One of the main disadvantages attributed to electrification is the charging times since, of course, they cannot be compared to the refueling time of a conventional car. Although in absolute terms the times are obviously not comparable, one should not ignore the fact that the energy replenishment of an electric car can be done at home and while its owner… is sleeping.
Although connecting to a standard outlet is theoretically enough to complete the process, acquiring and using a wallbox is definitely a more efficient solution by reducing both charging times and ensuring, thanks to the intelligent functions that the majority of the corresponding devices on offer, a better control of the process, more safety but also the robustness of the charging circuit and batteries.
Gaining time
The usual charging speeds offered by a wallbox vary, from 3 to 7 kW, while the most powerful wall chargers offer the possibility of charging with a voltage of 11 to 22 kW, provided of course that the electric vehicle to be connected can also support the above speed . Indicatively in “defense” of wallboxes, it is worth noting that fully charging a VW ID.3 with its 58kWh battery in a simple socket outlet would require more than 24 hours, a time which with the use of a 7kW wallbox is reduced to nine hours.
Somehow, or rather exactly like this, the usefulness of a wallbox becomes self-evident and out of the blue, being an important parameter that must be taken into account when one is considering the acquisition of a purely electric vehicle.
Charging your ‘hand’
Of course, getting a wallbox is not free and involves costs ranging from 400 to 1,500+ euros, depending on the manufacturer and the power of the device, although the government subsidy of the “Move Electric” program (up to 500 euros) can be a strong motivation in favor of the decision.
In addition to the faster charging times guaranteed by wallboxes, the majority of them also usually have smart features, controlled via a smartphone-compatible app, which allows owners to schedule and control charging remotely as well as better understand the process, thanks to in statistics provided, making sure, for example, to combine the charging time with the time “window” of reduced electricity prices (e.g. night) so that they also benefit financially from the process.
The conditions
A necessary condition for installing a wallbox is of course the existence of a private parking space where the device will be installed, with the study and installation process usually being undertaken free of charge or for a small price by the wallbox sales companies, while if you combine the process with the purchase of an electric vehicle , the majority of car manufacturers offer relevant packages that make the wallbox purchase even more attractive.
The final cost of course depends on a number of parameters such as the electrical installation and the distance of the wall fast charger from the area of the electrical panels. It should be noted that it would be good if the supply is single-phase to be converted to three-phase, as only in this case can 11 or 22 kW wallboxes be selected and operated.
If the supply is single-phase and remains single-phase, the wallbox installation is not impossible, however the maximum useful charging voltage will be up to 7 kW.
Charging safely
Of course, if the specifications of the electric vehicle that will use the wallbox do not allow it to charge with a voltage higher than 7 kW, of course the acquisition of a more powerful wallbox will not have any positive effect and is meaningless.
The majority of modern wallboxes are not affected by weather conditions, which means that installing them in an open, unroofed area and charging the car in bad weather is not prohibitive as they have a protection circuit.
In addition to bad weather, this particular circuit also takes care of battery protection, ensuring that the process is carried out smoothly, with the voltage and rate required for the durability of the batteries over time. One parameter that those interested in a wallbox should take into account is the type of cable that the fast charger will incorporate, as there are two different types of cables available on the market aimed, roughly, at older or newer technology electric vehicles.
Also available are fast chargers without an integrated cable that are compatible with any cable that fits any electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
In any case, although the purchase of a wallbox thanks to the time saving it offers is rather imperative, if one is the owner of a modern purely electric vehicle, careful market research in relation to the price and the capabilities of the fast charger as well as the installation procedures are still judged more imperative, taking into account the specifications of the vehicle to be charged as well as the future intentions of its owner.
Given that electric technology is advancing at a rapid pace, it would be a real shame to choose an “inferior” more economical fast charger, which may prove to be “little” when you get your next electric car as the trend is to increase in size of batteries and the improvement in terms of times and capabilities of charging circuits.
