How to charge a plug-in hybrid at home: What plug do I need to charge a plug-in hybrid?

Plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV) have become one of the most balanced solutions between energy efficiency and extended range. The combination of electric and thermal engines allows for short trips using only electricity, which means fewer emissions and more savings. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know to charge your plug-in hybrid in the most optimal and sustainable way.

Charging a plug-in hybrid car at home: comfort assured

Charging a plug-in hybrid car can be done using an adapter directly to a household outlet, but let us give you a heads-up: it’s not ideal if you plan to use the vehicle daily and want to take care of your battery. That’s what Type 2 chargers are for, which allow you to schedule times, optimize electrical consumption, and adapt to the available power at any moment.

Having a charging point at home is synonymous with independence. You can charge your car while you sleep, work from home, or enjoy a quiet afternoon. This habit not only frees you from relying on public stations but also represents significant savings, especially if you take advantage of off-peak rates or if, for example, you use our software EcoCharging.

What plug is needed at home for a plug-in hybrid?

The charging process of a plug-in hybrid car is seemingly simple; just connect the vehicle’s cable to the charging point, whether at home or at a public point. However, the type of installation and charger you use will determine the time, cost, and safety of each charge. From V2C, manufacturers of electric car chargers designed and produced in Spain, we explain all the details to take care of the health of your plug-in hybrid car battery at home. Depending on your needs and the situation, there are different charging modes that you can use to charge your plug-in hybrid car. We show you what each type of plug is for when charging your plug-in hybrid.

Schuko type plug (normal) for charging your plug-in hybrid: yes or no?

Although it is legal and technically feasible, charging through a conventional schuko plug (Mode 1) is not the most advisable. This type of socket can be used on a punctual basis, but it does not offer thermal protection or load control, and furthermore, the times extend (up to 6 hours). Ultimately, it is an option only for emergencies when you do not have a Mode 2 or Mode 3 charger.

Charge your plug-in hybrid in Mode 2 or Mode 3: the perfect charging for everyday use.

At V2C, we always recommend opting for Mode 2 or Mode 3 to charge your plug-in hybrid on a daily basis. These systems allow for faster and, above all, safer charging for hybrid cars. Because this type of vehicle usually has much smaller batteries than electric cars, their charging time is also shorter. Chargers from 3.7 kW to 7.4 kW are ideal for this type of vehicle, for example:

• Mode 2 (single-phase, 3.7 kW): Ideal for private homes. Full charge in about 3 hours.
• Mode 3 (three-phase, up to 7.4 kW): Designed for those who need a faster charge (1.5 hours). Perfect for communal garages or homes with multiple cars.

Both modes require the installation of a charging point. Installing a V2C charger at home is an investment that quickly pays off. We have a network of professional charging point installers throughout Europe.

Our goal is clear: that charging your hybrid car is not a problem, but an additional advantage of joining electric mobility.

What electrical power do you need at home to charge your plug-in hybrid car?

A common myth is that you need a huge power to charge a hybrid car. Nothing could be further from the truth. In most homes, a power level between 3.7 kW and 7.4 kW is sufficient.

Do you only have 3.45 kW contracted? You can still charge, but it will be slower, and you will need to use dynamic load management to avoid overloads. At V2C, we have smart chargers that do this job for you, adjusting the power to your daily consumption. We recommend that you check how we manage energy efficiently at V2C.

How much does it cost to charge a plug-in hybrid car at home?

Now let’s get to the point. The cost of charging a plug-in hybrid car at home is much lower than that of traditional fuel. Let’s look at a real example:

Do you compare with gasoline (5 L/100 km at 1.30 €/L)? You would spend €6.50 for every 100 km. That is, charging at home can save you up to 80% per trip. Additionally, there are other factors that can make your charging much cheaper. For example, you can charge your plug-in hybrid car with photovoltaic energy thanks to the direct connection with the best inverter brands on the market with our Trydan hybrid and electric vehicle charger. Discover our guide on how to charge your electric or hybrid car with solar panels.

Where to charge a hybrid car outside the home

Although the most convenient option is to charge at home, there are public alternatives. You can recharge your plug-in hybrid at:

• Supermarkets and shopping centers: typically have semi-fast chargers in Mode 3 or super-fast chargers in Mode 4 with which you can charge your hybrid vehicle in an hour or less.
• Service stations with electric charging points: usually have fast chargers in Mode 4.
• Offices and companies that offer charging for employees: are usually installed in the company parking lots used for charging while employees carry out their workday, so they are usually Mode 2 chargers.
• Public parking: depending on the location, they can be semi-fast or fast charging chargers.

How much does it cost to charge outside the home?

Here the price varies according to the operator; there are some places in Europe where you can still charge your electric or hybrid vehicle for free if you use the services of the place. For example, supermarkets where you do your shopping or hotels where you stay often offer free charging services.

However, it is increasingly common for more types of businesses and parking lots to have electric car chargers that offer charging services at a reduced price if you use their facilities or a bit more expensive if they are of the fast type. The price of fast charging will always be higher since the installation of these types of charging solutions is less affordable than a semi-fast charging point.

As you may already know, even at public charging points that are not free, it is still cheaper than filling up the gas tank.

Key tips to extend battery life

As experts in the design and manufacture of electric car chargers, at V2C, we know that one of the key points to make the most of your electric or hybrid vehicle is to follow a few guidelines when charging your vehicle. Here are the most important keys to take care of your battery’s health and extend its lifespan much longer.

Do not completely drain the battery of your plug-in hybrid car.

The ideal is not to let the battery of your hybrid car drop below 20%. Like any lithium battery system, it is not advisable to let the batteries discharge completely before recharging them. This would damage the lithium cells if done regularly, which is why it is advisable to plan your charging.

Avoid consistently charging your plug-in hybrid car to 100%.

Especially if the car is going to be parked for a long time. The optimal is to keep the charge between 20% and 80%.

Charge your hybrid vehicle in thermally suitable environments

Extreme temperatures affect charging performance. In very hot or very cold conditions, charging your vehicle could be much slower, which is why we always recommend charging your vehicle in a garage or during the cooler hours of the day, for example in the summer nights.

Drive smoothly and efficiently: key to optimizing the use of your battery

A calm driving style allows you to make the most of the electric motor and conserve the battery.

Frequently asked questions about charging plug-in hybrid cars

Short answers to the most frequently asked questions from our customers about charging points and plug-in hybrid cars.

Can I install a charging point if I live in an apartment?

Yes, even in a community garage. You just need to notify the administrator.

How long does it take to charge a hybrid at home?

Between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the installed power.

What charger do I need for a plug-in hybrid?

The most recommended is a Mode 2 or 3 charger.

Can I charge my car with solar energy?

Yes. V2C chargers can be integrated with solar panels for 100% green charging.

What maintenance does a home charger need?

Very little. Just periodic checks that we manage.

What is the best time to charge my hybrid?

During the off-peak rate, usually in the early morning. Cheaper!

Plug-in hybrid cars are the smartest mobility solution.

The transition to electric mobility starts at home. And it starts with a decision: to charge your plug-in hybrid intelligently, safely, and efficiently. For this reason at V2C we specialize in designing home charging solutions that maximize the charging of your vehicles. We develop our products 100% in Spain and have a professional network of charging point installers who will help you with everything you need.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about charging your plug-in hybrid car, and we will advise you on everything you need.