With the rise in popularity of electric cars, many are considering installing an electric charging station at home. Not only does this offer convenience, but it can also make the experience of owning an electric vehicle much easier. If you’re wondering how much it costs and how home electric charging station installation works, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s explore the details of this increasingly common choice together.
Why install a charging station in your home or condominium?
Installing a home charging station, a wallbox, offers several advantages. First, it allows you to recharge your vehicle overnight, taking advantage of the hours when the vehicle is parked and not in use. This means you can leave each morning with a charged battery. In addition, charging at home can be cheaper than relying solely on public charging stations, especially if you have a PV system or an advantageous electricity contract.
Installing a charging station in an apartment building has an added benefit to consider: sharing a condominium charging station with other residents can reduce installation costs, making the investment more affordable. In addition, some models of charging stations allow charging costs to be divided equally among different users, thanks to integrated management systems that monitor individual consumption.
How much does it cost to install a charging station?
The cost to install a home charging column can vary widely depending on several factors. In general, the cost of purchasing and installing a home charging column ranges around 1,000 euros, but more advanced and high-performance columns are on the market with a higher cost. This variability depends on the characteristics of the column, the complexity of the installation, and the need for any electrical upgrades. It is important to consider that the installation must be carried out and certified by a professional, who will be able to give you a detailed estimate of the total cost of the work, including any necessary excavation or adjustments to the electrical system.
In addition to the initial cost, you must also consider the electrical consumption for charging, which will affect your utility bills. However, many people find that the savings in fuel costs and the convenience of charging at home more than compensate for the cost of installation.
How does the installation of a column in a condominium work?
Installing a charging station in a condominium presents additional challenges compared to a single-family house. First of all, if the installation requires work on common parts or is available to all condominiums therefore installed in the condominium parking lot, it is necessary to obtain approval from the condominium assembly. This step may take time and negotiations, as it is essential to ensure that the installation does not create problems for other residents and complies with condominium regulations. On the other hand, this step does not occur if the installation of the charging point takes place, for example, in a private garage located in the condominium parking lot and with a dedicated POD or connection to the meter in the owner’s apartment, with no need for intervention on the common areas.
Once approval is obtained, the installation of the charging station must be carried out by a qualified electrician, who will check the compatibility of the condominium electrical system with the charging station. In some cases, retrofitting work may be required, such as installing new wiring or upgrading the condominium electrical panel.
Types of home charging stations
There are several types of home charging columns, each with distinctive features and advantages:
- Standard Charging Columns (Type 2): These columns are the most common and can charge electric vehicles at a rate that depends on the power output of the home system, either single-phase (up to 7.5 kW) or three-phase (up to 22 kW). They are generally cheaper and easier to install.
- Rapid Recharge Pillars: These pillars are designed to provide faster charging than the standards, but are more expensive and require a more powerful electrical system. they are generally chosen for condominium installations, and made available for use by all apartment buildings.
For both of these types, there are several models with advanced features such as Wi-Fi connection and app control, remote monitoring, load balancing, and even power variation on an hourly basis or according to the output of the associated PV system.
What are the incentives for installing a charging station?
In Italy, the home post bonus is available for those who intend to install a post in their home or apartment building. This incentive covers part of the costs, making the investment more affordable.In this article dedicated to Wallboxes you will find more information about the incentive to purchase and lots of other information about home columns.
