)
)
Electric car charger: how to choose the right solution for easy charging anywhere
Feb 10, 2026
:format(webp))
The term "electric car charger" is now used to describe many different realities. We talk about a charger when we refer to the cable, the home charging station (WallBox), or even an ultra-fast station…
Yet, behind this generic word lies a complete ecosystem that determines your comfort, freedom of movement, and your electric vehicle's performance. At Electra, we decided to put together a little guide to clarify things, compare solutions, and help you identify the electric car charger truly suited to your use, whether at home, on the go, or on long journeys. Let's dive in!
)
The real charger is in the car (and why that changes everything)
This is an often overlooked point. Technically, the charger of an electric car is integrated into the vehicle. To put it simply, it converts energy from the electrical grid into current usable by the battery. This first definition is important because it explains why charging speed depends on:
The equipment used;
The available power;
And the vehicle's technical capabilities.
In other words, the right choice doesn't only depend on the equipment, but on actual use and the desired charging experience.
Charging solutions: cable, mobile charger, or fixed station
Behind the word charger lie several very different pieces of equipment. Each addresses a specific need.
The charging cable: the minimal solution
The cable supplied with most electric cars allows you to plug into a standard domestic outlet. It's a simple solution.
However, its limited power leads to very long charging times, sometimes exceeding 30 hours. It doesn't always have intelligent temperature or power management, which can raise safety concerns on certain older domestic installations.
This cable is useful, but it doesn't constitute an optimal solution for daily use. There's better! And we'll see that right after.
The mobile charger: the electric driver's Swiss Army knife
The mobile electric car charger (also called a portable charging station) represents a versatile and flexible solution. Models like NRGkick, Juice Booster, Duosida, or other portable chargers allow you to charge on different outlets: domestic, reinforced, or industrial.
The main advantage lies in freedom. With a mobile charger, you can charge your car at home, at friends' places, on weekends, or on vacation, without depending on fixed infrastructure. This solution appeals to many drivers who want to maintain maximum autonomy.
Unlike a simple cable, an intelligent mobile charger integrates protection systems against overheating, overvoltage, and electrical faults. It automatically adapts power to the outlet used, which improves safety and reliability. It's a good intermediate solution.
The fixed station (Wallbox): the home comfort solution
For daily use, the wall-mounted station or Wallbox remains the most comfortable solution. Installed on a dedicated circuit, it enables faster, stable, and controllable charging. It can manage power, schedule off-peak hours, track consumption, and optimize charging according to your use.
For most drivers, the Wallbox represents the best home solution, as it transforms charging into a simple and invisible gesture.
Mobile charger vs fixed charging station: mobility or comfort?
The choice between a mobile charger and a fixed charging station mainly depends on your lifestyle. The mobile charger provides great freedom. It accompanies the driver everywhere and allows charging on different outlets. It's useful for trips, travel, or unexpected situations.
The fixed charging station prioritizes comfort and daily performance. It significantly reduces charging time and integrates perfectly into the domestic routine. In practice, many drivers use both: a Wallbox at home and a mobile charger as a complementary solution. This combination guarantees autonomy, flexibility, and peace of mind.
Charging speed: what a charger really changes
The power of an electric car charger directly influences the time needed to recover range. But the result also depends on the battery capacity and the vehicle's onboard charger. A charger plugged into a domestic outlet delivers approximately 2.3 kW.
Over a full night, this allows you to recover between 100 and 150 km of range depending on the car model.
With a mobile charger or a charging station delivering 11 kW, charging becomes much faster. In a few hours, the battery can be fully recharged, which transforms the user experience.
On a 22 kW charging station, some compatible vehicles can recover several hundred kilometers in one night.
In practice, a driver can recover the equivalent of a daily commute during dinner, and a full battery overnight. Charging thus naturally integrates into daily life.
And for instant speed? The role of ultra-fast stations
Even with a high-performance charger at home, certain situations require very fast charging. This is the case for long journeys, unexpected trips, or intensive urban use. We're thinking, for example, of rideshare or taxi drivers or home care nurses who drive a lot.
DC fast charging stations allow you to go from 10% to 80% charge in 25 minutes on average, depending on the vehicle. This speed completely changes the perception of charging. We're no longer talking about immobilization at all, but rather a simple short and efficient break.
The home charger ensures the daily baseline, while fast charging meets immediate mobility needs. Together, they constitute a coherent and fluid ecosystem.
Safety: why prefer an intelligent electric car charger?
Not all chargers are equal. An intelligent electric car charger offers several levels of protection. You can have information on thermal management, power control, detection of potential electrical faults, or automatic shutdown in case of anomaly.
These devices reduce the risks of overheating and protect the electrical installation, the vehicle, and the battery. In the long term, they also help preserve equipment lifespan and maintain stable charging. Safety is an often underestimated but essential criterion, especially when charging takes place for several hours without supervision.
Selection criteria: what distinguishes a good charger
Several fundamental elements allow you to evaluate the quality of an electric car charger. Robustness, measured by the IK index, indicates impact resistance. Water resistance, expressed by the IP index, guarantees outdoor operation, even in the rain.
Connectivity is also becoming central. Some mobile chargers and stations allow you to control charging via smartphone, track energy consumption, or adapt power. This intelligence improves user comfort and optimizes energy costs.
Design, housing quality, compatibility with different vehicles, and overall reliability are also important criteria, especially for regular use.
Compatibility: a key point for all electric vehicles
Most current chargers are compatible with the main standards used in Europe. They work with most modern electric cars. However, it remains essential to check the maximum power accepted by your vehicle to avoid mistakes.
Some models limit AC charging, which directly influences charging time, regardless of the charger used.
Home charging: installation and reinforced outlet
For regular home charging, the electrical installation plays a central role. A reinforced outlet (Green Up type) improves safety and efficiency compared to a classic domestic outlet. It allows a slight increase in power while limiting overheating risks.
The installation of a charging station or dedicated circuit must be carried out by a qualified and IRVE-certified professional to guarantee the safety, performance, and compliance of your installation. A properly sized system optimizes charging and protects equipment in the long term.
Cost: an investment in freedom
The price of an electric car charger varies according to type, power, and features. A simple cable remains affordable, while a mobile charger or connected station represents a larger investment.
However, this cost comes with real gains in comfort, autonomy, and safety. In the long term, optimized charging also allows better control of energy consumption and reduces the overall cost of electric vehicle use. It's worth getting out the calculator and doing the math.
A new way to charge
In short, the electric car charger isn't just a technical accessory. As we've seen, it defines a new relationship with energy. You don't charge your electric car the way you fill up a gas-powered car. Usage has evolved. You charge progressively, at home for more comfort, and on the go when necessary.
To summarize, we could say that the cable provides backup, the mobile charger liberates, the home charging station simplifies, and fast charging accelerates. Together, these solutions compose an experience adapted to drivers' real needs.
In short, with the right charger, you'll have the freedom to travel without constraints, with charging perfectly integrated into your daily life.
The only charging app you will need
4.5/5
on the stores