Christmas visits often involve long drives, family dinners and the inevitable question from EV drivers: “Can I charge at Gran’s?” For many people travelling across the UK this December, the simplest way to top up an electric car is by using a standard three-pin domestic socket, often called “granny charging”. It is slow, it is not glamorous and it is not designed for long-term use, but it can get you enough range to get home or reach a rapid charger. The key is doing it safely and politely, especially when you are plugging into someone else’s electricity.
What Exactly Is ‘Granny Charging’?
Granny charging refers to plugging your EV into a standard UK three-pin plug socket using your portable EV charging cable. These cables usually provide between 2.2kW and 2.4kW of charging power, which is significantly slower than a home wallbox or a public rapid charger. Expect to gain around six to eight miles of range per hour of charging depending on your car.
While slow, granny charging is extremely useful in situations where a wallbox is not available – visiting relatives, staying overnight or parking at accommodation with no dedicated EV facilities.
Is Granny Charging Safe?
It is safe when done correctly, but there are important considerations. A domestic socket is not designed to deliver continuous high load for many hours, so you need to take precautions to avoid overheating or damaging old wiring. Safety experts and organisations such as the Electrical Safety First recommend avoiding extended overnight charging on old or unknown circuits.
Key safety checks before plugging in:
- Inspect the socket. Avoid cracked or loose sockets, and never use outdoor sockets without proper weatherproofing.
- Avoid extension leads. Most are not built for EV loads and can overheat.
- Check for warmth. If the plug or socket becomes hot, stop charging immediately.
- Use a dedicated circuit if possible. Avoid sockets shared with kettles, heaters or Christmas lights.
- Place the portable charger on a dry, ventilated surface.
If the property is older or the wiring is uncertain, limit charging time or use a public charger instead. Safety always comes first.
The Etiquette of Charging at Someone Else’s Home
Christmas hospitality is sacred in Britain, and plugging your EV into your relative’s electricity supply does come with a bit of social etiquette. Being upfront and courteous goes a long way.
1. Always Ask Before Plugging In
Never assume it’s fine to start charging. A simple “Would you mind if I top up the car for an hour or two?” is all that is needed. Most relatives are happy to help, but asking shows respect.
2. Offer to Cover the Electricity
A three-pin charge for a few hours costs very little – typically between £1 and £3 depending on the tariff – but offering to pay avoids awkwardness. Many drivers simply leave a couple of pounds or add the cost to the next family shop.
3. Avoid Long Overnight Sessions
Long, continuous granny charging is not ideal for older wiring. Short top-ups of two to four hours are far more considerate and safer.
4. Keep Cables Out of the Way
Christmas homes are busy environments. Make sure your cable does not create a trip hazard, especially with children or pets running around.
5. Use the Opportunity to Educate, not Preach
Many relatives find EVs fascinating. If Gran asks how it works, explain it in a friendly way, but avoid turning dinner into a sustainability lecture.
How Much Range Can You Expect from a Three-Pin Socket?
Granny charging is slow, but useful. Typical UK rates are:
- 2.2kW–2.4kW power output
- 6–8 miles per hour of charge in real-world conditions
- Three hours = roughly 20 miles of range
That is often enough to get you to the nearest rapid charger or complete the final leg of a Christmas return journey.
When to Avoid Granny Charging
While perfectly acceptable for occasional use, avoid relying on three-pin charging when:
- The property has old wiring or unreliable sockets.
- You need a full charge quickly.
- You are staying somewhere with damp or outdoor sockets not rated for weather.
- Heavy appliances are already running on the same circuit.
In these cases, using ONEEV to find a reliable public charger is far safer and faster.
How ONEEV Makes Christmas Charging Easier
Whether you are topping up at Gran’s or planning a long winter trip, ONEEV gives you everything you need for stress-free Christmas travel.
- Real-time charger availability so you can see which public chargers are free before you arrive.
- Secure in-app payments avoid outdoor card readers that may not work in icy conditions.
- Transparent pricing makes it easy to compare costs with granny charging.
- Thousands of chargers across the UK so you always have a backup option if home charging isn’t possible.
- A lifestyle-first design built to support real-world EV ownership, including winter and holiday travel.
Final Thoughts
Granny charging may not be the fastest way to power your EV, but it is incredibly practical when visiting relatives during the holidays. With a bit of etiquette, common sense and basic safety checks, it can give you the extra range you need without inconvenience. Combined with ONEEV’s real-time charger availability and secure in-app payments, you can enjoy Christmas travel that is safe, simple and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is granny charging safe?
Yes, when used sensibly and with proper safety checks. Avoid old or damaged sockets and do not rely on it for long overnight charging sessions.
How fast is charging from a three-pin plug?
Expect six to eight miles of range per hour of charging, depending on your vehicle.
Can I charge at a relative’s house without asking?
Always ask first. It is polite and ensures the household is comfortable with the energy use and cable placement.
