What amperage should you charge your EV at?
Pick the socket you plan to use and, if you know it, your car's charging limit. The tool shows a conservative planning value, the resulting power and estimated range per hour. It cannot approve an outlet or installation: use only a current allowed by the charger and socket manufacturers, local rules and a qualified electrician's assessment.
Planning value only. Use it only where the equipment instructions and a qualified electrician confirm the socket, circuit and protection are suitable. Stop charging if a plug or socket becomes unusually warm, smells, discolours or makes noise; do not resume until it has been inspected.
Your car's onboard charger is the limit here, not the socket.
Typical planning values by socket
Illustrative values at 230 V per phase, not universal safe ratings. The permitted continuous current can be lower and must be confirmed for the actual socket, wiring, protection and charging equipment.
| Socket | Current to verify | Power |
|---|---|---|
| Household socket (Schuko / type E-F) | 10 A | 2.3 kW |
| CEE 16 A blue (single-phase) | 16 A | 3.7 kW |
| CEE 16 A red (three-phase) | 16 A | 11 kW |
| CEE 32 A red (three-phase) | 32 A | 22.1 kW |
How this is calculated
For calculation, the tool models 10 A for a household socket, 16 A for a CEE 16 A socket and 32 A for a CEE 32 A socket. These are not universal approvals: the permitted continuous current depends on the specific socket, wiring, protection, charging equipment and local rules.
Power = voltage × current × phases ÷ 1000. At 230 V: 10 A single-phase = 2.3 kW, 16 A single-phase = 3.7 kW, 16 A three-phase = 11 kW, 32 A three-phase = 22 kW.
The car's onboard charger caps the result: if it accepts less than the socket can deliver, the lower figure wins.
Range added per hour = power × efficiency ÷ consumption × 100.
Assumptions and limits
- The socket and circuit have been inspected and confirmed suitable for EV charging, and no extension cord or multi-way adapter is used.
- The portable charger supports the selected current and its manufacturer permits use with the chosen socket. A lower setting does not make damaged or unsuitable equipment safe.
- Local connection rules or the building's load limit may cap single-phase charging. Confirm the permitted current for the actual installation.
- AC charging only; DC fast charging is not set by amperage on the user's side.
Frequently asked questions
What amperage is safe from a normal household socket?
There is no universal value. This calculator uses 10 A as a conservative planning example, but the permitted setting depends on the socket, wiring, protection, charger instructions and local rules. Have the circuit assessed before regular EV charging.
Should I always charge at the highest amperage?
No. Use only a current permitted for the complete installation and equipment. If a plug or socket becomes unusually warm, smells, discolours or makes noise, stop charging and have it inspected rather than merely lowering the current.
Why does 16 A give 3.7 kW sometimes and 11 kW other times?
Phases. 16 A on a single phase is 3.7 kW; 16 A across three phases is 11 kW, because three live conductors carry three times the power at the same current.
Does a lower amperage waste energy?
Slightly. Charging losses are a little higher at very low power because the car's electronics draw a roughly constant overhead, but the difference is small and safety comes first.
