The experts from the specialist magazine 60 Millions de consommateurs are clear!
In recent years, electric and hybrid cars have been multiplying on the roads and in parking lots, alongside more traditional vehicles. You just have to look at the figures: at the end of 2023, France has crossed the symbolic threshold of one million registered electric vehicles. It’s a small revolution, especially for those who own it. Indeed, this car model introduces new uses and new habits to adopt, particularly with regard to recharging. In cities or in smaller towns, more and more charging stations are being installed. They are useful for many, but not for everyone. Because yes, some choose to recharge their vehicle at home. And this is where problems can arise.
Indeed, in the issue of the specialized magazine 60 Millions de consommateurs (No. 609, January 2025), experts looked at the subject of charging electric cars at home. To do this, they interviewed around 350 owners and the majority of them actually plug their vehicle into an outlet at home. But then, what take? “In 42% of cases, it is a classic hold,” can we read in their investigation. A priori, nothing alarming, and yet… “Recharging a vehicle can cause overheating of the electrical circuit, particularly on old installations, with a real risk for safety,” point out the experts of 60 Million consumers.
To avoid any risk, it is strongly recommended to purchase a specific reinforced socket for recharging an electric vehicle. “Coupled with a differential circuit breaker, it limits the risk of overvoltage and delivers a power of 3.7 kW, which halves, on average, the recharge time”explain our colleagues. Another option: have a charging station installed directly at home by an electrician specializing in IRVE (charging infrastructure for electric vehicles), which is also recommended for motorists who drive a lot of kilometers every day.
