Wall-mounted or portable: which electric vehicle charging station is the best choice for your home?

Charging an electric vehicle at home is not only convenient but also cost-effective and beneficial for the battery. However, before starting, it's essential to check the condition of your home electrical system and choose the optimal charging device. “Auto World” explains which charging station for an electric vehicle is suitable for your home.

Checking the Capabilities of Your Home Electrical System

Before charging your electric vehicle at home, it’s important to verify whether your electrical system has sufficient power.

If you have a single-phase system and:

1. A 16 A circuit breaker, the maximum power that can be safely used is 3.7 kW. Charging stations of this type typically have a charging current of around 16 A.

2. A 32 A circuit breaker allows you to use a charging station with a power of 7.4 kW. However, you will need a CEE 32A power socket for connection, as standard household sockets rated for 16 A cannot handle this power.

It's crucial that the wiring supports the load. For instance, you may need a wire of the appropriate cross-section for a 7.4 kW charging station.

If you have a three-phase system and:

1. A 16 A circuit breaker – you can use stations rated for 11 kW.

2. A 25 A circuit breaker – you can connect chargers rated for 16 kW.

3. A 32 A circuit breaker – you can use stations rated for 22 kW.

Choosing a Charging Station

For charging your electric vehicle at home, you can use a stationary (wall-mounted) or portable charging station.

Wall-Mounted Charging Station

This type is installed on the wall of a garage or near the parking space, typically offers higher power, and allows for faster battery charging. Connecting such a station often requires professional installation.

Once the charging station is installed, connect the charging connector to your electric vehicle’s charging port. Check if the station's indicator shows the correct charging mode (if such settings are available). Then, charge the battery to the desired level.

Portable Charging Station

This is a compact device that can be used anywhere there is an electrical outlet. It may be less powerful, which means charging will take longer, but it is convenient for use both at home and while traveling.

For fast charging, it is recommended to use a wall-mounted charging station, while for travel or in cases of limited options –