Charging Your Electric Car at Home 

The rise of electric vehicles is accelerating, and more people are considering how to conveniently and cost-effectively charge their cars at home. Home EV charging not only offers convenience but can also lead to significant long-term savings with the right system in place. This article explains when it makes sense to install a home charger, what types of chargers are available, and what kind of solar system you might need for sustainable vehicle charging.

We'll also cover EV charger prices, payback calculations, and the steps involved in installing a solar-powered charger. Additionally, we explore smart charging solutions and identify who could benefit from installing a fast home charger. If you're looking to charge your EV at home, this article is for you!

When Is It Worth Installing a Home EV Charger?

Charging your electric vehicle at home is not only convenient—it can result in significant savings over time. However, the upfront cost of installing a charger isn't negligible, so it's important to calculate when the investment pays off. To do this, you should compare the cost of home charging with the cost of public charging stations.

EV Charger Prices: Costs, Payback, and Incentives

Let’s assume the total cost of installing a home EV charger—including the device and installation—is 500,000 HUF. This is a one-time investment.

We assume a flat electricity cost of 70 HUF/kWh for home charging, since the discounted 38 HUF/kWh rate applies only to a limited quantity, and in this scenario, all the energy is billed at the higher rate. For public charging, we use an average rate of 250 HUF/kWh based on 2025 figures.

Calculation for 15,000 km per year

• Average EV consumption: 17.5 kWh/100 km.
  
  
• Annual consumption:
  15,000 km ÷ 100 km × 17.5 kWh = 2,625 kWh
  
  
• Home charging cost:
  2 625 kWh × 70 Ft/kWh = 183 750 Ft
  
  
• Public charging cost:
  2 625 kWh × 250 Ft/kWh = 656 250 Ft
  
  
• Annual savings:
  656 250 Ft – 183 750 Ft = 472 500 Ft

Calculation for 5,000 km per year

• Annual consumption:
  5 000 km ÷ 100 km × 17,5 kWh = 875 kWh
  
  
• Annual consumption:
  875 kWh × 70 Ft/kWh = 61 250 Ft
  
  
• Public charging cost:
  875 kWh × 250 Ft/kWh = 218 750 Ft
  
  
• Annual savings:
  218 750 Ft – 61 250 Ft = 157 500 Ft

Payback Time: Is a 3-Phase Home Charger Worth It?

Let’s now see how quickly the 500,000 HUF investment pays off depending on annual mileage.

• At 15,000 km/year:
  Payback time = 500,000 ÷ 472,500 ≈ 1.06 years
  
  
• At 5,000 km/year:
  Payback time = 500,000 ÷ 157,500 ≈ 3.17 years

This calculation assumes that the car is used daily and all charging takes place at home. Naturally, if the vehicle is used less frequently or home charging only partially meets the energy demand, the payback period may be slightly longer.

Installing a home EV charger pays off extremely quickly with higher annual mileage—for example, at 15,000 km per year, the investment typically recoups its cost in just about one year. Even with lower usage, such as 5,000 km annually, the payback period remains very favorable at around 3 to 4 years, making it a smart investment even for less frequent drivers.

In summary, installing a home EV charger can be a cost-effective investment, especially when public charging rates are high. However, the exact payback time depends on individual usage and local electricity prices, so it’s recommended to carry out a personalized calculation.

What Types of Home EV Chargers Are Available?

There is a wide range of home EV chargers available, differing significantly in terms of performance, functionality, and price. Choosing the right charger depends largely on how frequently you use your vehicle, the capacity of your household’s electrical network, and your available budget.

Smart Charging Solutions: Efficiency and Energy Optimization

Smart chargers come with advanced control systems that allow you to optimize charging times based on electricity prices and your solar system’s energy production. For example, a smart charger can be integrated with a 5 kW solar system, which can generate 20–25 kWh of renewable energy per day. As a result, a significant portion of your EV charging can come from free, environmentally friendly energy.

Who Should Consider a Home Fast Charger?

Home fast chargers typically range from 7.4 kW (single-phase) to 22 kW (three-phase), and are ideal for users who drive longer distances regularly and value faster charging. For instance, a 22 kW charger can add 120–150 km of range in just one hour—assuming the vehicle supports 22 kW charging.

In terms of pricing, basic single-phase wall chargers cost around 200,000–300,000 HUF, while fast chargers including installation may cost between 500,000–700,000 HUF. It's important to note that installing an 11 or 22 kW three-phase fast charger requires a compatible three-phase power supply, which may involve additional upgrades.

In summary, home fast chargers are recommended for those who need high-performance charging and are willing to invest more for the added convenience and time savings.

What Size Solar System Do You Need for EV Charging?

Integrating a solar system into your EV charging setup is becoming increasingly popular, helping to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency. The optimal size of your solar system depends on several factors: your car's average daily consumption, annual mileage, the number of sunshine hours in your location, and your household’s overall electricity usage

On average, an EV consumes 15–20 kWh per 100 km. So if you drive 15,000 km per year:

15,000 km ÷ 100 × 17.5 kWh = 2,625 kWh/year

A 1 kW solar system in Hungary produces around 1,000 kWh annually. To fully cover your EV’s charging needs from solar energy, you’d need a 2.5–3 kW system.

However, since solar power is also used by the household, the total energy generated is shared between home consumption and car charging. That’s why systems are typically sized at 4–5 kW to cover both needs and ensure enough capacity even during cloudy periods.

Installing solar panels and coordinating them with the EV charger is essential for efficient energy use.

Steps to Installing a Home EV Charger: From Planning to Commissioning

Installing a home EV charger is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and professional execution to ensure the system operates safely and efficiently.

The first step is an on-site assessment, where technicians evaluate the condition and capacity of the household’s electrical network and determine which type of charger best suits the family’s needs and the vehicle’s specifications. This includes checking the availability and condition of electrical connections and circuit breakers.

During the planning phase, the exact installation location is selected, taking into account convenience, safety, and aesthetics. At this stage, the necessary electrical wiring and additional equipment are also sourced.

The third step is the physical installation, which involves mounting the charging station, completing the electrical connections, and commissioning the system. Throughout this process, it is essential to comply with local electrical safety regulations, and the involvement of a certified electrician is strongly recommended.

The final phase is commissioning and testing, during which professionals verify that the charger operates correctly and safely charges the vehicle. This may include checking the charging speed, power supply stability, and the function of safety devices.

If the home charger is to be integrated with a solar system, special attention must be paid to communication between devices. In the case of smart chargers, it is essential that the charger can receive and interpret signals from the solar inverter, allowing it to dynamically regulate the charging power based on the available solar energy. This communication enables maximum use of solar production, optimizes energy consumption, and protects the electrical system from overload.

Quick Summary: Home EV Charging at a Glance

Charging your electric car at home is now not only practical, but also a cost-effective solution for EV users. Selecting and installing the right charger—and understanding your energy use and electricity pricing—are essential to maximizing savings. Using 3-phase or smart chargers makes the process more efficient and convenient, while solar integration further reduces costs.

Following the proper installation steps and accounting for network capacity ensures safe, reliable operation. Home charging is significantly cheaper than public options, with the investment typically paying off within a year. So, if you own an electric car, installing your own charging station at home is well worth considering.

Q&A with SOLARKIT

1. How quickly does a home EV charger pay off?
The investment can pay off in as little as one year if you compare home charging costs to higher public station fees. However, the payback period depends on usage habits and electricity rates.

2. Why should I choose a smart charger for home use?
Smart chargers can optimize charging time and energy consumption—adapting to solar generation or cheaper electricity tariffs—reducing costs and boosting efficiency.

3. What are the main differences between standard and fast chargers?
Standard wall chargers typically offer 2–3 kW and cost 200,000–300,000 HUF. Fast chargers range from 7–22 kW and cost 500,000–700,000 HUF including installation. They provide faster charging but are more expensive and complex to install.

4. What size solar system do I need to charge my car?
The average EV requires about 2,700 kWh per year. In Hungary, a 1 kW solar system produces around 1,000 kWh annually, so a 2.5–3 kW system is needed—accounting for additional household consumption as well.

5.What are the steps to installing a home EV charger?
Installation begins with a site survey, followed by planning, physical installation, connection, commissioning, and system testing—carried out by a qualified electrician.