends on where you charge and the type of station you use. With public charging, you don’t have to bear the cost of installing equipment, as it’s already available for use. However, you’ll generally need to subscribe to a network in Switzerland to access their charging stations. Once subscribed, you’ll pay a price per kWh, which often varies depending on the charging speed. For instance, slow charging stations in Switzerland charge between 0.50 CHF and 0.60 CHF per kWh, while fast charging stations can cost up to 0.90 CHF per kWh.
If you have the option to install a charging station at home in a private house, the initial costs include:
- The charging station itself: between 800 CHF and 1,000 CHF.
- Installation by an electrical company: between 1,000 CHF and 1,500 CHF.
Although this initial investment might seem high, it allows you to benefit from the standard electricity rate of 0.29 CHF/kWh (as in the canton of Geneva in 2025). This price difference compared to public charging lets you recoup your investment within 1 to 2 years. Additionally, home charging offers unparalleled convenience – you can charge at home without worrying about planning your trips or constantly searching for available and operational public chargers.
For apartment owners or tenants, we offer an alternative solution: renting a private charging station per month for 45 CHF. This option eliminates the upfront costs associated with equipping a collective parking area, which can amount to tens of thousands of francs. The electricity is billed at the local supplier’s rate, meaning the same 0.29 CHF/kWh for Geneva residents.
How to charge your electric car: mistakes to avoid
Charging an electric car requires awareness of certain common mistakes. Below, we’ve outlined key errors to avoid when charging your vehicle.
Stay within an optimal battery level range
It’s not just moderate charging power that benefits your electric car’s battery. To better understand how to charge an electric car efficiently, aim to keep the battery level within a range of 20% to 80% capacity. Avoid fully charging the battery or letting it completely discharge, as both extremes can negatively impact battery health.
When your electric vehicle’s battery is either fully charged or deeply discharged, its performance and longevity may suffer. To preserve its health and ensure long-term stability, maintain the charge level between 20% and 80%.
Optimize battery temperature during charging
As an electric car owner, it’s important to understand that temperature plays a crucial role during the charging process. Temperature affects the battery’s lifespan and performance. If a battery is charged under high temperatures, it can experience progressive degradation. Conversely, charging under low temperatures may gradually decrease its performance.
We recommend avoiding parking your car in highly sunny areas during hot days. Many modern electric vehicles are now equipped with energy management systems, including cell temperature management systems that monitor and regulate battery conditions for optimal performance.
Maintaining proper temperature control is essential for preserving your electric car’s battery life and ensuring its efficiency over time.
How to charge an electric car at a charging station?
First, make sure to select a charging station that is compatible with your vehicle. Generally, both AC and DC charging options are compatible with most electric cars. Position your vehicle close enough to the charging station to connect the cable.
Some charging stations provide their own cables, while others require you to use the cable supplied with your car. Once the cable is connected to your car, proceed to the next step.
To start charging, you’ll need to activate the station. This can typically be done using an RFID card, a mobile app, or your credit card. Once activated, the charging process will begin automatically.
Charging an electric car involves locating a charging station, verifying compatibility, connecting the cable, and activating the station.
Can I charge my electric car using a standard outlet?
It is entirely possible to charge an electric vehicle using a standard household outlet. However, this method is significantly slower than using a dedicated charging station. Standard outlets provide a maximum power of 2.3 kW. For example, charging an electric vehicle with a 50 kWh battery would take approximately 20 to 24 hours for a full charge.
This option is more suitable for hybrid vehicles, as their batteries typically have a smaller capacity compared to fully electric cars, resulting in shorter charging times.
In any case, it is essential to use a specific charging cable, usually supplied by the vehicle manufacturer, to ensure a safe and efficient charging process.
Charging via a standard outlet is more practical for plug-in hybrid vehicles than for fully electric cars.
Can I charge my car at a 22kW charging station in my underground parking?
Yes, you can, provided that a charging station has been installed in your underground parking. In Switzerland, SIA 2060 standards allow for the installation of charging stations in shared parking areas. These standards enable the implementation of shared charging systems for multiple parking spaces, using either dynamic or static load management.
One major advantage of such a shared system is its ability to prevent overloading the electrical grid. Additionally, the risk of circuit breakers tripping is mitigated, even when numerous charging stations are installed and used simultaneously. This system does not require upgrading the building’s electrical connection, making it compatible even with older buildings. It provides a charging speed of 4-6 hours, which is more than sufficient for overnight charging. The cost per kWh is equivalent to standard residential electricity rates.
However, if you are an individual tenant wishing to install a charging station in Switzerland, be prepared for significant installation costs. To address this, AMP IT offers a financing solution, managing the entire system on your behalf. End users don’t need to pay for the installation; instead, they simply pay a monthly subscription to access the charging service. This subscription includes maintenance, troubleshooting, and billing, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve explained how to charge an electric car using the various charging methods available. It is essential to understand the different types of charging options, the features of your vehicle’s battery, and other key factors to optimize the charging process.
To preserve your electric vehicle’s battery life, it is recommended to maintain its charge level between 20% and 80% during regular use. Following these guidelines will help you make the most of your EV while ensuring long-term battery performance.
