Quick answer: Yes, with a 3-pin charging cable, often called a granny cable, that has a control box built in. It is slow, at about 2.3kW to 2.7kW, and the Electrical Safety Roundtable says it is intended for occasional or emergency use, not as your main way to charge. Plug it straight into a suitable wall socket, never an extension lead or adaptor.
How fast is it?
A 3-pin socket delivers far less power than a dedicated charger. Zapmap says a 3-pin plug charges at about 2.3kW and can take over 24 hours for a car with a large battery. Hyundai says its in-cable control box (ICCB) cables allow up to 2.7kW, depending on the supply and cable setting.
The Energy Saving Trust says low-speed charging up to 3.7kW, including 3-pin plugs, takes 12 to 15 hours for a full charge. Its rule of thumb is that a charger’s kW is roughly the miles it adds in 20 minutes, so about 2.3kW adds about 7 miles an hour on our arithmetic.
| Charger | Typical power | Miles added per hour (rule of thumb) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-pin granny cable | 2.3kW to 2.7kW | About 7 to 8 |
| Home charger | About 7kW | About 21 |
The second column is our arithmetic using the Energy Saving Trust rule of thumb. Real results depend on the car and conditions. See how long it takes to charge.
What manufacturers say
- Hyundai says its ICCB cable is an optional accessory, and that “with residential circuits not built for levels of continuous strain, plugging into regular power outlets should only ever be used as a fall-back solution”.
- Nissan’s owner’s manual for the Ariya says to charge on a dedicated circuit, not to use extension cables or adaptors because they might get hot, and to have older or uninspected wiring checked by a qualified electrician first.
Check your own car’s handbook. Not every car comes with a 3-pin cable, and the manufacturer’s own cable is the safest choice.
Safety rules
The Electrical Safety Roundtable, a group of electrical safety organisations, recommends:
- Plug directly into a wall socket, never an extension lead or adaptor.
- Check the socket is undamaged and not discoloured.
- Avoid running other heavy appliances on the same circuit.
- Check the wiring: older wiring may not handle long charging loads.
- Keep cables dry and do not coil them tightly while charging, which can cause overheating.
- Make sure the socket is protected by an RCD.
- Do not rely on long charges regularly.
- Do not leave it charging unattended for long periods.
Never run a cable across a public pavement without council approval. See charging without a driveway.
When a 3-pin cable makes sense
- As a back-up when visiting friends or family, or while waiting for a home charger to be installed.
- For very low mileage, if your wiring and socket are suitable and an electrician has checked them.
- For plug-in hybrids with small batteries, which take less time to fill.
When to fit a home charger instead
If you charge at home most nights, a dedicated charger is faster and designed for the load. Electrical Safety First says the safest way to charge at home is with a dedicated charge point installed by a registered and competent electrician. Chargers sold in Great Britain must also be smart, so you can schedule charging for cheap off-peak hours. See:
Does it cost more?
The price per kWh is the same as any other home electricity. But a slow 3-pin charge may run past the end of a short off-peak window, so more of it could be at the higher rate. Our home charging cost guide and charging cost calculator help you work it out.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an outdoor socket?
Only one that is suitable for the load, weatherproof and RCD-protected. Ask a registered electrician to check.
Can I use a 3-pin cable on a long extension lead?
No. The Electrical Safety Roundtable and Nissan both say not to use extension leads.
Is there a grant for a home charger instead?
Renters, flat owners and households with only on-street parking may get up to £500. See the renters and flats grant and our grant checker.
Related guides and tools
- Hubs: all our electric car guides and charging guides.
- Tools: the charging cost calculator, EV vs petrol cost comparison, eVED calculator and grant checker.
- Also read: Do I need a home charger for an electric car? and How long does it take to charge an electric car? Times by charger.
Sources
- ESR shares tips for safely using a granny charger, Electrical Safety Roundtable
- Electric car charging at home, Hyundai UK
- Ariya owner’s manual: Nissan EVSE, Nissan UK
- Connector types, Zapmap
- Charging electric vehicles, Energy Saving Trust
- Electric vehicles safety advice, Electrical Safety First
Last checked: 19 October 2026
Image credit: J. Hammerschmidt via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped.
