If you want to charge your electric car at home, then your own charging station is the most practical and cost-effective solution. No more queues, no expensive public tariffs – and charging with your own solar energy suddenly becomes possible. But before you just order a charging station, it is smart to check: is my home actually ready for it?
In this article we explain what you need to pay attention to technically and practically. From meter cupboard and grid connection to smart load balancing. This way you avoid surprises - and you choose the right charging solution right away.
Why charging at home is so attractive
- You only pay your own electricity rate – often much lower than public charging
- You can charge with your own solar panels
- You decide when you charge (e.g. at night during off-peak hours)
- You don't have to depend on busy charging points
1. What does your meter cupboard look like?
For a safe installation of a charging station you need a separate power group, often with a 16A fuse. Check:
- Is there a free group available?
- Does the meter cupboard have room for expansion?
- Do you have a main switch (mandatory since 2006)?
Tip: have this assessed by an installer before ordering a charging station.
2. 1-phase or 3-phase: what do you have?
Your mains connection determines how quickly you can charge:
| Connection type | Max. power | Charging per hour |
|---|---|---|
| 1-phase (230V) | 3.7 kW | ~15-20 km |
| 3-phase (400V) | 11 kW or 22 kW | ~50-100 km |
3-phase charging is ideal for faster charging times. Does your home not have this yet? Then your grid operator can adjust this (costs approx. €250-500).
3. Placement on private property or public sidewalk?
- Own driveway or garage? You are free to place it, as long as it is technically possible.
- Municipal land (e.g. sidewalk)? A permit is often required.
- Do you live in a VvE? Ask permission via the 'right to charging point'.
Tip: use cable duct tiles or cable bridges for safe crossing.
4. Smart charging prevents overload and saves money
A charging station draws a lot of current. Especially if you also cook, heat electrically or have solar panels. That is why load balancing is strongly recommended:
- Distributes power intelligently across all your devices
- Prevents peak loads and downtime
- Combines well with solar panels or dynamic rates
Some chargers offer smart control via apps or energy management systems (e.g. for charging at cheap hourly rates).
Is your home future-proof for EV charging?
When installing, also think about the future:
- Do you want to switch to bidirectional charging later?
- Will there be a second electric car?
- Do you want to integrate with solar panels or home battery?
Then it pays to choose a charging station with expansion options now.
View our charging solutions for home use
At Accu-Machine.nl you will find a complete range of:
- Charging stations (1-phase & 3-phase)
- Load balancers
- Installation accessories and mounting kits
- Customized advice about your meter cupboard and connection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How much does a charging station including installation cost?
- Between €900 and €1,600, depending on type, connection and installation complexity.
- Can I also charge without 3-phase?
- Yes, but charging is slower. With 3-phase you charge 3x faster.
- Do I need to ask permission for a rental property?
- Yes, the owner must give permission. In the case of a VvE also via the board.
- Can I also connect my solar panels?
- Certainly. Many chargers work together with solar energy via smart software or energy management.
