your charging station
What are the advantages of installing a charging station at home?
With the growth of electric mobility in France, more and more private individuals and professionals are opting to acquire an electric vehicle. According to Avere France, this is evidenced by a 49.5% increase in car and van registrations in 2023224,908 since the beginning of the year. The most practical solution for recharging the battery of an electric car is to install a home charging station.
As for electric vehicles, almost 110,000 charging points are open to the public in Francean increase of 53.3% on N-1.
Here are the significant advantages of acquiring a home recharging solution:
- Greater freedom : With a home charging station, you can recharge your electric vehicle whenever you want, without having to worry about the availability of public charging stations, or having to travel just to do so.
- Non-negligible safety : A home charging station is designed to be safer than a standard household socket. Home charging stations are designed to withstand particularly severe conditions, without the risk of overheating or fire. They are fitted with circuit breakers and differential switches to protect your home's electrical installation.
- Ease of use : A home charging station is easier to use than a standard household socket. It is equipped with intelligent functions that allow you to program charging at off-peak times, for example.
- Added value for the house : Installing a home charging station can add value to the price of your home in the event of resale. Given the democratization of green mobility, this is a considerable asset for potential buyers, saving them the trouble of having to install a charging station on their own.
- Unprecedented return on investment: Installing a home charging station reduces costs in the long term. In fact, home electricity is less expensive than electricity from public charging stations, not to mention the fact that home charging stations can be equipped with options to reduce energy consumption.
Install a charging station is seen as a major investment, often associated with the relatively large purchase of an electric vehicle. As a result, the question arises as to whether or not to purchase this type of charging system. However, as we have already seen, it offers a number of significant advantages, proving that home charging stations are a must for optimum quality of life.
Have your charging solution installed by an IRVE-certified installer
According to the decree of January 12, 2017, the installation of a charging station with a power rating greater than or equal to 3.7 kW must be carried out by a qualified electrician with the IRVE (a label certifying that the electrician is trained and experienced in the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles).
This IRVE ( Electric VehicleCharging Infrastructure ) qualification is issued by AFNOR or Qualifelec on the basis of 3 levels of training:
- Level 1 for a terminal with a maximum power of 22 kW, without communication or supervision functionalities.
- Level 2 for a terminal with a maximum output of 22 kW, with configuration for communicating Wallboxes and station supervision.
- Level 3 for bollards with a power rating of over 22 kW (i.e. fast bollards).
Calling on such a professional ensures a high-quality, safe installation that complies with the NF C 15-100 electrical standard. Essentially, your electrician performs an electrical diagnosis and checks the presence of an earth connection on your electrical installation before fitting the necessary equipment.
If you'd like to know more, we have our guide to home charging station installation.
Support for the installation of a charging station
To facilitate your energy transition, there are a number of financial assistance for the installation of a charging station. First of all, there's the tax credit.
This allows electric vehicle owners to benefit from 75% of the cost of purchasing and installing a home charging stationin their primary or secondary residence.
This credit is applicable for work carried out between January 1ᵉʳ, 2021 and December 31, 2023, up to a limit of €300 per terminal and per household, with no income requirement to qualify.
To benefit from this tax credit, the following conditions must be met:
- be domiciled in France for tax purposes,
- have the work carried out by the company supplying the equipment or its subcontractor,
- keep the invoice for the work.
But that's not all: as a private customer, you can benefit from VAT at a reduced rate of 5.5 if you wish to have a charging station installed. To qualify, the charging station must be installed in compliance with standard NF C 15-100. This standard lists the technical and safety requirements applicable to low-voltage electrical installations.
At Beev, we offer you the best bollards at the best prices on the market, support in obtaining subsidies, and installation within 10 working days.
For example, if you wish to acquire the Copper SB, the No. 1 seller in France, the installation and terminal is priced at €1,530 incl. VAT, without tax credit, i.e. €1,230 incl. VAT (5.5% VAT for private customers).
Through our article on how to Choosing your charging station installeryou'll be up to speed on all the ins and outs of the subject.
Charging stations available from Beev
On Beev.cowe offer you 4 types of charging stations to recharge your electric vehicle:
- WB eHome Single-phase
- Copper SB
- WB eHome Three-phase
- Ecotap Duo Green 1.4 - 22 kW
Here are some of the features of each of these charging solutions:
| Connectivity | Load points | Charging power | Supported temperature | Price excl. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WB eHome Single-phase |
No |
1 |
7.4 kW |
-5° à 40° |
700 € |
|
Copper SB |
Wifi / Ethernet / Bluetooth |
1 |
7.4 kW - 22 kW |
-25° à 40° |
920 € |
|
WB eHome Three-phase |
No |
1 |
11 kW - 22 kW |
-5° à 40° |
780 € |
|
Ecotap Duo Green 1.4 - 22 kW |
Modem / GSM Controller |
2 |
3.7 kW - 22 kW |
-40° à 60° |
3 300 € |
If you would like more information on these different charging stationsplease do not hesitate contact with our charging station experts! We'll help you find the charging solution that's right for your project!
In addition, our article The top 10 charging stations on the market in 2023 may also help you take the plunge into purchasing a charging station for your electric vehicle.
Where to install your recharging point?
The ideal location for a charging station is an enclosed enclosed, covered area. A charging station must be protected from the elements, such as rain, snow or sunshine. These elements can damage the charging station or endanger the charging process. A garage is the ideal place to install a charging station. However, if you don't have a garage, you can install it in a covered space, such as a garden shed.
It is important to choose a location that is easily accessible to your own vehicleYou also need to ensure that the site has a suitable electrical outlet.
In addition, install your charging solution in a location close to the electrical panel to reduce costs. Indeed, the work will be more complex if the charging station is far from the panel, thus influencing the cost of installing your charging station. This distance is one of the major criteria taken into account when drawing up a quote.
Not only is the location of a charging station important to protect it, but it's even more important to optimize the health of the vehicle. This is because temperature can affect battery performance. More specifically, in very hot weather, overheating can occur, and the charging station will automatically interrupt the power supply to protect your electric vehicle. On the other hand, when the temperature is very low, battery components are not as receptive to recharging as usual, leading to slower recharging.
If you can only install your recharging solution outdoors, this is perfectly feasible, given the weather-resistant models available. However, it is important to provide additional security solutions to protect the charging station against vandalism.
What options are available to you?
As explained above, when you install a charging station for your electric vehicle at home, it's important to check that your electricity meter has sufficient power to avoid electrical overloads.
So what can you do to overcome the problem of electrical overload and meet your recharging needs?
Changing the wattage of your electricity meter
If you have a lot of electrical equipment, or want to recharge your electric vehicle during the day, the power of your electricity meter will probably be insufficient. As a result, you'll need to increase it. In this case, it's possible to change your electricity contract and acquire an offer tailored to your household's needs.
The wattage of your charging station determines the power required from your electricity meter. Your electricity subscription must be higher than the power of your charging station.. To change the power rating of your electricity contract, simply contact your energy supplier.
If you have a Linky meter, the change can be made remotely within 24 hours. However, if you have an electronic or electromechanical electricity meter, a technician must be called in to carry out the necessary adjustment, although it may be necessary to change the meter or circuit breaker. It's worth noting that the procedures, timescales and rates for changing the power of your electricity meter are the same from one supplier to another.
To find out more about the ins and outs of charging stations, you can download our free white paper on charging stations for dummies.
What meter size do I need?
So to ensure that your electrical installation doesn't trip, it's essential to make sure that the power used by your electrical appliances is lower than that of your meter.
For example, for a 3.7 kW charging point, you need a meter with a minimum power rating of 6 kVA. Similarly, for a 7.4 kW recharging point, you need a meter with a minimum power rating of 9 kVA.
However, the minimum wattages in question are those recommended to meet the needs of your charging station alone. Of course, it's not the only electrical equipment in your home, so you'll need to allow for a higher margin to cover the electricity required by your other equipment.
To find out how much power you need to recharge your car, our article on charging power for your electric car may help you choose the right wattage for your electric meter.
Compare electricity offers for your charging station according to the following criteria
Electricity tariffs vary according to the electricity package you choose and the time of day you charge. It's important to compare the different offers to find the one best suited to your needs and budget.
To compare electricity offers for your recharging solution, there are several key criteria:
- Contract power : It's important to check that the power you subscribe to is suitable for your recharging needs. Too little power can lead to power cuts, while too much power can cost you unnecessarily.
- Price per kWh: Compare the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) offered by different suppliers. Make sure you choose a competitive offer that will enable you to recharge your solution cost-effectively.
- Contractual conditions: The terms of the contract need to be examined, such as the length of the commitment, the cancellation terms, and any additional charges. Choose a flexible contract that suits your needs.
- Special offers for electric vehicles: Special offers for electric vehicles are available on the market. These offers can include special rates for recharging your clean car.
- The origin of electricity: Some consumers want to support renewable energies. Check whether the supplier offers green electricity or environmentally-friendly options.
- Customer support: Find out about the quality of the supplier's customer service. Efficient assistance in the event of a problem can be crucial to your recharging solution.
- Promotions and benefits : Some offers may include additional promotions, discounts or benefits. Keep an eye out for these special offers to save money.
By comparing these different criteria, you'll have the knowledge you need to choose the best electricity offer for your charging solution, based on your needs and your budget.
Purchasing a load-shedding system: what's it for?
A powerboostcommonly known as a load shedder or load shedding system, is a system that balances the demand for electricity with the level of power that can be injected into the grid. It intervenes to prevent power cuts by ensuring that it remains within the limits of the subscribed power. In concrete terms, load shedding enables your recharging solution to adapt to the power available on your electrical installation. When the charging station is not in use, or when there is a high demand for energy elsewhere, the system can temporarily reduce charging power.
- Efficient use of available energy resources,
- Avoid overloading the network,
- Reduce electricity costs by optimizing energy consumption.
For an installation with home load shedding, several factors must be taken into account, such as :
- location,
- power,
- power supply,
- connections.
It's also important to define the desired level of recharging. Naturally, it's best to call on a qualified installer to choose the right charging station and programming to get a quote that meets your needs.
Single-phase or three-phase meter: which to choose?
In fact, most households benefit froma single-phase power supply of up to 12 kVAwhich is a form of alternating rather than direct current. For more information, this current is carried by two cables, one phase (red or black) and one neutral (blue), which will have less power on the terminal than a three-phase installation. If you don't own any unusual energy-guzzling electrical appliances, single-phase current is sufficient. You can heat, light and connect all your appliances without worrying about your meter tripping.
Three-phase current, on the other hand, can deliver higher power ratings up to 36 kVAwhich is why this type of power supply is generally used in companies, as it enables the car to be recharged more quickly. A power supply of this type can deliver three times the voltage of a single-phase supply, while ensuring good voltage distribution inside the home. Compared to single-phase, this power supply has four cables, including three phases and a neutral.
With three-phase, your installation is ready to supply particularly power-hungry equipment, such as a heat pump, certain ovens or washing machines. Three-phase often becomes a necessity when the meter power exceeds 18 kVA (when using an energy-hungry appliance, or when the meter is positioned at a certain distance from electrical equipment).
Here are a few characteristics to help you see things more clearly:
- Power requirements :
- Single-phase : Single-phase chargers are generally rated between 3.7 kW and 7.4 kW, with a phase-to-neutral voltage of 230 volts. They are suitable for standard residential charging needs.
- Three-phase : Three-phase chargers can deliver higher power ratings, ranging from 11 kW to 22 kW, enabling faster recharging with a phase-to-neutral voltage of 400 volts.
- Electrical infrastructure available :
- Single-phase : If your home or facility has a single-phase electrical connection, a single-phase charger is a practical choice, as it matches the available power supply.
- Three-phase : A three-phase charger allows you to take full advantage of the higher power capacity.
- Charging speed :
- Single-phase Single-phase chargers are suitable for overnight or slower charging.
- Three-phase : they offer significantly faster charging speeds, making them ideal for rapid recharging or commercial applications.
In summary, the choice between a single-phase and a three-phase charger depends on your specific energy requirements, the available electrical infrastructure, the desired charging speed and your future plans. Single-phase chargers are sufficient for most residential uses, while three-phase chargers are better suited to faster charging and future upgradability. If you're thinking of upgrading to a more power-hungry vehicle, a three-phase charger may be a better long-term investment.
What conclusions can we draw?
In short, you need to find out beforehand whether or not you need to modify your electricity contract following the installation of your charging station.
If you recharge your electric vehicle at night, in theory few appliances are running at the same time, so the risk of power overruns can be avoided. On the other hand, when recharging during the day, the simultaneous recharging of electrical appliances is more frequent.
It's therefore a good idea to plan for a higher power margin if your subscribed power is too low following the installation of your recharging solution. In this article, we've mentioned the load-shedding solution, which could be a good compromise to avoid having to take out a new electricity subscription.
Are you looking to install a charging station?
Beev can help you find the right charging station and installer, at the right price.
