One of the main questions that arise when considering the purchase of an electric car is how to manage the charging process. This is where home charging wallboxes come into play. But are they just a convenience or truly indispensable?
What are wallboxes and how do they work?
Wallboxes are charging stations designed to be installed in garages or private parking spaces. Unlike simple power outlets, wallboxes can offer faster charging in a safe manner. These devices can be wall-mounted and directly connected to the home electrical system. Some advanced models offer smart features like scheduling charging times and monitoring energy usage.
Benefits of Wallboxes
The first advantage of installing a wallbox at home is its convenience. If you have a home charging station, you can easily leave the car charging overnight and wake up with a full battery.
Additionally, wallboxes offer significant charging flexibility. With scheduling features, you can optimize charging sessions to recharge during off-peak rates or when the electrical system is not being used for other needs. This can not only reduce the cost of charging your electric car – the energy cost per kWh will be that of your domestic energy contract – but also allows you to adapt charging to your daily needs.
However, the main reason why it’s always advisable to install a wallbox for home charging is safety. Installing a wallbox means setting up a dedicated electrical line suitable for charging, with appropriately sized cables and certification by a specialized technician.
Additionally, the wallbox is certified and equipped with all the necessary safety systems to monitor the entire charging process. Conversely, charging your vehicle using the so-called “emergency charger” connected to a simple domestic outlet does not ensure total circuit safety since the system cannot monitor what happens upstream of the electrical outlet. It’s also worth noting that normal household outlets are designed for intermittent use typical of appliances, not for continuous use at maximum power as required during vehicle charging.
An additional advantage is for those with a home photovoltaic system, possibly paired with storage. Some wallboxes can modulate charging power based on solar production, further reducing charging costs.
Price and incentives for wallbox purchase
The purchase and installation cost of a wallbox can be an obstacle. Prices vary depending on the features and installation requirements, but it’s not uncommon for the total cost to exceed 1,000 euros.
Another aspect to consider is the potential need for electrical system upgrades. Installing a home charging station might require upgrades to the electrical panel or wiring to handle the increased power draw from the wallbox. This can increase the complexity and cost of the installation process.
A good piece of news regarding the economic aspect of wallboxes is the domestic charging station bonus, a state subsidy to encourage the spread of these devices. The bonus reimburses 80% of the cost of purchase, installation, design, and connection to the electrical grid. The spending limit is 1,500€ for wallboxes installed in homes and 8,000€ for those in condominiums. With available funds of 20 million euros, the bonus is retroactive and valid for installations made between January 1 and December 31, 2024.
When is a wallbox indispensable?
So, when does a wallbox become indispensable? The answer largely depends on the usage habits of the electric car and charging needs. If you use the electric car mainly for short daily trips and have access to a domestic outlet, it might be enough to charge the vehicle overnight with a standard outlet.
However, if you regularly travel long distances or need to quickly charge the car for several daily trips, a wallbox could become essential. The ability to quickly recharge can make the difference between a stress-free driving experience and having to plan every charge. Additionally, if you live in an area with few public charging stations, having a wallbox at home can significantly simplify your life.
Regardless of whether you choose to install a wallbox at home, remember that Free To X public fast charge stations can charge an electric car in about 20 minutes, quickly meeting your need for a full energy top-up whenever necessary.
Ultimately, the choice to install a wallbox at home depends on your specific charging needs and lifestyle. For some, it might be an extra convenience, for others, an indispensable necessity. Evaluate your options and make the best choice for you and your electric vehicle.
