Charging an electric car via a wall socket

Updated 26/03/2024

The car can be charged via a wall socket if no other charging options are available.

Note

The information in this section refers to charging via a wall socket and a mode 2 charging cable.

Charging cable (mode 2)

When charging via a wall socket, use a charging cable with a control unit than can limit the amperage (mode 2).

Note

Volvo recommends a charging cable in accordance with IEC 62196 and IEC 61851 which supports temperature monitoring.

Warning

Only use the charging cable provided with your vehicle or a replacement cable purchased from a Volvo retailer.

Warning

The charging cable and its associated parts must not be swamped or immersed in water.

Warning

The charging cable has a built-in circuit breaker. Charging must only take place with grounded and approved sockets.
Children should be supervised when in the vicinity of the charging cable when it is plugged in.
High voltage in the charging cable. Contact with high voltage can cause death or serious personal injury.
Do not use the charging cable if it is damaged in any way. A damaged or inoperative charging cable must only be repaired by a workshop - an authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.
Always position the charging cable so that it will not be driven over, stepped on, tripped over or damaged in some other way, or cause personal injury.
Disconnect the charger from the wall outlet before cleaning it.
Never connect the charging cable to an extension cord or a multiple plug socket.
Do not use one or more adapters between the charging cable and the electrical socket.
Do not connect one or more adapters of any type between charging cable and car.
Do not use an external timer between the charging cable and the electrical socket.

Also, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for using the charging cable and its components.

Important

Avoid exposing the control unit and its plug to direct sunlight. In such cases, the overheating protection in the plug is at risk of reducing or interrupting the charging of the high-voltage battery.

Starting charging

Always park the car before you start charging.

Plug the charging cable into a 230 V socket1.

Open the charging hatch.

Remove the protective cover on the charging handle and then push the handle all the way into the car's charging input socket.

The charging cable's handle locks, then charging starts within 5 seconds.

Note

Read more about how charging is started in the section on Charging electric cars.

Important

If the fuse of the wall socket has too low a current capacity, the fuse could blow while the car is charging. Set the lowest amperage for charging in the car's centre display before reconnecting charging. If the problems persist, contact a qualified electrician for investigation of further measures.

Warning

The electric car must only be charged at maximum permitted charging current or lower in accordance with applicable local and national recommendations for charging from wall sockets/plugs.
The electric car must only be charged from approved grounded wall sockets.
Avoid visible worn or damaged mains sockets since they may lead to fire damage and/or personal injury if used.

Important

Never connect the charging cable when there is a risk of thunderstorm or lightning strike.

Finish charging

End charging by pressing the button next to the car's charging input socket, or via the button in the centre display, and unplug the charging cable from the car's charging input socket and then from the 230 V socket1.

Note

Read more about how charging is ended in the section on Ending charging of electric cars.

Important

Charging must be ended before unplugging the charging cable from the car's charging input socket. If charging is not ended before the charging cable is disconnected, this may lead to damage to the charging cable or to the system.

Important

Never unplug the charging cable from the wall socket while charging is in progress – there is then a risk of damaging the wall socket.
Note that the charging cable must be unplugged from the car's charging input socket before being unplugged from the wall socket, partly to avoid damage to the system, and partly to avoid stopping the charging unintentionally.

Fuse

Charging an electric car via a wall socket corresponds to a high load on the fuse.

Important

Ensure that the wall socket fuse can handle the specified amperage for the charging cable.

Normally several 230 V consumers are included in a fuse circuit, so additional consumers (e.g. lighting, vacuum cleaner, electric drill, etc.) can be on the same fuse.

Important

Check that the 230 V socket has adequate power capacity for charging electric vehicles – in the event of uncertainty, the socket must be checked by a qualified professional. If the power capacity of the socket is unknown – set the lowest amperage in the centre display.