EV Wallbox: A Guide to Choosing Your Home Charging Station in Germany

Introduction

As more and more people in Germany are opting for electric vehicles, having an EV wallbox at home is becoming essential for EV owners. There are many different types of EV charging stations available, each with varying charging speeds and connectivity options. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right charging station for your needs.

What is an EV Charging Station?

An EV charging station, also known as a charging point or EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), is a device that supplies electric energy to charge an EV. It is similar to a petrol station but for EVs. EV charging stations come in different types and charging speeds, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.

Why is Choosing the Right Charging Station Important?

Choosing the right charging station is crucial for a smooth charging experience. The right charging station should provide enough power to charge your EV in a reasonable amount of time. It should also be user-friendly and come with features like connectivity and an app to monitor and control charging. Choosing the wrong charging station could lead to longer charging times, higher electricity bills, and even damage to your EV's battery.

Why you should get a Level 2 Home Charging Station

If you're looking for a quicker way to charge your electric vehicle (EV) at home, a Level 2 charging station might be the way to go. These charging stations are a bit more complicated to set up and must be installed by an electrician, but they come with a Type 2 charging cable in Europe and plug into a 240V outlet.

With a Level 2 charging station, you can charge your EV 3 to 7 times faster than with a Level 1 charging station, depending on your car and the charger. For example, a Level 2 charger can add 25 miles of range to a Nissan Leaf in just one hour of charging.

It's important to keep in mind that a Level 2 station is more expensive than a Level 1, but it's faster and more convenient, making it a great option for overnight or daytime charging. Just remember that 22Kw chargers require a three-phase power supply.

However, it's worth noting that Level 2 charging stations are not the fastest option available. Level 3 charging stations, also known as DC fast chargers, can charge an EV up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, but they are much more expensive and are usually not suitable for home use. Level 2 charging stations are a good compromise between charging speed and cost, making them a popular choice for home charging.

Key Features of Level 2 Charging Station:

• Offer faster charging times compared to Level 1 charging stations.
• Equipped with a Type 2 charging cable, it ensures compatibility with most European EVs.
• Ideal for daytime or overnight charging.

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Cost and Installation of Level 2 Charging Station:

• Pricier than Level 1 charging stations.
• Require professional electrician services for installation, adding to the overall cost.

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Portable EV Chargers vs. Wallboxes

Portable EV Chargers:

• Designed for portability and convenience.
• Lightweight and compact for easy transportation.
• Come with a universally compatible plug for connection to any power outlet.

Wallboxes (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment or EVSE):

• Provide a more permanent charging solution.
• Typically installed at home or in the neighbourhood and connected to a dedicated circuit.
• Offer faster charging rates than portable chargers.
• More expensive but provide unmatched convenience.

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Connectivity options

Wallboxes come with different connectivity options that allow you to connect the device to the internet and access features like remote control and monitoring, status updates, and firmware updates. Some models (Wallbox Pulsar Plus, Heidelberg Wallbox Home Eco and others) ****come with Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to connect the device to the internet. Some of the wallbox come with an Ethernet port for wired internet connectivity, while some come with cellular connectivity, allowing them to connect to the internet without Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Wallboxes with Bluetooth connectivity let you connect the device to your smartphone or another Bluetooth-enabled device for remote control. Some wallboxes come with RFID (radio-frequency identification) capabilities, which allow for contactless access control for authorized users.

The simplest wallboxes let you charge your vehicle at a fixed power level and might not do much more. Cheaper versions do not have a fixed cable with a plug but only a socket where the user must plug in their cable. One of the crucial features of a wallbox is connectivity (by hardwiring, WIFI or 4G). Most importantly, this enables switching the charger on remotely either instantly or by scheduling charging sessions. It might also enable you to adjust the power level, see charging statistics and open charging for anyone via different authorization options. Having an app for all these functions eliminates the need for a display on the wallbox.

How to Chose an EV Charging Station

Choosing the right charging station for your EV can be a daunting task. There are several factors to consider when making your decision:

• Energy Efficiency

Look for charging stations that have high-efficiency ratings and that use energy-saving technologies.

• Price

Consider your budget when making your decision, and look for charging stations that offer a good balance of price and features.

• Ease of Use

Look for charging stations that are easy to use and that offer convenient features like remote control, scheduling, and monitoring.

• Warranties

A good warranty can give you peace of mind and protect you from unexpected repair costs.

• Connectivity + App

Relevant indicators are the charging stations that offer Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, or Bluetooth connectivity, and that provide a mobile app for remote control and monitoring.

• Insights in the Charging Process

The ideal is to check the app specifications to recognize charging stations that provide detailed information about your charging sessions, including the amount of energy used, charging speed, and charging cost.

• Installation Process

Look for charging stations that are easy to install and that require minimal electrical work. Some charging stations may require professional installation, while others can be installed by a homeowner.

Electric Car Charging Station (Wallbox) Installation

Installing a charging station for your EV may seem like a daunting task, but with a little preparation, it can be a straightforward process. In this section, we'll discuss the steps you'll need to take to install your charging station.

Professional Installation

Before installing your charging station, it's important to determine whether you'll need professional installation. While some charging stations can be installed by homeowners, others require specialized electrical work and should be installed by a certified electrician. Tesla provides a list of certified electricians on their website that you can use to find an electrician near you.

If you're not comfortable installing your charging station yourself, consider hiring a professional installer. Some charging station vendors offer installation services or work with partners who can install your charging station for you. Be sure to shop around and compare prices before making your decision.

Preparing for Installation

Before installing your charging station, it's important to check with your landlord or your building management if you live in a multi-unit building. Some landlords may have restrictions on installing charging stations, so it's important to get approval before beginning the installation process.

It's also important to make sure that your home's electrical system is capable of handling the charging station you've chosen. Check with your electrician or charging station vendor to make sure that your electrical system can handle the load.

Installation Process

The installation process for a charging station usually takes 2 to 3 hours, but this can vary depending on factors specific to your home, such as how accessible your electrical system is and what type of construction your home is made of. The installer will need to run wiring from your electrical panel to the location where you want to install your charging station.

Safety Considerations

When installing your charging station, it's important to hire a certified electrician to ensure that the installation is done safely and according to code. A certified electrician can help you choose the right charging station for your needs, make sure that your electrical system can handle the load, and ensure that the installation is done safely.

VI. Conclusion

Choosing the right charging station for your EV is an important decision that can have a big impact on your driving experience. In this guide, we've covered the different types of charging stations, the factors to consider when choosing a charging station, and the installation process.

When choosing a charging station, it's important to consider factors like energy efficiency, price, ease of use, warranties, connectivity, and installation process. You should also consider the type of charging station that's best suited for your needs, whether that's a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 charging station.

Once you've chosen your charging station, it's important to have it installed safely and according to the code. If you're not comfortable installing your charging station yourself, consider hiring a certified electrician to do the job for you.

With the right charging station and the right installation, you can enjoy the convenience of charging your EV at home, save money on your electricity bill, and help reduce your carbon footprint.

We hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect charging station for your EV. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to your charging station vendor or a certified electrician.

FAQs

1. What should I look for when buying an EV charging station?When buying an EV charging station, it's important to consider factors like energy efficiency, price, ease of use, warranties, connectivity, and installation process. You should also consider the type of charging station that's best suited for your needs, whether that's a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 charging station.
2. Can I install an EV charging station in my garage?Yes, you can install an EV charging station in your garage, but you'll need to have it professionally installed by a certified electrician.
3. How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?The cost of charging an electric car at home depends on the size of the car's battery and the cost of electricity in your area. For example, if your electric car has a battery size of 80 kWh and your electricity provider charges €0.40 per kWh, it would cost €32 to fully recharge your car.
4. Can I install a Level 2 charging station myself?No, you cannot install a Level 2 charging station yourself. You'll need to hire a certified electrician to install it for you.
5. How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?The charging time for an electric car at home depends on the type of charging station and the size of the car's battery. A Level 1 charging station can take up to 20 hours to fully charge a car, while a Level 2 charging station can take 3 to 7 hours depending on the car and charger.
6. Can I use an extension cord with my EV charging station?It's generally not recommended to use an extension cord with your EV charging station. Extension cords can cause resistance and voltage drops, which can lead to slower charging times or even damage to both the charger and the vehicle's electrical systems.
7. Can I install a charging station if I rent my home?Yes, you can install a charging station if you rent your home, but you'll need to get permission from your landlord first. It will soon become a legal right to install a charging station without negotiation.
8. Do charging stations come with a warranty?Yes, most charging stations come with a warranty of 2 to 3 years. Be sure to check the specific documentation for your charging station for more information.
9. How much does it cost to install a charging station?The cost of installing a charging station depends on many factors, such as the complexity of the installation, the type of construction of your home, and the charger you choose. On average, you can expect to pay between €500 and €1000 for installation.