Yes, you can charge many electric vehicles at home without installing a wallbox. Several EVs in India support portable charging cables that can be plugged into a suitable 15A household socket. Tata Motors, for example, offers 15A portable charging options on several EV models
Instead of using a dedicated wallbox, you connect the EV’s portable charging cable to a properly rated 15A socket. The car’s onboard charger then converts the AC electricity into power for the battery.
However, charging from a regular socket is much slower than using a dedicated wallbox.
For example, Tata’s Nexon.ev can take around 17 hours 36 minutes for a full charge using a 15A socket, compared with about 6 hours 36 minutes using a 7.2kW wallbox.
It can be safe when the electrical installation is suitable and the EV manufacturer’s charging equipment is used correctly. The socket should have proper earthing and appropriate circuit protection, and the electrical circuit must be capable of handling the continuous load.
Avoid using cheap extension cables or overloaded sockets. Hyundai’s guidance, for example, warns that EV charging can place a greater continuous load on a household electrical system than typical appliances.
Wallbox vs 15A Socket
15A Socket
- No wallbox installation required
- Lower installation cost
- Portable and convenient
- Much slower charging
Wallbox
- Faster AC charging
- Better suited for regular daily charging
- Dedicated safety and protection features
- Requires installation and suitable electrical infrastructure
If you drive relatively few kilometres every day and have enough time to charge overnight, a 15A portable charger can be sufficient. If you regularly need faster charging or have a larger EV battery, a dedicated wallbox is the better long-term solution.
Always check your specific EV’s charging requirements and have the electrical installation inspected by a qualified professional before using a high-load socket continuously.