your charging point
Why install a home charging point?
The advantages of a personal charging point
Installing a home charging point for your electric vehicle offers a host of practical and economic advantages. This solution offers unrivalled flexibility and contributes to an optimal user experience.
Comfort and convenience
One of the main advantages of a personal charging point is convenience. With a home charging point, you can recharge your vehicle without having to search for a public charging point. You benefit from the freedom to recharge your car at any time to suit your schedule. You can plug it in during the night and wake up to a bright, clear light. battery full, ready to face a new day.
Long-term savings
Investing in a home charging point can also save you money in the long term. Home charging costs less than public charging points, especially if you take advantage of reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours. Let's say you drive an average of 1,500 km per month with your electric vehicle. By using a home charging point, you can save up to 50 % on your recharging costs compared with the use of public terminals.
Safety and durability
Home charging stations are designed to offer maximum safety when charging your vehicle. They are equipped with overload and short-circuit protection devices, guaranteeing safe recharging. What's more, they extend the life of your vehicle's battery by providing a stable, controlled supply. It's also important to note that home charging points reduce the risk of electrical damage to the battery, unlike public charging points where voltage fluctuations can sometimes overload charging systems.
Also read → Guide: installing a home charging point
What are the differences with public pay stations?
Choosing a home charging point offers distinct advantages over using public charging points. The differences between these two types of charging point make it easier to assess the benefits of investing in a personal charging solution for your electric vehicle. The main differences are :
- Total flexibility : you can choose the best time to recharge your vehicle, depending on your needs and your schedule. However, public charging points are subject to opening hours.
Fast charging: home charging stations can be configured to offer different charging speeds, depending on your electrical installation.
- Adaptability to personal needs: they are adaptable to your specific needs and can be adjusted according to changes in your energy consumption, and can be integrated into home energy management systems.
Also read → How do I charge my electric car at a public charging point?
What criteria should I use to choose my electric car charging point?
Charging power and compatibility
When it comes to choosing a charging point for your electric vehicle, charging power and compatibility are essential criteria to take into account. These factors determine not only how quickly your vehicle will charge, but also its compatibility with your model of car.
Charging power
The charging power of a recharging point is measured in kilowatts (kW) and directly affects the time it takes to recharge your vehicle. Home charging stations range from 3.7 kW to 22 kW, offering options to suit different needs and home electricity infrastructures.
- 3.7 kW to 7.4 kW terminals These are the most common charging points for domestic use. They are sufficient for daily recharging, especially if you recharge your vehicle overnight. For example, a 7.4 kW charging point can recharge a 40 kWh battery in around 5 to 6 hours.
- 11 kW to 22 kW terminals These charging points offer much faster recharging, but require a three-phase electrical installation. A 22 kW charging point can recharge the same 40 kWh battery in around 2 hours. These charging points are ideal for people who need to recharge quickly or who have several electric vehicles.
Suppose you own a Tesla Model 3 with a 75 kWh battery. A 22 kW terminal could fully recharge the battery. in about 3.5 hourscompared with around 10 hours with a 7.4 kW terminal.
Connector compatibility
Connector compatibility is another crucial aspect to consider. Electric vehicles and charging points use different types of connectors, and it's important to make sure that the point you choose is compatible with your vehicle.
- Type 1 (SAE J1772) used mainly on American and Asian vehicles, such as the first versions of the Nissan Leaf.
- Type 2 (Mennekes) the most common connector in Europe, used by the majority of European electric vehicles, such as the Renault Zoe, BMW i3and Tesla Model S and Model X in European version.
- CCS (Combined Charging System) A fast-charging connector that combines Type 2 connectors for AC and DC charging. Used by many recent vehicles for faster charging.
- CHAdeMO : mainly used by Japanese electric vehiclessuch as Kia Niro EV for rapid DC charging.
Our tips for choosing the right power and compatibility
If you mainly recharge at night, a 7.4 kW terminal may be sufficient. If you need rapid recharging during the day, opt for a 22 kW charger. Check your vehicle manual or the manufacturer's website for the type of connector required. Finally, if you're planning to acquire other electric vehicles in the future, choose a charging point with scalable compatibility and power.
Cost and installation
The total cost of a recharging point includes the price of the point itself as well as installation costs. These costs may vary depending on the type of charging point and the complexity of the installation.
Home charging points generally range from €500 to €1,500 for models from 7.4 kW to 22 kW. More powerful charging stations or those with additional features, such as intelligent connectivity, cost more. Installation costs can vary from €200 to €1,200, depending on the complexity of the installation and the modifications required to your electrical infrastructure. If your home requires electrical upgrades, such as adding a dedicated circuit or upgrading to a three-phase system, costs may increase.
To encourage the uptake of electric vehicles, the government offers grants and tax incentives for the installation of home charging points. These grants can significantly reduce the total cost. The ADVENIR programme offers a grant to cover up to 50 % of the total cost of the installationwith a ceiling of €960 for individuals.
Long-term costs and potential savings
Investing in a home charging point may seem expensive at first, but it can save you money in the long run:
- Charging at home is generally cheaper than using public charging points. Residential tariffs, especially off-peak tariffs, are often much lower than public charging tariffs.
- Home charging points require less maintenance and are less subject to wear and tear than public charging points. A properly installed and maintained system can last for many years without significant additional costs.
The best home charging points
Top 3 best home charging points
Wallbox Pulsar Plus
The Pulsar Plus Wallbox is renowned for its compact design and advanced features. It is ideal for domestic use thanks to its versatility and ease of installation. It is appreciated for its discretion and its ability to adapt to different environments, whether indoors or outdoors.
Power | 1.4 kW to 7.4 kW (single-phase) Up to 22 kW (three-phase) |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Cable length | 5 metres or 7 metres |
Features | myWallbox application, Power Boost, statistics, time programming |
Operating temperature | NC |
Security | Protection against overloads and overheating |
Prices | From €800 |
EVBox Elvi
The EVBox Elvi is a charging point that offers excellent value for money and is suitable for almost all types of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The charging point stands out for its reliability and practical features, making everyday charging a breeze.
Power | 2.3 kW to 22 kW (single and three-phase) |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
Cable length | 6.1 metres |
Features | Dedicated application, Plug & Charge, RFID card, consumption monitoring |
Operating temperature | - 25 °C to 45 °C |
Security | RFID card to restrict access, resistant to extreme temperatures |
Prices | From €1,139 |
Tesla Wall Connector
The Tesla Wall Connector is designed not only for Tesla vehicles, but also for a wide range of electric vehicles thanks to its Type 2 connector. It is particularly appreciated for its build quality and universal compatibility, although it is specially optimised for Tesla vehicles.
Power | Up to 22 kW (single and three-phase) |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Tesla App |
Cable length | 7.3 metres |
Features | Tesla application, programming, remote diagnostics, OTA updates |
Operating temperature | NC |
Security | Leak detection, glass front, compact design |
Prices | Between €500 and €700 |
User opinions and recommendations
Wallbox Pulsar Plus
Users particularly appreciate the compactness and ease of use of the Pulsar Plus Wallbox. Many mention the simplicity of installation and the functionality of the myWallbox application for programming and monitoring charging. Some comments also highlighted the robustness of the charging point, which is capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. However, a few users noted that the application could be improved, particularly with regard to the functionality for scheduling specific times on specific days of the week.
- Easy to install : "The Pulsar Plus Wallbox is very easy to install and its 5-metre cable is sufficient for most garage configurations."
- myWallbox application The application is useful for monitoring energy consumption and scheduling charging times, although it can sometimes be a little slow.
- Compact design : "The design is compact and elegant, perfect for discreet home installation."
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus is highly recommended for those looking for a versatile, compact charging point with good connectivity. It is ideal for users with a solar installation thanks to its Eco-Smart function. However, users who need a high-performance application may want to look at other options.
EVBox Elvi
The EVBox Elvi is widely acclaimed for its reliability and flexibility. Users particularly appreciate its ability to adapt to both single-phase and three-phase circuits, as well as its robustness in the face of harsh weather conditions. The dedicated application is also well received, offering comprehensive functions for monitoring and managing recharging.
- Robustness The EVBox Elvi is very hard-wearing and works well even in harsh winters.
- Dedicated application The application makes it possible to keep accurate track of consumption, and scheduling recharging sessions is simple and effective.
- Compatibility Compatible with all types of electric and hybrid vehicles, which is a big plus.
The EVBox Elvi is recommended for users looking for a robust, versatile charging point capable of adapting to a variety of electrical configurations. It's an ideal choice for those who live in regions with extreme climatic conditions or who need a reliable, durable charging point.
Tesla Wall Connector
The Tesla Wall Connector is appreciated for its build quality and compatibility with Tesla vehicles. Users appreciate the ease of use of the Tesla app for managing and monitoring charging, as well as the ability to obtain OTA (over-the-air) updates. However, some users regret that the charging point is not natively compatible with other brands without an adapter.
- Quality and robustness The build quality is excellent and the terminal is very robust.
- Tesla application The Tesla application is intuitive and makes it easy to schedule charging sessions.
- Compatibility "Ideal for Tesla owners, but requires an adapter for other vehicles."
The Tesla Wall Connector is recommended for Tesla owners because of its optimal compatibility and the quality of its functions. For owners of other makes of vehicle, an adapter is required, which can be a disadvantage.
Also read → Top 10 best charging points on the market
Conclusion
Choosing the best charging point for your home therefore depends on a number of criteria, including charging power, compatibility, cost and additional features. Models such as the Pulsar Plus Wallbox, the Elvi EVBox and the Tesla Wall Connector offer reliable and efficient solutions to meet the needs of electric vehicle users. With advanced connectivity options, these charging points are wise investments in optimising your electric vehicle charging while maximising savings and everyday convenience.
If you would like to find out more about the tax credit for in-car charging points 2024For more information, see our article on this subject.
