If you have an electric vehicle, you’ll undoubtedly be looking to ensure it operates efficiently. As such, a wallbox could be the option for you.
Unlike the widespread network of petrol stations available to fossil fuel vehicles, electric vehicles do not have a widespread network of charging stations.
Generally, charging stations located in city centres are slow charging, as the only option available to manufacturers is to provide a charger that connects to a 10A household plug.
To get around this, leading electric vehicle manufacturers have devised a new solution: the wallbox.
Find out what this is and how it works in this article.
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What is a Wallbox?
A wallbox is a household electric vehicle charging station that allows you to charge your electric vehicle at home. A wallbox can be controlled via a smartphone, allowing you to control how much of the battery you want to charge and when you want to charge your vehicle.
As the name suggests, it is a box installed on the wall of a garage or electric vehicle parking space, replacing conventional chargers and providing faster, more efficient charging.
These chargers can be purchased directly from electric vehicle manufacturers or specialised companies, which are also responsible for installing the appropriate wallbox for your vehicle and property.
How does a Wallbox work?
Wallboxes are boxes built into a wall with a connector for electric or hybrid cars. To work, it needs to be powered by an alternating current – both single-phase and three-phase.
A wallbox can, however, fulfil various purposes, such as controlling the consumption and expenditure of electricity and the schedule for recharging the vehicle.
If it is installed in a garage or public car park, be aware that you can only activate this device with a card or key.
Can a Wallbox be Used to Charge Any Electric Vehicle?
Vehicle manufacturers generally provide a portable charging cable that can be plugged into any regular household outlet. However, this becomes a complex issue if you opt to charge your vehicle at a public charging station, for example.
As chargers are constantly developing, you must note the compatibility of your vehicle with a residential or public charging station.
As such, it is important that you choose a wallbox with the right power and charging system for your vehicle.
What are the Advantages of a Wallbox?
This almost portable device:
- Is safer than batteries, as it prevents voltage surges and balances the charges and discharges of energy when charging electric vehicles, preserving car electrical components;
- Allows for quicker charging when compared to using a standard outlet;
- Can be installed outdoors, regardless of weather exposure;
- Has additional features, such as a lock.
What are the Disadvantages of a Wallbox?
Although a wall charger is a convenient, efficient option for charging an electric vehicle at home, it is important to consider the possible disadvantages:
Initial cost of a Wallbox
In addition to the price of the unit itself, you may need to hire a wallbox installer to install it correctly, which can increase the cost.
Mobility limitations
Unlike a conventional electric vehicle charger, wall chargers are fixed in a specific location; that is, if you go to another location, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the equipment.
Dependence on Infrastructure
The charging speed of your wallbox may be affected by your home’s electrical infrastructure. If the electrical capacity is not suitable, the charging speed of your wallbox may be limited.
Though these devices commonly have a power of 3.7 kW, it is important to note that there are other options:
- Single phase Wallbox (varies between 2.4 kW and 7.4 kW);
- Three-phase Wallbox (varies between 11 kW and 22 kW).
How do you Choose the Right Wallbox for Your Electric Vehicle?
To find out which wallbox is the most suitable, you should take into account the following aspects:
- The electrical power supplied to your home;
- Type of vehicle;
- Frequency of use (the more often it is used, the higher the need for a fast charger).
How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle Using a Wallbox?
Depending on the power of the device and your car’s autonomy, you can charge your vehicle in just a few hours by using a home electric vehicle charging point like a wallbox.
How do you Know How Long a Car Takes to Charge?
To figure out which home wallbox to choose, divide your vehicle’s battery capacity (in kWh) by the power of the charger (in kW). The result will give you an estimate of the hours required to charge your vehicle.
For example, it will take around 4 hours to charge a 90 kWh battery using a 22kW wallbox.
Another way to find out how much time you need to charge an electric vehicle when at work, for example, is to use an online calculator.
Do you need a Special Electrical Installation to get a Wallbox?
One of the factors that you must consider is that you may need a separate electrical installation for your wallbox.
It’s also worth considering that prior authorisation may be required to install a wall charger in your home or apartment building.
How do you Install a Wallbox?
As mentioned previously, wall chargers can only be installed by a specialised technician.
However, several steps need to be followed to complete the installation process.
Having work done in your house is always a nuisance, and the quicker they’re completed, the better.
How can you Get a Wallbox installed in your home?
When installing a wallbox in a garage, you should try to place it as close as possible to the entrance and switchboard.
In addition, you should take some precautions when charging your electric car at home.
How can you Get a Wallbox installed in an Apartment Block?
When you live in a flat, works and changes should be discussed with the other residents of your building, and installing a wallbox is no exception.
Once the idea has been discussed and approved, you can use your wall charger individually, covering any inherent costs.
Alternatively, it can be used by more people, and the account can be split per user. In this case, power distribution companies can split bills as required.
It is important to keep in mind that the installation and use of a wall charger has a number of costs.
How much does a Wallbox cost?
Prices of wallboxes start at 600 euros. Increasing the amperage and voltage of your Wallbox leads to proportional price increases, which can go all the way up to 2 thousand euros.
In terms of installation costs, it is impossible to accurately estimate the cost of installing a wallbox, as the price will depend on factors such as the location of installation, the power source in the home, and the work required.
Finally, the cost of use will depend on how often you use it and the number of hours the vehicle is left charging for. All of this will contribute to the cost of your electricity bill at the end of the month.
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