Charging from a household socket: Schuko or wallbox?
Check the electrical installation before comparing charging power. An existing socket is not automatically suitable for hours of continuous vehicle charging.
For regular charging, ask a qualified installer to assess the circuit, connections, earthing, protective devices and charging equipment. The household contract rating does not establish socket safety. An apparently intact socket can belong to a shared or unsuitable circuit.
In this guideChoose a section
01
Have the installation checked first
A compatible Mode 2 device has its own control unit; that unit does not make every socket or circuit suitable. Follow the vehicle and charger instructions. Do not raise current just to match an online charging-time example.
Do not use adapters, extension leads or multi-socket strips to bypass compatibility. If you notice damage, overheating, discolouration or a smell, stop charging safely and have the system checked. This guide does not provide installation or wiring instructions.
02
A device rating is not guaranteed charging power
At a nominal 230 V, 10 A corresponds arithmetically to about 2.3 kW. This is a calculation scenario, not a recommended current for your socket. The permitted limit depends on the installation, device and manufacturer’s instructions.
A 7.4 or 11 kW wallbox still depends on the supply, other loads, compatible phases and the car’s onboard AC limit. Load management and scheduling only help if the chosen system supports them and they are correctly configured. Local standards and socket arrangements differ by country.
03
Separate daily energy from a full charge
At an assumed net consumption of 16 kWh/100 km, 50 km uses 8 kWh. With 90% efficiency, replacing that energy requires about 8.89 kWh from the supply.
At a constant compatible 2.3 kW, it takes about 3 hours 52 minutes, rounded up.
The same 8 kWh costs about €2.67 at an invented €0.30/kWh and 90% efficiency. At 80% efficiency, the draw would be 10 kWh and cost €3. These efficiencies are assumptions, not measured socket or wallbox performance.
Include purchase, installation, any upgrades and electricity-contract changes in a wallbox decision. Faster charging does not automatically reduce the price per kWh or cover the investment.
More examples and detail
Examples from the expanded catalogue
Compare the figures
Catalogue examples: 20–80% AC, assumed 90% efficiency, constant compatible power
Škoda Epiq 40 · Italy 2026
- 2.3 kW
- 10 h 44 min
- 3.7 kW
- 6 h 41 min
- 7.4 kW
- 3 h 20 min
Škoda Epiq 55 Selection · Italy 2026
- 2.3 kW
- 15 h 00 min
- 3.7 kW
- 9 h 19 min
- 7.4 kW
- 4 h 40 min
Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 Electric · Italy 2026
- 2.3 kW
- 33 h 20 min
- 3.7 kW
- 20 h 44 min
- 7.4 kW
- 10 h 22 min
Comparison from the table in this guide.
| Version | 2.3 kW | 3.7 kW | 7.4 kW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Škoda Epiq 40 · Italy 2026 | 10 h 44 min | 6 h 41 min | 3 h 20 min |
| Škoda Epiq 55 Selection · Italy 2026 | 15 h 00 min | 9 h 19 min | 4 h 40 min |
| Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 Electric · Italy 2026 | 33 h 20 min | 20 h 44 min | 10 h 22 min |
Rounded up to the next minute. Formula: usable capacity × 0.60 ÷ 0.90 ÷ effective power. These are illustrative AC estimates, not measurements or installation recommendations.
Specifications refer to the version, year and market shown. Model records have English notes; original source documents may use another language. They do not certify current availability in your country.
05
Sources and method
- www.adac.de · original reference
- www.adac.de · original reference
- www.mobility.enelx.com · original reference
- afdc.energy.gov · original reference
English editorial version updated 16 October 2026. Arithmetic examples are Ricaora calculations. Efficiencies, consumption assumptions and example tariffs are not measured vehicle results or current commercial offers.
Installation requirements and electricity contracts vary by country; use qualified local advice for the electrical system.