Is the additional cost for the 22-kilowatt home charging station justifiable?
In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), having a charging solution at home is becoming increasingly important. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about wallboxes in Germany, including their features, costs, and potential funding opportunities.
Wallboxes, such as the go-e Charger Gemini Flex 11 kW Wallbox, offer a range of convenient features. These include app connection, support for RFID cards for up to 10 users, and compatibility with photovoltaic systems. However, they can be pricey and require a CEE socket for installation.
For those seeking a more affordable option, the dé Typ 2 Wallbox 11kW with App and RFID is a cheaper alternative, though it only supports one RFID card and requires a CEE socket. Another option is the Tera EV Typ 2 11KW Wallbox, which offers a 7m cable length but lacks app connection and RFID.
11 kW wallboxes, like the go-e and dé models, are generally sufficient for overnight charging of smaller EVs or plug-in hybrids. For faster charging, particularly for vehicles with large batteries, 22 kW wallboxes are available. These can fully charge large EV batteries in a few hours, but they come with higher costs and may involve complex installation processes, including network checks, repair costs, and permits.
When it comes to charging at work, there's a tax-free allowance of 70 euros per month for EVs and 35 euros per month for plug-in hybrids. However, if employers provide a free or discounted charging facility or a charging card, the allowance is reduced to 30 or 15 euros per month.
In some cases, a power meter is necessary. This is legally required for semi-public wallboxes and makes sense in scenarios where the wallbox is shared, operated for a multi-family house, or used for a company car. Wallboxes with power meters can be equipped with a separate meter at the connection.
It's worth inquiring at the local level for regional funding programs for the installation of wallboxes. For instance, the federal "Elektromobilität" program supports investment grants for non-public fast chargers on company premises, and Baden-Württemberg offers a 40% subsidy for publicly accessible charging stations powered by renewable energy.
As of now, there are no KfW grants available for private individuals for the installation of wallboxes. However, the new KfW 442 program, introduced on September 26, 2023, offers grants for the installation of wallboxes in combination with a photovoltaic system and a solar storage unit.
Lastly, it's important to note that Type-2 connections are the most common and compatible with CCS connections. These are the connections used for charging EVs at home.
In conclusion, electric vehicle charging at home is an essential consideration for EV owners. With a variety of wallboxes available, each offering different features and costs, it's crucial to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. Additionally, keeping an eye out for local funding programs can help offset the costs of installation.
