Anyone who drives an electric vehicle today or is planning to switch to one will quickly ask themselves: what is the most sensible way to charge an electric car on a daily basis? At home using your own wallbox or flexibly at public charging stations?
The charging infrastructure in Switzerland is growing steadily. According to the Touring Club Switzerland, there are currently (2025) over 14,000 charging stations that can be accessed via the Swiss Confederation. At the same time, however, more and more owners are also opting for private charging solutions.
This article explains what is important when charging an electric car, the differences between charging at home and on the road, and how you, as the driver of a Volvo electric model, can plan optimally.
The most important facts in brief
- Charging an electric car at home is convenient and usually cheaper.
- When on the road, drivers benefit from over 14,000 public charging points.
- Charging capacity, power source and vehicle type influence duration and costs.
- A Volvo electric car offers intelligent charging planning via an app.
- Professional advice ensures safe and efficient installation.
Charging electric cars – at home vs. on the road
There are basically two options for charging an electric car. Both offer certain advantages, but differ in terms of convenience, speed and cost structure:
Charging your electric car at home
Charging at home is considered particularly convenient. The vehicle usually stands still for several hours overnight. The battery makes optimum use of this time.
Wallbox instead of household socket
Experts recommend a permanently installed wallbox. It charges faster and more safely than a normal socket. Depending on the model, the charging power is between 3.7 and 22 kW.
A correctly installed wallbox protects against overloading the household power grid. In addition, many systems can be controlled intelligently. For example, they charge preferentially when electricity tariffs are cheaper.
Costs and electricity tariffs
The costs depend on the local electricity price. In Switzerland, the average electricity costs are currently in the range of around 37 to 99 centimes per kWh.
If you want to charge an electric car, it is usually more economical to do so at home, especially with night-time electricity tariffs.
Charging electric cars on the road
Public charging points offer maximum flexibility. They play an important role, especially on longer journeys or if you do not have your own wallbox.
Normal charging vs. fast charging
AC charging stations are suitable for longer parking times. DC fast chargers, on the other hand, significantly reduce charging time and are ideal for short stops. Modern fast charging stations achieve outputs of 50 to over 300 kW.
Depending on the model, the battery level of a Volvo electric car can be increased to up to 80 per cent in around 22 minutes. (Source: Volvo)
Charging infrastructure in Switzerland
Switzerland has a dense network of over 14,000 public charging points. The TCS provides regular updates on expansion and availability.
Apps help you find available charging points and compare prices. This makes charging your electric car on the go much easier to plan and completely transparent.
5 tips – What you should bear in mind when charging your electric car
If you want to charge an electric car, there are a few technical and practical aspects to consider. Proper planning increases efficiency, safety and battery life:
1. Choose the right charging power
Make sure that the wallbox and vehicle are optimally matched. An 11 kW wallbox usually covers private needs perfectly. On the other hand, too high a power rating causes unnecessary costs.
2. Treat the battery with care
In everyday use, charge your vehicle between 20 and 80 per cent if possible. Frequent fast charging is suitable for long distances, but should not become routine.
3. Plan charging times realistically
The charging time depends on the battery size and charging power. Allow enough time, especially for longer journeys. Modern Volvo electric models support you with intelligent charging planning via an app.
4. Focus on safety
Always have a wallbox installed by a certified specialist. Professional installation protects your home and ensures safe operation.
5. Compare electricity tariffs and infrastructure
Find out about night-time electricity tariffs or dynamic models. Public charging stations can vary significantly in price. Careful selection will therefore reduce the long-term costs of charging your electric car.
How Volvo simplifies driving and charging electric cars
Modern Volvo electric models support drivers with intelligent features that make everyday charging much easier and more efficient.
- Integrated charging planning with Google Navigation: The Google-based navigation system displays available charging stations along the route and automatically plans suitable charging stops for longer journeys. This minimises range anxiety and ensures that every route is optimally calculated.
- Fast charging with battery preconditioning: If a fast charging station is selected as the destination, the vehicle automatically brings the battery to the ideal temperature. This reduces charging time and increases efficiency – especially in cold temperatures.
- Full control via the Volvo Cars app: The Volvo Cars app can be used to plan charging times, check the battery level or pre-condition the vehicle. This enables targeted use of low electricity tariffs and increases convenience when charging at home.
Charging electric cars – efficient with the right strategy
Charging an electric car is now particularly flexible and convenient. At home, drivers benefit from maximum convenience and usually lower costs. On the road, the steadily growing fast-charging infrastructure in Switzerland is impressive.
Combining both options allows you to drive in a highly efficient manner that is suitable for everyday use. A modern Volvo electric model in particular supports this mix with intelligent charging planning, optimised charging cables, app control and battery management.
Professional planning of the private charging infrastructure remains crucial. This is exactly where Hüsser & Palkoska at Volvo in Baar provides customers with personal and competent support. From advice on wall boxes to choosing the right Volvo electric model, interested parties receive all services from a single source.
Arrange a consultation appointment with Hüsser & Palkoska in Baar now.
FAQs about charging electric cars
How long does it take to fully charge an electric car?
The charging time depends on the battery size and charging power. A full charge usually takes six to eight hours with an 11 kW wall box. At fast charging stations, the time is significantly reduced to less than an hour.
Is charging at home cheaper than charging on the road?
In most cases, yes. Household electricity in the UK costs less on average than public fast charging tariffs. Dynamic electricity models (night-time electricity) enable additional savings.
Does frequent fast charging damage the battery?
Regular DC fast charging will put more strain on the battery. For everyday use, AC charging at home is therefore recommended.
Which wallbox is suitable for a Volvo electric model?
The right wallbox depends on the on-board charger and the desired charging power. Professional advice ensures that the installation and performance are optimally matched.
Do you need special permission for a wallbox?
In detached houses, it is usually sufficient to consult with the electricity company. In apartment buildings, the installation should be clarified with the management or owners’ association at an early stage.
