How to plug in your electric car: Practical guide 2025

How do you plug in an electric car? This is a common question among new EV owners. Charging your car shouldn’t be a mystery. Whether you’re a beginner or considering buying one, this guide walks you through every situation step by step.

Discover and try our app

How does EV charging work?

Charging your electric car means connecting the vehicle’s battery to a power source. A cable transfers electricity from the source to your car’s battery. Charging power varies depending on the type of outlet and installation used.Contrary to popular belief, charging an EV is as easy as charging a phone. The difference lies in the power required and safety protocols. Your vehicle constantly communicates with the station or outlet to optimize charging.

How to charge your electric car at home?

Standard outlet: backup option

A regular home outlet provides 2.3 kW of power, or about 10–15 km of range per hour. This setup is suitable for plug-in hybrids and short trips. Always use the cable provided with your vehicle to avoid any risk.

Reinforced outlet: smart compromise

A great compromise at 3.2 kW with built-in safety features. Installation is simple and affordable, usually between €200 and €400. It’s a notable improvement over a standard outlet.

Home wallbox: the optimal solution

For daily use, it’s recommended to install a 7.4 kW wallbox (single-phase) or 22 kW (three-phase). These power levels reduce charging time by two-thirds compared to a standard outlet.For example, a full charge of a 60 kWh battery takes about 8–9 hours with a 7.4 kW wallbox, or around 3 hours with a 22 kW unit. This type of installation must be done by a certified electrician (IRVE) to ensure safety, compliance, and compatibility with your home’s electrical system.

Charging at public stations

Standard stations: for daily use

AC stations deliver between 7 and 22 kW. They’re found in shopping centers, public parking lots, and residential areas. Use your personal Type 2 cable, authenticate via app or badge, then start charging.

Fast stations: for long trips

DC fast chargers offer high power, typically from 50 to 400 kW, with built-in cables. They can charge up to 80% of your battery in about 30 minutes, depending on your battery’s capacity and your vehicle’s charging capability.Not all models support these power levels, so check your car’s compatibility before use.Electra stands out with ultra-fast chargers well distributed across the country, often located in strategic spots like shopping centers or hotel parking lots. Unlike slower options (home, street, or AC public chargers), Electra focuses on a smooth, fast user experience with a streamlined mobile app, contactless payment, and real-time monitoring.

Choosing the right equipment: cables and connectors

Connector types

The Type 2 connector is the European standard for regular charging. On the vehicle side, you’ll find either a Type 1 (Yazaki) connector for Asian models or Type 2 for European ones.For fast charging, CCS (Combined Charging System) dominates the European market. It combines the Type 2 connector with two additional DC contacts.

Cables and accessories

A Type 2 to Type 2 (32A) cable lets you charge at most public stations. Complete your setup with a domestic cable for reinforced outlets and an adapter if needed for efficient charging.

Is there any risk?

Built-in safety protocols

Modern EVs include many safety systems. Your car can’t start while plugged in. It’s also impossible to unplug the cable during charging without stopping the session first via the interface.

Optimizing daily charging

To maximize range and preserve battery life, charge between 20% and 80% for daily use. Use fast charging sparingly on long trips. Schedule charging during off-peak hours to save money, and monitor outside temperature, which affects performance.

How much does charging cost?

Home charging

Home charging costs depend on your electricity plan. Expect around €0.15 to €0.20 per kWh. A car consuming 15 kWh/100 km will cost about €2.25 per 100 km.

Public charging

Public station prices vary by operator and power level. Standard chargers usually cost €0.25 to €0.40 per kWh, while fast chargers can reach €0.50 to €0.80 per kWh.

But we’ve thought of every profile:

Electra offers affordable subscription plans to significantly reduce charging costs at its ultra-fast stations.Without a subscription, the rate is €0.54/kWh. With Electra+, two plans offer fixed rates:

Electra+ Light: €4.99/month for €0.39/kWh
Electra+ Max: €19.99/month for €0.29/kWh

Apps that make life easier

Many mobile apps simplify charging: locating available stations, booking slots, secure payment, and consumption tracking.The Electra app automatically finds the nearest stations based on your location and traffic, letting you book a slot in seconds.Once there, Autocharge recognizes your vehicle—no need to scan a QR code or use a card. Payment is processed in the background via your saved bank card, and you get a notification when your charge reaches the desired level.The app also lets you track real-time consumption and view your charging history for better budget control.