What charging power for an electric car: our tips

You want to install a home charging station but you're hesitating between 7.4 kW, 11 kW or 22 kW? Between a simple domestic socket and an ultra-fast wallbox, it’s not easy to decide. Yet, choosing the right power to charge your electric car is essential to optimize your electrical setup and your budget.This practical guide explains everything: the different power levels available, their impact on your electric meter, installation costs and possible subsidies. Everything you need to make the right choice for your electric vehicle.

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The different charging power levels available

Standard domestic socket (2.3 kW): the backup solution

The classic socket in your home delivers 2.3 kW in single-phase. It’s the simplest charging method, but also the slowest. For a 50 kWh battery, expect nearly 24 hours for a full charge.This power level is only suitable for plug-in hybrid vehicles or as a backup solution. For daily use with a 100% electric vehicle, it quickly becomes problematic: imagine leaving your Tesla plugged in all weekend just to recover your weekly range!

Reinforced socket (3.7 kW): the safe compromise

The reinforced socket offers 3.7 kW, still in single-phase. More robust than a domestic socket, it allows safe charging of an electric car. For a 50 kWh battery, charging time drops to around 14 hours. Installation by a professional ranges from €300 to €600 depending on your electrical panel setup.This solution suits drivers traveling less than 50 km per day. Charging capacity remains limited, but sufficient to recover the needed range overnight.

Charging stations: from 7.4 to 22 kW

Charging stations, or wallboxes, transform the electric vehicle charging experience. No more overnight waits—hello efficiency. Three main power levels depending on your electrical setup:Wallbox 7.4 kW (32A single-phase): the most common, charges 50 kWh in 7 hours. Ideal for most electric carsStation 11 kW (16A three-phase): requires three-phase, but halves charging timeWallbox 22 kW (32A three-phase): the fastest at home, 2.5 hours for a full chargePractical tip: request multiple quotes for your station installation. Prices vary significantly depending on the installer and the complexity of your electrical setup. Also check the maximum charging capacity supported by your electric vehicle before investing in the most powerful wallbox!

How to choose the right power for your vehicle

Analyze your electric car’s charging capacity

Each electric vehicle has a maximum charging capacity in alternating current (AC). This technical limit determines the useful power of your charging station. Some concrete examples for different electric car models:

Tesla Model 3: supports up to 11 kW AC
Renault Zoé: can go up to 22 kW depending on the version
Peugeot e-208: limited to 7.4 kW single-phase
Fiat 500e: capped at 11 kW three-phaseImportant: check your electric car’s technical sheet to know its maximum charging power. This determines the useful ceiling of your home electrical installation for efficient charging.

Comparative table of charging times by power level

Vehicle model	Battery capacity (kWh)	Domestic socket 2.3 kW	Reinforced socket 3.7 kW	Wallbox 7.4 kW	Wallbox 11 kW	Wallbox 22 kW
Peugeot e-208	46.3	~12h11 (20-80%)	~7h30 (20-80%)	~4h30 (20-80%)	~3h (20-80%)	~1h30 (20-80%)
Renault Zoé	52	~13h40 (20-80%)	~8h30 (20-80%)	~5h (20-80%)	~3h30 (20-80%)	~1h45 (20-80%)
Tesla Model 3 (Standard)	50	~13h09 (20-80%)	~8h (20-80%)	~5h (20-80%)	~3h (20-80%)	~1h30 (20-80%)
Fiat 600e Red	51	~13h25 (20-80%)	~8h15 (20-80%)	~5h (20-80%)	~3h15 (20-80%)	~1h30 (20-80%)
Skoda Enyaq 50	51.7	~13h36 (20-80%)	~8h20 (20-80%)	~5h (20-80%)	~3h15 (20-80%)	~1h30 (20-80%)

Evaluate your home electrical installation

Your current electrical setup determines the accessible power levels. A 6 kVA single-phase meter limits your options, while a 12 kVA three-phase meter opens up all possibilities. Things to check before any installation:

Subscribed power of your contract (in kVA)
Type of supply: single-phase or three-phase
Consumption of other household appliances
General condition of your electrical installationGolden rule: your charging station should not use more than 50% of the available power, to avoid tripping when using other equipment simultaneously.

Define your daily charging needs

The daily range you need determines the ideal power to charge your electric car. A driver covering 40 km per day (French average) consumes about 8 kWh of electricity. A 3.7 kW station is enough to recover this energy in 2 hours. For 100 km daily, a 7.4 kW station becomes more comfortable and suitable.Don’t forget the complementarity between home charging and public networks. Electra fast-charging stations allow you to recover up to 400 km of range in 20 minutes during long trips. This hybrid solution optimizes your electric mobility without oversizing your home setup.

Adapt your electrical installation

Check and upgrade your electricity subscription

Upgrading from a 6 kVA to a 9 or 12 kVA subscription costs a few euros per month but unlocks the power needed for stress-free charging. The monthly extra cost (around €20 to €30) is largely offset by fuel savings.For a 7.4 kW wallbox, plan for at least a 9 kVA meter. For 11 or 22 kW, switching to three-phase becomes essential, with a suitable subscription.

Secure your installation

Installing a charging station requires:

A dedicated differential circuit breaker (type A or F)
Wiring adapted to the power (sufficient gauge)
A direct line from the electrical panel
Surge protectionInstallation costs range from €500 to €1500 depending on complexity. This expense ensures your safety and optimizes your battery’s lifespan.

Budget and available subsidies

Investing in a wallbox is part of your transition to electric. Average prices:

Reinforced socket: €500 to €800 (equipment + installation)
Wallbox 7.4 kW: €1200 to €1800 all-inclusive
Station 11 to 22 kW: €1500 to €2500 depending on setup
The good news? The ecological bonus also applies to charging stations! €300 tax credit, local subsidies, reduced VAT… In the end, your wallbox can cost 30 to 50% less. A certified IRVE installer’s quote is required to receive these subsidies. Some energy providers even include installation at a discounted rate.

Optimize your daily charging

Best charging practices

The optimal charging mode is the one that preserves your battery without complicating your life. Pro tips:

Keep charge between 20 and 80% for daily use
Schedule charging during off-peak hours (save up to 50% on your bill)
Reserve 100% charges for long trips
Adjust power to your needs: no need to fully charge every night if you drive 30 km/daySome smart wallboxes automatically adjust charging power based on your household consumption. No more juggling between the oven and your electric car!

The energy transition at home

Switching to an electric car means rethinking your energy use. Your household consumption increases by about 2500 kWh per year (for 15,000 km), but your fuel expenses disappear. The result? An average saving of €1500/year, even with a higher electricity bill.This transition to electric mobility can be an opportunity to review your energy plan: optimized off-peak rates, green electricity, even solar panels for the most motivated. Some combine wallbox and solar production to drive almost for free!More and more providers offer special EV plans with preferential night rates. Perfect for charging cheaply while you sleep.

Key takeaways

Choosing the right power to charge your electric car is above all a matter of common sense. No need for a 22 kW wallbox if you drive 40 km/day with an e-208! For 90% of drivers, a 7.4 kW station does the job perfectly: full overnight charge, reasonable price, compatible with all cars.Key points to remember:

Check your vehicle’s maximum charging power (it’s in the manual)
Adjust your meter: 9 kVA minimum for a 7.4 kW wallbox
Request multiple quotes (price differences are significant)
Take advantage of subsidies: up to 50% off installation
Think eco-mode: charge during off-peak hours, between 20 and 80%

And for long trips? The Electra network takes over with ultra-fast stations. Perfect for stress-free vacations. The electric transition is also about smartly combining home charging and public networks for hassle-free mobility.

Don’t oversize your setup. A well-suited wallbox is better than an overly powerful installation that will increase your electricity subscription. If you’re unsure, our Electra teams are here to guide you to the solution that truly fits your needs.