Home EV Charging in Lithuania: What You Should Know Before Buying an Electric Car

As the world races to respond to climate change, demand for electric cars is increasing every year. In the UK alone, by the end of October last year there were nearly one million electric vehicles on the road. Lithuania’s numbers are still much smaller, but the market is growing quickly. If you’re thinking about buying an EV, it’s wise to plan ahead for how you’ll charge it.

While public fast chargers are useful — and you can now find them not only at petrol stations but also at large shopping centres — they’re best for topping up on long trips. For everyday use, the most convenient, cost-effective, and time-saving option is to install a home charging station. Below we explain what to consider before installing one, how to choose the right power level, and why it’s an investment that pays off.

Pick the Right Spot

The first step is choosing where your EV will spend most of its time parked. That’s usually the most practical place for a home charger.

● If you live in a single-family house, it might be your driveway or garage.

● If you live in an apartment block, it could be an underground or detached garage, or even a space in the shared car park — though you’ll likely need permission from neighbours or building management to install a charger.

Think about accessibility too. Different EV models have their charging port in different places — front, rear quarter panel, or near the driver’s door — so plan your charger location with flexibility in mind. That way, if you switch cars in the future, you won’t have to reinstall the unit.

Why a Wallbox Beats a Standard Plug

Technically, you can charge an EV from a regular 220-volt household outlet. But if you’re serious about owning an electric car, a dedicated charger is far more practical.

Even older EVs from 5–7 years ago often have 30-kWh batteries, which can take many hours to fill using a normal socket. Today’s models easily exceed 60–100 kWh, which could mean more than a full day of charging from a wall plug.

A dedicated wallbox or stand-mounted charger drastically shortens charging time and improves safety. Standard outlets and wiring aren’t built for continuous high loads and can overheat. If you do use a regular plug temporarily, make sure both the socket and wiring are high-quality and regularly checked.

Mobile chargers also exist and can be connected to a three-phase supply. They’re portable and powerful, though most owners still prefer a fixed wall-mounted solution for everyday use.

How Much Power Do You Really Need?

Before buying a wallbox, decide what charging power suits you best. A low-power unit means longer charging times, so try to strike the right balance.

There are two main factors:

1.  Your EV’s maximum AC charging capacity. For example, a 2016 BMW i3 can take up to 7.4 kW AC, while the new BMW i5 (with an optional upgrade) supports 22 kW AC.

2.  Your home’s electrical capacity. If your supply only allows 11 kW, there’s no point paying extra for a 22-kW charger.

If your home can support a higher capacity, investing in a more powerful charger now may future-proof your setup for your next EV.

It’s also worth considering dynamic load management. This feature automatically adjusts charging speed to avoid overloading your household power supply. For instance, if your total capacity is 12 kW and you’re charging at 11 kW while running the oven and heating system, the charger will automatically reduce its draw to keep everything safe.

Costs and Long-Term Savings

In Lithuania, buying and installing a home EV charger can range from a few hundred euros to a couple of thousand, depending on the power level and features. At first, the investment might seem steep, but remember it’s a long-term asset. You’ll use it daily for years, even if you change vehicles.

If you have a solar power system at home, look into smart chargers that integrate with your energy management system. For example, BMW’s Smart Wallbox can prioritise charging your car with solar energy generated on your roof, reducing the need to export excess power back to the grid.

Smart chargers also come with handy features like Wi-Fi or SIM card connectivity, remote control via an app, and the ability to schedule charging during off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest.

The Bottom Line

Public fast chargers are a great back-up when you’re travelling long distances. But for everyday life, a home charging station is the most convenient, time-saving and ultimately cheapest option for EV owners.

By planning ahead — choosing the right location, power level, and features — you can make your home EV charging simple, safe and future-proof. As electric car adoption accelerates in Lithuania, investing in a smart wallbox today will ensure you’re ready for tomorrow’s driving needs.