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How electric car charging works: a complete guide for beginners
Mar 4, 2026
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How electric car charging works: everything you need to know
Charging an electric vehicle only seems complicated until you do it for the first time. In reality, the process is simpler than filling up with gas: you connect the cable, charging starts, and the car alerts you when it's ready. No fuel nozzle, no smell of fuel, no queues at the cash register.
In Italy, the network of public charging stations exceeds 70,000 charging points (Motus-E data, 2025) and continues to grow thanks to PNRR funds, with a target of over 21,700 new points by 2026. But how exactly does the system work? What is the difference between charging at home and on the highway? Do you need an app or is a credit card enough? This guide answers all your questions, without unnecessary technicalities.
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Alternating current and direct current: the difference that matters
To understand how electric car charging works, we need to start with a key concept: the vehicle's battery runs on direct current (DC), but the home and city power grids supply alternating current (AC). This difference determines everything else: speed, power, cost, and type of charging station.
AC charging: the charger is in the car
When you connect your electric car to a home wallbox or a public AC charging station, the energy arrives as alternating current. The vehicle's on-board charger converts it into direct current to power the battery. The power depends on the car's internal charger, which in most models on the market accepts between 7.4 and 22 kW. It's a bit like filling a bathtub from the tap: the water flows at a constant and regular rate, without rushing.
DC charging: the charger is in the charging station
Direct current (DC) fast charging stations work differently: the conversion from AC to DC takes place directly in the charging station, which sends ready-to-use energy to the battery, bypassing the on-board charger. The result? Much higher power outputs, from 50 kW to over 350 kW in HPC (High Power Charging) stations. It's the difference between a tap and a fire hose. A quick charging session at a 300 kW Electra station allows you to go from 20% to 80% in about 20 minutes, the time it takes to drink a coffee.
Feature | AC charging | DC charging |
Current conversion | In the car's on-board charger | In the charging station |
Typical power | 3.7 – 22 kW | 50 – 350+ kW |
Time for 300 km | 4 – 10 hours | 15–30 minutes (HPC) |
Where to find | Home, wallbox, parking lots | HPC stations, highways |
Approximate cost | €0.20–0.65/kWh | 0.39 – 0.95 €/kWh |
Connector | Type 2 (Mennekes) | CCS Combo 2 |
Approximate costs: home charging varies depending on the supply contract; public charging varies by operator, power, and tariff formula.
Connectors and sockets: less complicated than it seems
Those new to the world of electric cars often fear they will be faced with a jungle of incompatible sockets. In reality, there is a well-established standard in Europe, comparable to what happened with USB-C for smartphones.
Type 2 (Mennekes) for AC charging
The Type 2 connector, also known as Mennekes, is the European standard for AC charging. It is found on all electric cars sold in Europe and on all public AC charging stations and domestic wallboxes. It supports power ratings of up to 22 kW in three-phase and up to 7.4 kW in single-phase. For public AC charging, you generally need to bring your own Type 2 cable (supplied with the car), while DC charging stations always have an integrated cable.
CCS Combo 2 for fast DC charging
CCS Combo 2 (Combined Charging System) is the European standard for fast direct current charging. It integrates Type 2 pins at the top and adds two DC contacts at the bottom. It is present on all fast and HPC charging stations in Italy and supports power ratings of up to 350 kW and above. The old Japanese CHAdeMO standard is now being phased out in Europe. In summary: a new electric car sold in Italy has a single socket that accepts both Type 2 (AC) and CCS Combo 2 (DC). One socket, no doubts.
How to charge at public charging stations: a practical guide
The first time you use a public charging station can be intimidating. But in practice, it only takes three steps: identify yourself, connect the cable, and monitor the session. Let's take a closer look.
Find the charging station and identify yourself
Operator apps (Enel X Way, Plenitude, Electra, Be Charge) show available stations in real time, including power, costs, and number of free sockets. Google Maps also shows nearby charging stations. To start charging, you need to identify yourself. There are three common methods in Italy: via the operator's app (the most common), with an RFID card, or directly with a contactless credit card at the charging station's POS terminal. The latter option, made mandatory by the European AFIR regulation on new fast charging stations, is particularly convenient for those passing through. Electra fast charging stations offer all three methods, including direct card payment.
Connect the cable and start charging
On DC charging stations, the cable is already integrated: just take it and plug it into the vehicle's socket. On AC stations, you need to use your own Type 2 cable. Once connected, the cable automatically locks into the car's socket for safety reasons: no one can disconnect it during the session. Charging starts after identification and automatic negotiation between the station and the vehicle, which checks the maximum accepted power and adjusts the energy flow accordingly.
Monitoring and ending the session
During charging, the operator's app and the car's display show the state of charge (SoC), the power supplied, the kWh consumed, and the cost of the session in real time. When the battery reaches the desired level (usually 80%, beyond which the speed slows down to protect the cells), simply stop the session from the app or the charging station display, disconnect the cable, and drive away. A word of advice: on fast charging stations, avoid leaving your car connected once charging is complete. Many operators apply an occupancy penalty (between €0.20 and €0.30 per minute) to discourage prolonged stops. The penalty does not apply during nighttime hours (11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.).
Where to charge: three typical situations
At home: the most economical solution
Home charging is the most convenient and practical method for those who have a garage or private parking space. With a 7.4 kW wallbox, you can fully charge a 60 kWh battery in about 8 hours, taking advantage of F23 nighttime rates. The average cost of domestic energy in Italy is around €0.25–0.30/kWh, which means a full charge costs around €15–18 and a cost per 100 km of just 4–5 cents per kilometer. Those with a photovoltaic system can recharge at almost no cost during production hours.
The installation of a wallbox requires an initial investment of between €500 and €1,500 (including the possible need to increase the power of the meter to 6 kW, with an additional cost of around €120 per year in fixed charges). For 2025, the Domestic Charging Station Bonus provided coverage of up to 80% of the costs, with a maximum of €1,500 for private individuals and €8,000 for condominiums. Refinancing is expected for 2026.
In the city: public AC charging stations
For those who do not have a garage or need to recharge during the day, public AC charging stations are an accessible alternative. With power ratings from 11 to 22 kW, they allow you to recover range during a prolonged stop: time to do the shopping, visit the doctor, or spend a few hours at the office. Costs vary by operator: AC rates average between €0.50 and €0.65/kWh according to the Adiconsum/TariffEV Observatory (data updated at the end of 2025). The main operators active in Italy in this segment are Enel X Way, Be Charge, Plenitude, and Ewiva, with widespread coverage, especially in the north and in large urban centers.
On the road: DC and HPC fast charging stations
For long journeys, fast and ultra-fast charging stations are essential. DC Fast charging stations (50–150 kW) allow you to recover approximately 250 km of range in 30–45 minutes, while HPC stations (over 150 kW, up to 350–400 kW) allow you to get back on the road in 15–20 minutes. The European AFIR regulation already requires the presence of at least 150 kW stations every 60 km on major European motorways. In Italy, the HPC network is rapidly expanding thanks to operators such as Ionity, Free To X (at motorway service areas) , and Electra, with ultra-fast stations up to 400 kW located in shopping center car parks, strategic urban areas, and high-traffic arteries.
HPC charging costs vary greatly depending on the operator and the formula chosen: non-subscription rates average between €0.75 and €0.95/kWh, but subscriptions allow for significant price reductions. At Electra stations, for example, the app rate starts at €0.29/kWh with the Electra+ subscription, with no commitment and the first month free (code PLUS2). Without a subscription, the app rate varies between €0.29 and €0.61/kWh depending on demand, while contactless card payment starts at €0.61/kWh.
How much does it really cost to charge an electric car in Italy?
To translate kWh prices into real costs, we need to consider the average consumption of an electric vehicle, which is between 15 and 20 kWh per 100 km (Motus-E data). Here is a concrete comparison for 100 km traveled.
Charging mode | Cost/kWh | Cost per 100 km | Estimated time |
Home (7.4 kW wallbox) | $0.25–$0.30 | €4–5 | 8 hours (full) |
Home + photovoltaic | 0.02–0.05 | < $1 | 6–8 hours |
Public AC charging station | 0.50–0.65 | €8–11 | 3–6 hours |
DC Fast station (50–150 kW) | €0.60–0.85 | €10–14 | 30–45 min |
HPC station (>150 kW) | €0.29–0.95 | €5–16 | 15–25 min |
Gasoline (comparison) | 1.75–1.85 €/L | €10–12 | 5 min |
Estimated consumption: 17 kWh/100 km (average electric car). Estimated gasoline consumption: 6 L/100 km. Rates updated at the beginning of 2026. The cost of HPC varies significantly with or without a subscription.
The comparison speaks for itself: home charging makes electric cars much cheaper than gasoline vehicles. Even at fast charging stations, with the right subscription, the cost per kilometer remains competitive—with the added benefit of zero emissions while driving.
Frequently asked questions about charging electric cars
Do you need a specific app to charge?
Not necessarily. New-generation fast charging stations accept direct payment by contactless credit card, as required by the European AFIR regulation. However, the operator's app is almost always convenient: lower rates, real-time monitoring of the session, consumption history, and access to subscription offers. Those who charge frequently inevitably end up using one.
Does fast charging ruin the battery?
Modern electric vehicles have sophisticated thermal management systems (BMS) that protect the cells during each session. The BMS automatically adjusts the input power based on the battery temperature and state of charge, ensuring safety and longevity. Regular use of fast charging stations, alternating with home charging, does not compromise battery life under normal conditions of use.
Can I charge my car at any charging station in Italy?
Yes. Thanks to the European Type 2 / CCS Combo 2 standard, every electric car sold in Europe is compatible with all Italian public charging stations, regardless of the operator. Through roaming agreements between operators (similar to those for mobile phones), it is possible to charge on one operator's network using another operator's app, although rates may vary slightly.
How long does it take to "fill up"?
It depends on the power of the charging station and the capacity of the battery. With a 7.4 kW home wallbox, it takes about 8 hours for a 60 kWh battery. At 50 kW DC Fast stations, it takes about 60 minutes. At ultra-fast HPC stations (150–350 kW), 15–25 minutes is enough to go from 20% to 80%. In practice, most drivers charge at home at night and only use fast charging stations when traveling.
Is it worth installing a wallbox at home?
For those who drive more than 10,000 km per year, the investment usually pays for itself in 2–3 years thanks to the difference in cost between home and public charging. The wallbox also offers the possibility of programming charging during the cheapest hours (F23 nighttime band) and, when combined with a photovoltaic system, can make electric mobility almost cost-free.
Written by Giulia, Electra mobility expert
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