{"id":8736,"date":"2026-02-17T16:09:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T15:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/volvo-baar.ch\/en\/?p=8736"},"modified":"2026-02-17T16:09:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T15:09:38","slug":"charging-electric-cars-at-home-vs-on-the-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/volvo-baar.ch\/en\/charging-electric-cars-at-home-vs-on-the-road\/","title":{"rendered":"Charging electric cars: at home vs. on the road"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The charging infrastructure in Switzerland is growing steadily<\/strong>. According to the Touring Club Switzerland<\/a>, there are currently (2025) over 14,000 charging stations that can be accessed via the Swiss Confederation<\/a>. At the same time, however, more and more owners are also opting for private charging solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are basically two options for charging an electric car. Both offer certain advantages, but differ in terms of convenience, speed and cost structure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charging at home is considered particularly convenient. The vehicle usually stands still for several hours overnight. The battery makes optimum use of this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts recommend a permanently installed wallbox<\/strong>. It charges faster and more safely than a normal socket. Depending on the model, the charging power is between 3.7 and 22 kW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The costs depend on the local electricity price<\/strong>. In Switzerland, the average electricity costs are currently in the range of around 37 to 99 centimes per kWh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to charge an electric car, it is usually more economical to do so at home, especially with night-time electricity tariffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public charging points offer maximum flexibility<\/strong>. They play an important role, especially on longer journeys or if you do not have your own wallbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AC charging stations<\/strong> are suitable for longer parking times. DC fast chargers<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Switzerland has a dense network of over 14,000 public charging points. The TCS provides regular updates on expansion and availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The charging time depends on the battery size and charging power. Allow enough time, especially for longer journeys. Modern Volvo electric models<\/a> support you with intelligent charging planning via an app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always have a wallbox installed by a certified specialist. Professional installation protects your home and ensures safe operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Modern Volvo electric models support drivers with intelligent features that make everyday charging much easier and more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>, app control and battery management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Professional planning of the private charging infrastructure remains crucial. This is exactly where H\u00fcsser & 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arrange a consultation appointment with H\u00fcsser & Palkoska in Baar now<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regular DC fast charging will put more strain on the battery. For everyday use, AC charging at home is therefore recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 … Continue reading The most important facts in brief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Charging electric cars \u2013 at home vs. on the road <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Charging your electric car at home<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wallbox instead of household socket<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Costs and electricity tariffs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Charging electric cars on the road<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Normal charging vs. fast charging<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Charging infrastructure in Switzerland<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5 tips \u2013 What you should bear in mind when charging your electric car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Choose the right charging power<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Treat the battery with care<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Plan charging times realistically<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Focus on safety<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Compare electricity tariffs and infrastructure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Volvo simplifies driving and charging electric cars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Charging electric cars \u2013 efficient with the right strategy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs about charging electric cars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How long does it take to fully charge an electric car?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is charging at home cheaper than charging on the road?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does frequent fast charging damage the battery?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Which wallbox is suitable for a Volvo electric model?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you need special permission for a wallbox?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n