What is a Wallbox and how to use it? A step-by-step guide
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The wallbox EV charger could be what you need if you seek an easy way to charge your electric vehicle at home. As more and more people switch to electric cars, finding a good home charging option is becoming increasingly important.
If you are not sure where to start, this article will get you going. We will outline how to select the right charger, use it, and install it. By the end, you will know precisely how to charge your EV at home without any hitches.
So, let's get started.
What is a wallbox EV charger?
The wallbox is an EV charger that was designed to help you charge your electric vehicle right in the comfort of your home. It mounts on a wall, either inside your garage or outside your house, and connects to your EV to deliver power. Wallbox chargers are faster and more efficient than standard outlets, enabling one to charge his or her vehicle a lot quicker.
They come in different voltages, hence making it very easy to select one which suits your needs. Some models integrate smart features that include app control, where you can trace and manage charging right from your phone.
Put simply, a wallbox EV charger is a quick and convenient method to keep your electric car ready for anything.
How to choose the best wallbox charger?
Buying the right wallbox charger is not necessarily complicated, but it is a decision worth taking. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best for your needs:
22kW Wallbox vs 11kW Wallbox
The main difference between the two models 22Kw wallbox and 11kW wallbox chargers is their charging speeds for your car. The former is faster, which makes life easy in a scenario whereby you are in a rush, provided your car can support up to 22kW. If the capacity of your car's ability is up to 11 kW, you may not need to spend more to get the model which gives a faster speed. An 11kW charger would also work and might be cheaper.
Compatibility
Before buying the wallbox charger, make sure it is compatible with your car. Most electric vehicles have a Type 2 connector, but some older models may have different connectors (Nissan Leaf for example). Check what your car requires for charging and see that the charger you are getting matches. Also, check that the charger will work with your home's electrical system, especially if you're looking at one of the faster chargers, such as the wallbox 22kW.
Smart Features
Many wallbox chargers come fitted with smart features that enable you to control and monitor your charging via an app on your phone. In this way, you will be able to schedule precisely when your car charges, see how much energy you are using, and even get notifications when charging is complete. Some even integrate with smart home systems. If these sound like features you'd find useful, look for a charger that includes them.
How to use a wallbox EV charger?
Using a wallbox EV charger is very easy. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
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Plug in your car
First, connect your EV to the wallbox charger using the charging cable; make sure it is plugged well into the charger and your car's charging port.
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Check the charging status
Most wallbox chargers have an indicator light showing whether the car is charging or not. In most cases, green means it is charging, and red means something is wrong. Check the charger to confirm that everything is working correctly.
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Monitor through the app
With the wallbox charger smart-enabled, you can monitor charging through the application. You'll be able to check the level of charge, include schedules, and even get notifications when it's complete.
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Unplug when done
Once your car is fully charged, unplug the cable from your car and store it back in the holder of the charger. Keep the cable safe to avoid damage.
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Regular maintenance
Keep your charger clean and from time to time, check that it is working properly. In case of malfunction, refer to the user manual or contact the customer support team.
Thanks to these easy steps, you will have no problem using your wallbox EV charger.
How to install a wallbox EV charger?
Actually, installing a wallbox EV charger is easier than it sounds. Here's a simple guide to help you through the process:
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Choose the location
Choose a place for the wallbox charger, either in your garage or outside, near where you normally park your car. Ensure there is space for it and access to electricity.
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Check your electrical system
The power that the charger requires should be supported by the electrical system of your house. You may want to get an upgrade if you get a big installer, say, wallbox 22Kw. It is a good idea to check with an electrician to make sure everything is compatible.
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Hire a professional electrician
It's safest to hire a licensed electrician for the installation. They will connect the charger to your home's electrical system and make sure it's up to code. They may also need to add a dedicated circuit for the charger.
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Mount the charger
The electrician will mount the wallbox charger on the wall securely. He will make sure it is installed at a proper height and will not be in the way.
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Test the charger
After installation, the electrician tests the charger to ensure everything is okay and your car is charging.
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Start using your charger
Once it is installed, you can operate your wallbox EV charger by following the operating instructions that allow for safe and easy operation.
Just follow these straightforward steps, and you'll go live with an installed wallbox EV charger in no time.