Charging station, wall box , charging cards, and a charging station with or without a back office. Plus, the question of whether you'll use single-phase or three-phase charging. Choosing the right charging station is incredibly difficult. Unless, of course, you know what to look for; and actually, it's not as difficult as most people think .
You choose a charging station that's compatible with your current EV, or one with a higher capacity so it can also optimally charge your next EV. Whether you choose a mobile charger, a fixed charging station, or a wall box depends on your budget, available space, and your own preferences.
After reading this article, you'll know exactly how to choose the right charging station for your driveway.
Charging station capacity: how does that work exactly?
A charging station or wall box is the best way to charge your EV at home. You always pay the price agreed upon with your electricity supplier. And you're guaranteed to be able to plug in your EV when you get home. Charging at home is therefore more convenient than using a public charging station.
But how do you choose the power? It's actually quite simple. The charging station (or wall box ) converts the alternating current in the charger itself to direct current, because the car's battery pack runs on direct current. If you have a fast charger and a slow car, you won't get optimal charging. If you have a slow charger and a car that charges exceptionally quickly, you won't get optimal charging either.
It's generally recommended to choose a charging station or wall box with a charging speed equal to or higher than the charging capacity suitable for your current EV. Chances are your next electric car will handle a higher charging capacity. It's a good idea to choose your charging station now, especially if you choose a fixed charging station or a wall box .
Choosing a mobile charging station ? You can simply find the right charger for your car without having to worry about a future car. Mobile chargers are cheaper, can be sold, or delivered with the car when it changes owners.
Do I choose a charging station or a wall box ?
The charging station is a freestanding post where you can connect your car with a plug. The wall box is always mounted on your home or an outbuilding. This means your situation determines whether you choose a charging station or a wall box . Is your EV always parked in the driveway, right next to the house? Then a wall box is the best solution. Is your car parked on the street and not near your house? Then you choose a charging station (which you install on your own property, of course).
Charging on a single phase. Or on a triple phase?
When it comes to charging your EV, the question often arises between single-phase and three-phase charging. It's an interesting question, but it's certainly not always relevant to you. First, check whether your EV can be charged on three phases. If not, this section doesn't apply to you. If your EV can be charged on three phases, and you're currently charging on a single phase, then read on .
Charging on a single phase simply means charging on a single -phase connection. Specifically, this means 220 or 230 volts. A three-phase connection delivers a maximum of 400 volts (which is why it's also called high-voltage current). With a three-phase connection, you can charge literally three times faster than with a single phase.
Before you start working on your meter box, leave this to an electrician. If you don't (yet) have a 3-phase connection, it will need to be reinforced. Older homes often don't have a 3-phase connection. Here's a tip: if you have a separate connection in a shed or garage, have the electrician check it first. There's a good chance a reinforced connection is available there, especially if you live outside of the city.
Reinforcing your connection is done through your grid operator, who will send a specialist electrician. The average cost for reinforcing your connection is € 300.
When ordering a mobile charger, be careful if you're unsure whether you 'll be using single-phase or three-phase power. First, check whether you can charge on three phases, or whether you'll end up using single phase because your car isn't compatible or the connection isn't ( yet ) reinforced.
Which charging station suits you best?
If you are looking for a charging station and would like a brief overview of what you should pay attention to, then take a look at the following points:
- Ensure the charging station's maximum charging capacity/speed is at least equal to the car's maximum charging speed. Ideally, the station's speed and capacity should be higher than those of the current EV.
- Choose a wall box if the EV is permanently placed next to the home or another building
- Choose a charging station when the car is not parked next to the house or another building
- Choose a charging station that is prepared for 3-phase charging if the EV is suitable for this and you have a 3-phase connection or will have one installed.
- Ideally, choose a charging station with dynamic load balancing
Dynamic Load Balancing ; a useful extension
Dynamic load balancing isn't really necessary. But it is incredibly useful. A charging station with dynamic load balancing measures and knows how much capacity is still available. In practice, this means the following: when you're doing laundry and cooking, the charging station charges more slowly to avoid overloading the network. When everyone goes to sleep, the charging station draws maximum power from the network to ensure the EV is fully charged before you wake up!
