Electric vehicle charging via wall outlet

If no other charging options are available, the vehicle can be charged via a wall outlet.

 Note

The information in this section applies to charging via a wall outlet and a mode 2 charging cable.

Charging cable (mode 2)

When charging via a wall outlet, use a charging cable with a control module that can limit the amperage (mode 2).

 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 components must not be rinsed or immersed in water.

 Warning

  • The charging cable must be grounded when in use. It is equipped with a cord with a grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be inserted into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances and is not damaged in any way.
  • Children should be supervised when in the vicinity of the charging cable when it is plugged in.
  • High voltage is present in your electric meter housing and power distribution service panel. 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 malfunctioning charging cable may only be repaired by a workshop – an authorized Volvo workshop is recommended.
  • Always position the charging cable so that it will not be driven over, stepped on, tripped over or otherwise damaged, 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 electric outlet.
  • Never connect adapters of any kind between the charging cable and the vehicle.
  • Do not use an external timer between the charging cable and the electrical outlet.

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 could reduce or cut off charging of the high-voltage battery.

 Important

Do not use a charging cable that is more than 30 meters (approx. 1180 inches) long.

Starting charging

Always park the vehicle before starting to charge it.

Plug the charging cable into a 120/240 V outlet.

Open the charger door.

Remove the charging handle cover and plug the handle all the way into the vehicle's charging socket.
The charging cable's charging handle is locked into place and charging begins within 5 seconds.

 Note

Read more about how charging is started in the "Electric vehicle charging" section.

 Important

If the power capacity of the wall outlet's fuse is too low, the fuse could blow while the vehicle is charging. Set the lowest amperage for charging in the vehicle's center display before reconnecting the vehicle for charging. If the problem persists, contact a qualified electrician for further investigation.

 Warning

  • The electric vehicle must only be charged at maximum permitted charging current or lower in accordance with applicable local and national recommendations for charging from wall outlets/plugs.
  • Only charge the electric vehicle from approved, grounded wall outlets.
  • Avoid visibly worn, defective or damaged electrical outlets since they may lead to fire damage and/or personal injury if used.

 Important

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

Stopping charging

To stop charging, press the button next to the charging socket or tap the button in the center display. Then unplug the charging cable from the vehicle's charging socket and then from the 120/240 V wall outlet.

 Note

Read more about how charging is stopped in the "Stopping electric vehicle charging" section.

 Important

Charging must be stopped before the charging cable is removed from the vehicle's charging socket. Failing to stop charging before unplugging the charging cable could damage the charging cable or the system.

 Important

  • Never unplug the charging cable from the wall outlet while charging is in progress – the wall outlet could be damaged in such circumstances.
  • Note that the charging cable must be disconnected from the vehicle's charging socket before it is disconnected from the wall outlet, partly to prevent damage to the system and party to prevent unintentional interruption of charging.

Fuse

Charging an electric vehicle via a wall outlet corresponds to a high load on the fuse.

 Important

Make sure that the fuse to the wall outlet can handle the current specified for the charging cable.

There are normally several 120/240 V power consumers in one fuse circuit, which means that more than one power consumer (e.g. lighting, vacuum cleaner, electric drill, etc.) may use the same fuse.

 Important

Make sure that the 120/240 V outlet has sufficient amperage for charging electric vehicles. If you are uncertain of the capacity, have the outlet checked by a licensed electrician. If you are unsure of the power capacity of the outlet, set the lowest amperage shown in the center display.

Example 1

If the vehicle is connected to a wall outlet (10 A) and the charging current is set to 16 A, the vehicle will attempt to draw 16 A from the power grid. After a short time, the overloaded 10 A fuse for the outlet will be tripped and battery charging will be stopped.

Reset the fuse for the outlet and select a lower charging current in the center display.

Example 2

If the vehicle is connected to a wall outlet (10 A) and the charging current is set to 10 A, the vehicle will draw 10 A from the power grid. If another power consumer is connected to the same outlet (or another outlet in the same fuse circuit), the 10 A fuse for the outlet/fuse circuit could be overloaded and tripped, which would stop battery charging.

Reset the fuse for the outlet/fuse circuit and select a lower charging current in the center display, or disconnect the other power consumer from the outlet/fuse circuit.

Example 3

If the vehicle is connected to a wall outlet (10 A) and the charging current is set to 6 A, the vehicle will only draw 6 A from the power grid. It will take longer to charge the battery, but additional power consumers can be connected simultaneously to the same outlet/fuse circuit as long as the combined load does not exceed the capacity of the outlet/fuse circuit.