August 4, 2023, 3:17 am | Read time: 4 minutes
A wallbox charges an electric car faster and more safely than a regular outlet. Experts share how to find the right model for your garage or carport.
A wallbox allows you to conveniently charge your electric car at home. It can be installed in the garage or at a carport. An overview:
Do I need a wallbox or is a regular outlet enough?
“Charging at a regular household outlet is generally possible, but it’s time-consuming and risky,” says Martin Brandis, an energy expert at the Consumer Advice Center. Due to the low charging capacity of 2.3 kilowatts, charging takes at least ten to twelve hours. This prolonged load can cause contacts and wires to overheat, posing a fire hazard. In comparison, wallboxes have a charging capacity of 11 to 22 kilowatts.
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What is needed for the installation of a wallbox?
“First of all, a sufficiently dimensioned power connection,” says Martin Brandis. “This may need to be newly installed, as the standard home installation is usually not enough.” The wallbox is connected to the home installation via a separately secured supply line.
“Wallboxes also require suitable protective devices against direct and alternating current faults to prevent electric shocks if a wire is defective or a contact becomes damp,” says Matthias Vogt from ADAC. Also important: “The installation of a wallbox is not for amateurs; it should always be handled by a professional company.”
What should be considered if the wallbox is to be installed in a carport?
The wallbox should be protected from the elements, such as rain. In a carport, it might be advisable to choose a model that can handle high heat well. “For a location in direct sunlight, you shouldn’t necessarily choose a dark model that heats up significantly,” advises ADAC expert Matthias Vogt. “If the devices get too hot, they reduce the charging power or even shut down completely.”
Additionally, the distance between the car and the wallbox should not be too great. “Long cables and adapters that bridge longer distances are always potential hazards,” says Ralf Petri from the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE). And the carport wall should be strong enough to support a wallbox.
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How do the different wallbox models generally differ?
“There are differences in charging capacity, user comfort, features, and connectivity, meaning the ability to network the wallbox,” says ADAC expert Matthias Vogt. “A wallbox with a charging capacity of up to 11 kW is completely sufficient at home. Only a few vehicles can use more than 11 kW charging capacity,” explains Vogt. Those who install a wallbox with a higher capacity of 22 kW or more must plan for a stronger power connection and larger cables.
Wallboxes have either a single-phase or a three-phase connection. For single-phase connections, a maximum charging capacity of 4.6 kW is allowed, according to Matthias Vogt. Three-phase versions are intended for 11 or up to 22 kW.
This capacity will also be sufficient for private use in the future, says Ralf Petri from the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies. “The vehicle is parked at home all night and sometimes during the day. An 11-kW wallbox is certainly enough to charge any car battery.” For longer trips, the vehicle can be quickly charged at a public charging station.
Does every wallbox need to be registered with the network operator?
Yes, wallboxes must generally be registered with the network operator. The administrative effort for models with up to 11 kW charging capacity is minimal; a simple registration is sufficient. Wallboxes with a higher charging capacity also require approval.
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Can you use electricity from your own photovoltaic system for charging?
“That would be the ideal case,” says Martin Brandis from the Federation of German Consumer Organizations. “This allows for a sensible increase in the self-consumption of solar power.” The vehicle essentially serves as a power storage unit. In practice, however, the plan has its pitfalls: Solar power can charge the e-car battery during the day, but many drivers are not at home then. Nevertheless, combining a photovoltaic system with a wallbox can be a good way to travel environmentally friendly and save money.
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“Important for this is integration into a home energy management system,” says VDE expert Ralf Petri. “A prerequisite is a wallbox that can communicate with the PV system and prioritize the use of solar power.”
with material from dpa