After obtaining self-sufficient electricity from our own 115 kWp PV system, we installed two new 11 kW wallboxes for our e-cars. In this way, we will promote the electromobility of our employees as well as customers with climate-neutral energy in the future.
Installation 11 kW Wallbox
After a thorough research for an efficient as well as powerful charging station for our company-owned electric cars (also bookable as a Car rental with My-Carrent), the choice fell on an 11 kW wallbox.
For the proper installation of our two 11 kW wallboxes, it was important to provide a line with correct voltage and current. In addition, the fuse protection of the connection and the installation of a ground fault circuit interrupter was carried out to provide more safety.
This was followed by the installation and connection. We chose wallboxes with a stand for convenient access to the charging plug. After the final check, we successfully put our new e-charging stations into operation.
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FAQ Wallboxes
Charging stations are currently in vogue, but there are common questions that we bring to you here with our Wallbox FAQ.
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What is a wallbox?
A wallbox is an electric charging station for electric cars that has been specially developed for use in private households or companies. Such a charging station is classically attached to the wall or, as in our case, to a charging column or a stand.
For fast and safe charging, a wallbox should ideally be connected to a special high-voltage socket (and not to the household socket).
11 kW Wallbox advantages?
The main advantages of an 11 kW wallbox (compared to a household socket) include:
- Faster charging than conventional household sockets (usually 2.3 kW)
- Automatic adjustment to the charging power of the e-car (less charging loss).
- Clear assignment and thus clean billing of electricity consumption
- Pleasant features, such as intelligent control and display of the charging process
Basically, household sockets are not designed for several hours of use under permanent maximum load. If you charge your electric car every day with a conventional socket (Schuko socket), the risks of a cable fire or blown fuse are high. Overall, it can be said that an 11 kW wallbox makes charging electric cars at home more convenient, faster and safer.
Cost of an 11 kW wallbox?
The cost of a wallbox varies depending on the model and equipment. Ours cost (including stand) only 650 €. In our online store, you can get high-quality 11 kW wallboxes starting at €465. The costs increase if you want luxurious versions, for example, which should have intelligent control or WLAN connectivity. From experience, you should calculate with total costs of 500 € (purchase & delivery) to 1000- or 1500 € (stand, connection, commissioning, etc.).
Ideal installation height?
The ideal height for installing a wallbox depends on various factors. The size of the car and the range of the charging cable are decisive factors.
As a rule, it is recommended to install the wallbox at a height of about 1.20 to 1.50 meters, so that you can comfortably access the charging plug and the cable does not drag on the ground.
The cable should not be bent or stretched unnecessarily to reach the car, as this can cause damage to the charging cable or the car's connector.
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Standards & regulations?
Various standards and safety regulations apply to the installation of wallboxes to ensure a safe and reliable power supply. The most important standards and regulations are:
- DIN VDE 0100-722: This standard specifies the minimum requirements for the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles, including fuse protection and protection against fault currents.
- DIN VDE 0100-443: This standard describes the requirements for protective measures against electric shock and ensures that the wallboxes have safe insulation and grounding.
- DIN EN 61851: This standard specifies the requirements for communication between the electric car and the charging station to ensure a safe power supply.
- DGUV Vorschrift 3: This regulation stipulates that electrical systems and equipment must be regularly checked for safety by a qualified electrician.
- Technische Anschlussbedingungen (TAB): This regulation defines the technical requirements for the grid connection of charging stations.
To comply with all applicable standards and regulations, it is advisable to have an experienced electrician perform the installation.
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Which cars are suitable?
An 11 kW wallbox is primarily worthwhile for electric cars, as these require special charging stations to be charged quickly and safely. Especially for vehicles with larger batteries (also hybrid cars) benefit from the fast & safe charging possibility.
Connection for my wallbox?
As a rule, you need a 3-phase connection (with 2.5 mm² minimum cable cross-section) with at least 16 amp fuse protection. This largely ensures compliance with regulations and safety standards. In most cases, a corresponding connection cable is supplied.
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Types of wallboxes
There are different types of wallboxes that vary in their performance, features and compatibility. Here are some of the most common types of wallboxes and their applications:
Standard
Standard wallboxes are the most commonly used and offer power from 3.7 kW to 22 kW. They are usually equipped with a fixed charging cable and can be used for most electric cars.
Smart
Smart wallboxes, compared to standardized ones, offer additional features such as app control, charging statistics and remote control of the charging process. They can also be integrated with other smart home devices such as Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant.
Fast loading
These charging stations offer high power and can charge your electric car in a short time. However, they are more commonly used in commercial environments such as gas stations or public charging stations.
Portable
Portable wallboxes are, as the name suggests, portable and can be easily transported. They are usually equipped with a Type 2 charging cable and can be plugged into any suitable outlet.
Wallbox requirements?
Your wallbox must meet certain technical requirements to function safely and effectively. The most important of these are:
- Installation: It is important that the installation complies with local regulations and safety standards, so an electrician is useful for this.
- Compatibility: Make sure your charging station is compatible with your electric car, because some are only suitable for certain car makes or models.
- Power: Most wallboxes have an output of 3.7 kW to 22 kW. Find out before you buy or let us advise you how much power you need.
- Charging cable: Most wallboxes offer either a fixed cable or a charging socket that you can connect a separate charging cable.
- Security: Your charging station should have various safety features, such as overload protection, short circuit protection and residual current protection.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is important to ensure proper functionality and optimal charging performance.
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If you would like to buy an 11 kW wallbox at a reasonable price and have it professionally installed, please contact us!
