Electric cars, like hybrid PHEVs, are gaining popularity. However, the charging time of their batteries is still relatively long, and the network of chargers in Poland is only growing. The owner of such a car can make his life easier by installing a wallbox in the garage.
We can, of course, charge an electric or hybrid PHEV car by connecting it to a standard socket that carries alternating current with a power of usually 2.3 kW, i.e. 2,300 W. However, this is not enough to fully charge the battery of an electric car. Therefore, a much faster and, above all, safer solution is to use a dedicated device, i.e. a home charging station for an electric car. The most popular device of this type is currently the Wallbox .
Check out wallboxes at the Onninen wholesaler
What is Wallbox?
Wallbox is a wall charger for an electric car that allows you to obtain higher charging power than in the case of a standard 230 V socket. Thanks to this solution, you can safely use the alternating current of your home electrical system and thus easily and quickly charge your vehicle. Already 11 kW allows you to refill the entire battery of an electric car in one night. If we have a Wallbox in the garage, we don't have to use public stations.
The strong point of these devices is their very easy operation. They are most often equipped with LCD screens showing the user all the most important charging parameters in real time. We plug the cable into the car socket to start charging, and that's it.
The wallbox is compatible with most electric cars and PHEV hybrids.
Thanks to their compact size, these devices take up very little space. They are ergonomic and provide full freedom and assembly mobility. Wallboxes also have advanced security features that protect both the car and the charger against damage or overload. The housing is tight and solid, and has a mechanism for automatic detection and diagnosis of irregularities. Wallboxes are also equipped with a wide range of permissible operating temperatures.
How to connect Wallbox?
The wallbox can be connected to both a single- and three-phase connection. This allows this type of charger to achieve power from 3.7 to 22 kW (AC), depending on the protection (22 kW power can be obtained from 3 phases, with protection from 32 A). Up to 7 kW can be obtained from one phase, and with 25 A protection - 6 kW.
Important! Before installing the Wallbox, we must obtain information from the property manager regarding the technical possibilities of installing and operating a private charger (unless we are the owners of the property ourselves, of course).
The installation of the Wallbox in our garage should be carried out by professionals with appropriate authorizations. This is also important because some devices may lose their warranty if we install them ourselves, without the help of specialists. The charger seller should recommend a suitable installer. It may also be necessary to adapt the electrical installation in the garage to the Wallbox - this is done by an electrician. Of course, before purchasing it, we must check the parameters of our garage network to choose a device with the appropriate power.
Connecting the Wallbox to an electric or hybrid PHEV car is very simple. Place one plug of the charging cable into the charger socket and connect the other to the car. And we start the charging process.
Mobile charger and Wallbox
Let us remember that electric cars, despite constant technological development, still have a much greater range than combustion cars, and the network of chargers for electric cars publicly available in Poland does not yet cover many areas of the country. However, the owner of such a car can solve the problem of long journeys thanks to a mobile charger, also known as a mobile Wallbox. It combines maximum charging power with great flexibility. It allows you to refill the battery using a regular 230 V socket. You can take it wherever you need it.
How does a mobile charger work? Just plug it into a standard socket, e.g. in the garage. Unlike a typical Wallbox, it does not require installation. It is also small in size, so it can be easily transported in the trunk.
So which device is better to have? This, of course, depends on our needs and preferences. Investing in both seems to be a good idea. The wallbox installed in the garage will charge our car at home, and we will take the mobile charger with us on further trips.