How much does EV charging at home cost? A Buyer’s Guide for best wallbox charger
As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, more and more homeowners are choosing to install EV chargers in their homes. This is a great way to save money on fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure that your EV is always ready to go when you are.
However, with so many different EV chargers on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best EV charger for your home.
All chargers are different
The simplest and cheapest EV chargers are those with plug-and-play functionality. These chargers can be plugged into a standard electrical socket and can provide a range of charging speeds, depending on the EV and the electrical capacity of the home. These chargers are affordable and easy to install, and prices range from 400-700eur, depending on the brand.
For those who want a little more functionality, some chargers come with a tethered cable instead of a socket. This makes it easier to plug and unplug the car from the charger, but it also adds to the cost of the charger. Similarly, some chargers come with a display that shows the charging status and other information. These displays can be useful, but they also add to the cost of the charger.
Best Plug & Charge wallboxes:
As EV owner you want to make sure that your charger does well one single function – plug & charge.
Some of the best plug & charge wallboxes on the market include Webasto Pure II, Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3 and Green Cell Wallbox (with colour Display included). Green Cell charger is the cheapest one and can cost you less than 400eur if you choose version with socket. These chargers are very simple and are designed to be easy to use and install.
Best options for people who want more control over their EV charging
For those who want more control over their EV charging, there are smart chargers that can be connected to the internet and controlled via an app. These chargers offer a range of features, including remote control, charging status monitoring, and charging schedule. By scheduling charging sessions during off-peak hours, homeowners can save money by taking advantage of cheaper electricity rates. In addition, some smart chargers offer dynamic load balancing, which helps to prevent electric fuses from tripping when the electrical demand in the home is high.
Some of the best advanced EV chargers include the ABB Terra AC , Wallbox Pulsar & Copper, Autel Maxicharger
Best options for people who have solar panels installed
For homeowners who have solar panels installed in their homes, there are EV chargers that can be set up to measure solar panel generation in real time. These chargers can initiate charging sessions only when enough energy is being generated by the solar panels, making it possible to charge the car for free using clean, renewable energy.
Some of the best solar-compatible EV chargers include the V2C Trydan, MyEnergiZappi also Wallbox Pulsar and Copper. For Wallbox brand chargers to work with solar power plant you will additionally need to install bi-directional SmartMeter ‘Carlo Gavazzi’ . These chargers are designed to work seamlessly with solar panels and can help homeowners reduce their carbon footprint while saving money on their electricity bills.
V2C Trydan is the best option of the three considering that it can also be controlled with an App or via Alexa, and has open APIs for those who like to configure it according to their own needs. So it does all what other two competitors can do and some more additionally and all of this will cost you ~30% less.
ABB newly announced a solar compatible charger soon to come to market ABB Terra home
Best options for people who want to take their EV charging to the next level
Finally, for homeowners who want to take their EV charging to the next level, there are chargers that offer even more advanced functionality. These chargers are designed to be compatible with a range of smart home systems and can be programmed to work with other devices in the home, such as home energy storage systems or home automation systems.
Some of the best wallbox charger with Smart functions include the ABB Terra AC, Fronius Wattpilot. These chargers are designed to be highly customizable and can be programmed to work with a range of different devices and systems.
The cost of home EV chargers
In terms of cost, EV chargers range from 400 hundred euros to 1500euros, depending on the type of charger and any additional features that it may offer. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest charger available, it’s important to consider the long-term costs and benefits of the charger, such as its durability, and compatibility with other devices in the home.
Final Thoughts
Choosing best wallbox charger for your home is an important decision that requires careful consideration of several factors, including the type of charger, the charging speed, the cost, and any additional features that the charger may offer. By taking the time to research your options and choose a charger that meets your needs and budget, you can ensure that your EV is always charged and ready to go when you are.