Can You Charge an Electric Car Using a 3-Pin Plug socket?

June 15th 2026

Yes, you can charge an Electric car using a 3-pin plug socket. However, it’s the slowest charging method available and is generally best suited for occasional use.

How Fast Is a 3-Pin EV Charger?

A standard 3-pin socket, often referred to as a granny charger, provides around 2.3kW of charging power.

This means a typical EV can take anywhere from 15 to 40 hours to charge fully, depending on battery size. While a granny charger can be a convenient solution for occasional charging, a dedicated built in home EV charger will significantly reduce charging times.

Is It Safe?

Yes, provided you’re using the manufacturer’s approved charging cable and the socket is in good condition.

For regular charging, however, a dedicated home EV charger is the safer and more convenient option.

3-Pin Plug vs Home EV Charger

3 -Pin Plug = 2.3KW

Built In Home Charger = 7KW+

A home charger can charge your vehicle up to 3 times faster than a standard plug socket.

Should I Install a Home Charger?

If you drive your EV daily, a dedicated home charger is usually the better choice. You’ll benefit from:

  • Faster charging
  • Smart charging features
  • Better convenience
  • Off-peak charging schedules

Need Help Choosing a Home EV Charger?

At EV Select, we supply a range of home EV charging solutions to suit different vehicles, budgets and charging requirements. Backed by the trusted team behind CamperSelect, we’ve expanded into the EV market to provide the same expert knowledge and customer service that many customers already rely on. Need a 3-pin EV charging cable? To Shop our range today, Click Here!