Charge while you park.
Usually the simplest routine: connect to an approved home charger overnight. Charging is limited by your electrical supply, charger and the car’s onboard AC rating.
EVERYDAY ELECTRICEV charging,
EV charging,
made simple.
A little knowledge goes a long way. Get comfortable with plugging in, at home and on the road.
Estimate cost & time ↓FROM PLUG TO BATTERY
ElectricityFrom your supply→ChargerControls the flow→BatteryStores DC energy
kW is speed. kWh is energy.
A 7.2 kW charger delivers energy at a rate of up to 7.2 kWh per hour, before losses and vehicle limits.
01 / THE BASICS
Two ways to plug in.
The battery stores direct current (DC). With AC charging, the car’s onboard charger converts alternating current into DC. A DC fast charger does that conversion outside the car.
Top up along the way.
Public AC suits longer stops. DC is useful on trips when your car supports it. A higher number on the charger does not mean your vehicle can accept that much power.
02 / SPEEDS & PLUGS
Match the plug to your EV.
Check the exact vehicle variant and charging manual. Connector compatibility and charging power are separate things.
| Connection | Typical power | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Approved portable charger | About 0.3–1.5 kW for many two-wheelers; 2.3–3.3 kW for cars | A dedicated, correctly rated socket. The vehicle-side plug may be proprietary. |
| Type 2 AC | 3.3 / 7.2 / 7.4 kW; 11 / 22 kW with compatible three-phase supply | Many electric cars. An 11 or 22 kW point cannot overcome a lower onboard AC limit. |
| CCS2 DC | 30 / 50 / 60 / 120 kW and higher | Many modern electric cars in India. Actual power varies throughout the session. |
| Other standards | Vehicle-specific | Legacy Bharat DC-001 and CHAdeMO exist. Light-EV systems include LECCS and proprietary connectors; they are not interchangeable with CCS2. |
Two-wheelers usually use much smaller batteries and manufacturer-approved chargers. Some support dedicated fast charging or removable batteries; many do not. Never assume a car charger or a generic adapter will work.
03 / AT HOME
Start with a safe installation.
Your parking space
Have an authorised installer check sanctioned load, cable length, earthing, weather protection and a dedicated circuit with the required electrical protection. A faster wallbox may need a load upgrade; higher AC powers can need three-phase supply.
Apartment living
Agree the parking location, cable route, metering and billing with your RWA or housing society. Ask the DISCOM about supply capacity or a separate connection. Shared chargers may need load management and an agreed usage policy.
What to budget
A charger and basic installation may be included with the vehicle. If not, an indicative planning allowance is ₹25,000–₹70,000 for a basic AC wallbox and straightforward installation. Long cable runs, civil work and supply upgrades can cost extra. Get an itemised site quote.
Everyday care
Use approved equipment; avoid extension boards and improvised adapters. Keep plugs and cables undamaged, follow weather ratings and never connect flooded or damaged equipment. If a connector gets unusually hot or smells burnt, stop charging safely and contact service.
Installation figures are budgeting examples, not a national tariff or a quoted offer. Your electrician and DISCOM must confirm suitability. For removable batteries, use the maker’s charger in a ventilated location away from exits and combustible materials.
04 / YOUR NUMBERS
What will a charge take?
Choose a familiar battery size or enter your own. These are planning estimates, not live tariffs or manufacturer charging claims.
Charging cost
See the energy and cost of your next top-up.
Charging time
Plan how long to stay plugged in.
Public operators may meter at the charger output rather than at the supply. Losses and billed units therefore differ; this calculator uses one transparent 90% assumption. Parking, idle, session fees and any taxes not included in your unit rate are extra. Real time depends on the vehicle, temperature, battery state, shared power and charging curve; especially above 80%, allow longer.
A practical comparison
A 40 kWh battery going from 20% to 80% stores 24 kWh. At 90% efficiency, that takes about 26.7 kWh from the supply: roughly ₹213 at ₹8/unit at home, or ₹533 at ₹20/unit publicly. These are example rates, not city-specific tariffs.
3 kWh scooter20–80% · 0.75 kW
~2 hr 40 min40 kWh car20–80% · 7.2 kW
~3 hr 42 min60 kWh car20–80% · 50 kW
~48 min
~2 hr 40 min40 kWh car20–80% · 7.2 kW
~3 hr 42 min60 kWh car20–80% · 50 kW
~48 min
All three assume steady accepted power and 90% efficiency. The DC example is an idealised baseline; tapering can make the actual stop longer.
05 / ON THE HIGHWAY
A little planning. A smoother trip.
Build charging stops around your route and your real-world range, not just the advertised figure.
Before you leave
Check connector compatibility, access hours, operator payment options and recent status in the operator’s app. Identify a backup charger before you need it.
Keep a buffer
High speeds, hills, passengers, air-conditioning and weather change consumption. Aim to arrive with a comfortable reserve—often 15–20%, more on uncertain routes.
Make the stop count
Use the manufacturer’s battery preconditioning feature if available. A top-up to around 80% can be quicker than waiting for 100%; charge higher when the next leg needs it. Move the car when finished.
A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS
Good to know.
Can I use a normal household socket?
Only if the manufacturer permits it and an electrician confirms a dedicated, correctly rated, earthed outlet and protection. A socket that fits is not proof that the wiring is suitable for hours of continuous load.
Do I need to charge to 100% every day?
Follow your vehicle’s manual: battery chemistry and calibration requirements differ. Many vehicles allow a daily charge limit; some recommend periodic full charges. Avoid applying one rule to every EV.
Can I charge in the rain?
Approved outdoor equipment is designed for its stated weather rating. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, keep connectors clear of standing water, and do not charge with damaged equipment or after flooding until inspected.
Will a 120 kW charger charge my car at 120 kW?
Only if the car can accept that power and conditions allow it. The battery-management system limits the rate, which often drops as the battery fills. Shared chargers can also split power between vehicles.
Why does charging slow down near full?
The battery-management system reduces current to protect cells and balance them. The last part of a charge can take disproportionately longer; a constant-power estimate cannot predict this accurately.
Can I own an EV without home charging?
It can work if reliable workplace or nearby public charging fits your routine. Before buying, check access, compatibility, typical waiting time and total cost. Try the routine rather than relying on a charger icon alone.
Can rooftop solar charge my EV?
Yes, through a properly installed electrical system and compatible charger. Direct solar use depends on daytime generation and when the EV is plugged in. An ordinary grid-connected solar system generally shuts down during an outage unless designed with backup.
Does fast charging damage the battery?
Vehicles manage charging to protect their batteries, but frequent high-power charging and heat can affect ageing. Follow your manufacturer’s charging guidance and warranty conditions; use slower charging when convenient.