your charging station
Why install a home charging station?
The benefits of a personal charging station
Installing a home charging station for your electric vehicle offers many practical and economic advantages. This solution offers unrivalled flexibility and contributes to an optimal user experience.
Comfort and convenience
One of the main advantages of a personal charging station is convenience. With a home charging station, you can recharge your vehicle without having to search for a public station. You benefit from the freedom to recharge your car at any time, according to your schedule. You can plug it in overnight and wake up with a full battery, ready to take on a new day.
Long-term savings
Investing in a home charging station can also save you money in the long term. Home charging costs less than public charging stations, especially if you take advantage of reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours. Let's say you drive an average of 1,500 km per month with your electric vehicle. By using a home charging station, you could save up to 50% on your recharging costs compared to using public charging stations.
Safety and durability
Home charging stations are designed for maximum safety when charging your vehicle. They are equipped with overload and short-circuit protection devices, guaranteeing safe recharging. What's more, they help extend the life of your vehicle's battery by providing a stable, controlled power supply. It's also important to note that home charging stations reduce the risk of electrical damage to the battery, unlike public charging stations where voltage fluctuations can sometimes overload charging systems.
Also read → Guide to home charging station installation
What are the differences with public terminals?
Choosing a home charging station offers distinct advantages over using public charging stations. The differences between these two types of charging station make it easier to assess the benefits of investing in a personal charging solution for your electric vehicle. The main differences are :
- Total flexibility: you can choose the best time to recharge your vehicle, according to your needs and schedule. On the other hand, public charging stations are subject to opening hours.
Charging speed: home charging stations can be configured to offer different charging speeds, depending on your electrical installation.
- Adaptability to personal needs: they are adaptable to your specific needs and can be adjusted according to changes in your energy consumption, and can be integrated into home energy management systems.
Also read → How to recharge your electric car at a public charging station?
How do I choose my electric car charging point?
Charging power and compatibility
When it comes to choosing a charging station for your electric vehicle, charging power and compatibility are essential criteria to consider. These factors determine not only how quickly your vehicle will charge, but also its compatibility with your car model.
Load power
The charging power of a charging station is measured in kilowatts (kW) and directly affects the time needed to recharge your vehicle. Home charging stations range from 3.7 kW to 22 kW, offering options to suit different needs and home electrical infrastructures.
- 3.7 kW to 7.4 kW terminals These are the most common charging points for domestic use. They are sufficient for daily recharging, especially if you recharge your vehicle overnight. For example, a 7.4 kW terminal can recharge a 40 kWh battery in around 5 to 6 hours.
- 11 kW to 22 kW charging stations These terminals offer much faster recharging, but require a three-phase electrical installation. A 22 kW terminal can recharge the same 40 kWh battery in around 2 hours. They are ideal for those who need fast recharging, or who own several electric vehicles.
Suppose you own a Tesla Model 3 with a 75 kWh battery. A 22 kW terminal could fully recharge the battery in about 3.5 hourscompared with about 10 hours with a 7.4 kW terminal.
Connector compatibility
Connector compatibility is another crucial aspect to consider. Electric vehicles and charging stations use different types of connectors, and it's important to ensure that the station you choose is compatible with your vehicle.
- Type 1 (SAE J1772) used mainly by American and Asian vehicles, such as the first versions of the Nissan Leaf.
- Type 2 (Mennekes) the most common connector in Europe, used by the majority of European electric vehicles, such as the Renault Zoe, BMW i3and Tesla Model S and Model X in European versions.
- CCS (Combined Charging System) A fast-charging connector that combines Type 2 connectors for AC and DC charging. Used by many recent vehicles for faster charging.
- CHAdeMO mainly used in Japanese Japanese electric vehiclessuch as the Kia Niro EV for fast DC charging.
Our tips for choosing the right wattage and compatibility
If you mainly recharge at night, a 7.4 kW terminal may be sufficient. If you need rapid recharging during the day, opt for a 22 kW terminal. Consult your vehicle's manual or the manufacturer's website for the type of connector required. Finally, if you're planning to acquire other electric vehicles in the future, choose a charging station with scalable compatibility and power.
Cost and installation
The total cost of a charging station includes the price of the charging station itself, as well as installation costs. These costs may vary according to the type of charging station and the complexity of the installation.
Home charging stations generally range from €500 to €1,500 for models from 7.4 kW to 22 kW. More powerful charging stations or those with additional features, such as smart connectivity, are more expensive. Installation costs can vary from €200 to €1,200, depending on the complexity of the installation and the modifications required to your electrical infrastructure. If your home requires electrical upgrades, such as adding a dedicated circuit or upgrading to a three-phase system, costs may increase.
To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, the government offers subsidies and tax incentives for the installation of home charging stations. These subsidies can significantly reduce the total cost. The ADVENIR program offers a subsidy covering up to 50% of the total cost of installationwith a ceiling of €960 for private individuals.
Long-term costs and potential savings
Investing in a home charging station may seem expensive at first, but it can save you money in the long run:
- Charging at home is generally cheaper than using public charging stations. Residential rates, especially during off-peak hours, are often much lower than public charging rates.
- Home charging stations require less maintenance and are less subject to wear and tear than public charging stations. A properly installed and maintained system can last for many years without significant additional costs.
The best home charging stations
Top 3 best home charging stations
Wallbox Pulsar Plus
The Pulsar Plus Wallbox is renowned for its compact design and advanced features. Its versatility and ease of installation make it ideal for domestic use. It is appreciated for its discretion and its ability to adapt to a variety of environments, whether indoors or out.
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Power |
1.4 kW to 7.4 kW (single-phase) Up to 22 kW (three-phase) |
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Connectivity |
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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Cable length |
5 or 7 metres |
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Features |
myWallbox application, Power Boost, statistics, time programming |
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Operating temperature |
NC |
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Security |
Overload and overheating protection |
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Price
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From €800 |
EVBox Elvi
The EVBox Elvi is a charging station that offers excellent value for money and is suitable for almost all types of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The EVBox Elvi stands out for its reliability and practical features, making daily recharging a breeze.
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Power |
2.3 kW to 22 kW (single- and three-phase) |
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Connectivity |
Wi-Fi |
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Cable length |
6.1 metres |
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Features |
Dedicated application, Plug & Charge, RFID card, consumption monitoring |
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Operating temperature |
- 25 °C to 45 °C |
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Security |
RFID card to restrict access, resistant to extreme temperatures |
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Price
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From €1,139 |
Tesla Wall Connector
The Tesla Wall Connector is designed not only for Tesla vehicles, but also for a wide range of electric vehicles, thanks to its Type 2 connector. It is particularly appreciated for its build quality and universal compatibility, although it is specially optimized for Tesla vehicles.
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Power |
Up to 22 kW (single- and three-phase) |
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Connectivity |
Wi-Fi, Tesla App |
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Cable length |
7.3 metres |
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Features |
Tesla application, programming, remote diagnostics, OTA updates |
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Operating temperature |
NC
|
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Security |
Leak detection, glass front, compact design
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Price
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Between €500 and €700 |
User reviews and recommendations
Wallbox Pulsar Plus
Users particularly appreciate the compactness and ease of use of the Pulsar Plus Wallbox. Many mention the simplicity of installation and the functionality of the myWallbox app for programming and monitoring charging. Some comments also highlight the terminal's robustness, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. However, a few users note that the application could be improved, particularly with regard to the day-of-week-specific scheduling functionality.
- Ease of installation: "The Pulsar Plus Wallbox is very easy to install and its 5-meter cable is sufficient for most garage configurations."
- myWallbox application "The app is useful for tracking energy consumption and scheduling recharge times, although it can sometimes be a little slow."
- Design and compactness: "The design is compact and elegant, perfect for discreet home installation."
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus is highly recommended for those looking for a versatile, compact charging station with good connectivity. It's ideal for users with a solar installation, thanks to its Eco-Smart function. However, users requiring a high-performance application may wish to consider other options.
EVBox Elvi
The EVBox Elvi is widely acclaimed for its reliability and flexibility. Users particularly appreciate its ability to adapt to both single-phase and three-phase circuits, as well as its robustness in the face of harsh climatic conditions. The dedicated application is also well received, offering comprehensive functions for monitoring and managing recharging.
- Robustness The EVBox Elvi is very durable and works well even in harsh winters.
- Dedicated application The application allows precise monitoring of consumption, and scheduling charging sessions is simple and effective.
- Compatibility Compatible with all types of electric and hybrid vehicles, which is a big plus.
The EVBox Elvi is recommended for users looking for a robust, versatile charging station capable of adapting to a variety of electrical configurations. It's an ideal choice for those who live in regions with extreme climatic conditions, or who need a reliable, durable charging station.
Tesla Wall Connector
The Tesla Wall Connector is appreciated for its build quality and compatibility with Tesla vehicles. Users appreciate the ease of use of the Tesla app to manage and monitor charging, as well as the ability to obtain OTA (over-the-air) updates. However, some users regret that the charging station is not natively compatible with other brands without an adapter.
- Quality and robustness The quality of the workmanship is excellent, and the terminal is very robust.
- Tesla application The Tesla app is intuitive and makes it easy to schedule charging sessions.
- Compatibility "Ideal for Tesla owners, but requires an adapter for other vehicles."
The Tesla Wall Connector is recommended for Tesla owners because of its optimal compatibility and the quality of its functions. For owners of other makes of vehicle, an adapter is required, which can be a disadvantage.
Also read → Top 10 best charging stations on the market
Conclusion
Choosing the best charging station for your home therefore depends on a number of criteria, including charging power, compatibility, cost and additional features. Models such as the Wallbox Pulsar Plus, EVBox Elvi and Tesla Wall Connector offer reliable and efficient solutions to meet the needs of electric vehicle users. With advanced connectivity options, these kiosks represent wise investments to optimize your electric vehicle charging while maximizing savings and everyday convenience.
