A wallbox is specially developed for charging electric vehicles and enables charging at home or at work. Here you can find out exactly what a wallbox is, how it works and whether a wallbox is worthwhile for your fleet.
What is a wallbox?
A wallbox is a wall charging station for electric vehicles that makes the charging process more efficient and safer than conventional household sockets. The significantly higher charging power means that the vehicle’s charging times are considerably shorter.
It also offers various safety mechanisms, such as overload protection, a residual current circuit breaker and automatic shutdown in the event of faults. This ensures that the electric vehicle is optimally charged without overloading the power grid, risking overheating or damaging the vehicle’s battery.
How does a wallbox work?
The wallbox is permanently mounted on the wall and connected to the power grid. It is usually operated with a three-phase power connection (400V), which enables a higher charging capacity. The most common connection options are
- 11 kW: It requires a three-phase connection with a fuse protection of 16 amps. It is ideal for private use as it provides a good balance between charging speed and installation effort.
- 22 kW: The more powerful wallbox also requires a three-phase connection, but with a fuse protection of 32 amps. It is particularly suitable for drivers who want to charge their vehicle very quickly or who own several electric vehicles.
The installation should be carried out by an electrician who checks the existing electrical installation in advance and complies with all safety regulations.
Is a wallbox worthwhile for the vehicle fleet?
The decision for a wallbox depends on how many electric vehicles are operated in the fleet , what charging requirements exist and whether cost efficiency plays a role. The significantly higher charging capacity means that electric vehicles can be charged much faster. This is an important criterion in fleets where the vehicles are used frequently.
There are also advantages in terms of cost efficiency, as charging via a wallbox is usually cheaper than at public charging stations. Wallboxes can also be integrated into networks so that several vehicles can be charged at the same time or charging processes can be time-controlled to avoid power peaks.
What does a wallbox cost?
The cost of a wallbox varies and depends on factors such as model and desired power. The following costs should be taken into account:
- Purchase costs: Prices start at around 500 euros for simpler models and can go up to 2,000 euros or more for more powerful models.
- Installation costs: Installation by a specialist can incur additional costs depending on the work involved. On average, installation costs are between 500 and 1,500 euros.
- Operating costs: In addition to the purchase and installation costs, you should also consider the ongoing electricity costs. These depend on individual charging behavior and the electricity tariff.
Does every wallbox fit every e-car?
In principle, almost any wallbox will fit any electric car. However, a permanently installed plug that is incompatible with the connection could be problematic. The most common plug types are
- Type 1 plug: This plug is mainly used in Asian vehicle models. Some offer a type 1 connection or an adapter.
- Type 2 plug: Widely used in Europe and the standard for most electric vehicles. Most are equipped with a type 2 connection.
Before buying, you should check whether it is compatible with your own vehicle. In addition, the charging power of the wallbox should match that of the vehicle to ensure optimum charging speed. Otherwise, the charging process can be very lengthy.
