Charging at home with the wallbox: how expensive is an electric vehicle charging station?

What are the benefits of a wall box?

A wall box is a very safe and convenient solution that allows you to charge the car outside your own home or in a parking garage. The charging process can be conveniently completed overnight – and at maximum speed. Purchasing a private charging station is also promoted by the federal government and cantons. Using a charging station that draws its “fuel” from electricity you generate yourself via your own solar PV system is particularly kind on the environment and your wallet. 

How does a wall box work and where can I install one?

In principle, any building is suitable for use with an electric charging station. As the name suggests, a wall box is fitted to the wall. When it comes to charging, the electric vehicle’s charging socket is connected to the wall box via cable. Charging is a two-step process: first, the vehicle draws a constant high power. Once a certain charge level has been reached, the battery voltage then reaches its maximum value. At this point, the power is continuously reduced for the rest of the charging process until no more current flows at all. The battery is then fully charged and the charging process complete. 

How long does it take to charge the vehicle at home?

Charging electric vehicles depends on various factors, such as the kilometres driven per day, the battery capacity, the vehicle’s charging technology and, of course, the charging station’s power. The charging time is calculated using a simple formula: Charging time = Battery capacity in kWh / Charging power (kW). Home charging stations either have 11 kW or 22 kW. Using an average 22 kW charging station, it takes around two hours to complete a full charge. 

Why can’t I simply plug my electric vehicle into a standard household socket?

While this is theoretically possible, household sockets aren't designed for permanent charging at such high loads. Firstly, charging would take well over a day and there's also the risk of malfunctions and overheating.

How safe is a wall box? 

Extremely safe. Wall boxes have a type B residual current device (RCD) that detects fault currents and automatically switches off the power to prevent electrical accidents. What’s more, an energy or electricity meter can be installed that displays the amount of electricity consumed and prevents the electricity grid from being overloaded.

What kind of charging station do I need?

The choice of infrastructure depends on the type of connector required. In general, when it comes to energy efficiency and future development, a “smart” charging station is recommended. As well as it being possible to connect it to a solar PV system, you can also control the charging, thereby opting for the most favourable tariff at the time.

How much does a wall box cost? 

Installation costs vary depending on the cable connection lengths. AMAG can use various parameters to determine exactly what you need here. It's also possible to obtain a charging station, including installation, at a fixed price. All in all, this costs around 3400 Swiss francs. A charging station excluding installation costs around 1600 Swiss francs. When purchasing a VW ID.3, Audi e-tron or Škoda Enyaq iV, it's definitely worthwhile including your own charging station as part of your investment. 

Can I install a wall box in the garage of a rented flat? 

In principle, tenants also have the option of having an electric vehicle charging station installed at their parking space or in an underground car park, but they have to get permission from their landlord first. In addition, they have to submit a technical dossier with detailed information on installation, capacity and connections with existing infrastructure, proving that electricity consumption will be billed individually. AMAG’s sales advisers would be happy to help you with this. 

Can I install a wall box myself?

No. Due to the complex safety requirements, a wall box must be installed by a specialist. The electrician must first check the existing power supply in the house to ensure that it's sufficient for the requirements of an electric vehicle charging station. If this is ensured, the wall box can then be installed.

Installing a charging station at home

Charge your electric vehicle conveniently at home using a wall box charging station. A wall box for the home has an average charging capacity of 11 kW or 22 kW. The formula is relatively simple: with a charging capacity of 22 kW, the charging time is reduced by half on average. This means that full charging is achieved after around two hours at an average 22 kW charging station. A charging station with 11 kW charging capacity is completely sufficient for everyday use.

While electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in Switzerland can also be charged using a normal household socket (Type T13), these are not designed for continuous use with such high power loads. Electric vehicles can also be charged using a CEE industrial socket (a high-voltage outlet), but a wall box must be connected between the vehicle and the socket. This will ensure that the electricity supply between the power grid and the battery is secure, and any overloading of the power grid or the battery is prevented.

Two connections can be provided at a single charging station if required, enabling two cars to be charged simultaneously. The wall box is usually located on a wall, and the vehicle’s charging connection can simply be connected to the charging station using a charging cable. The most common connector type is the standard European Type 2 connector. Before installing a wall box, you will need to contact the grid operator to find out whether approval needs to be obtained for the device. In most cases, this is a mere formality.

Generally, every type of building is suitable for the installation of an electric charging station, but before installing a charging station in your garage, the electrician will have to check the existing power grid in the house to determine whether it meets the demands of an electric vehicle charging station. If this is the case, you can arrange for the electrician to conveniently install the wall box in your garage or carport. Tenants or apartment owners within a larger building can also have an electric vehicle charging station installed at their parking space or in their underground car park. In an ideal scenario, the building owner will handle the installation and benefit from generous grant funding from the canton.

Electric vehicle charging stations for private use are equipped with various features. The wall box should have a Type B residual current device (RCD) which automatically switches off the power as soon as it identifies residual current in order to prevent electrical accidents. An optional electricity meter will indicate how much electricity has been used by the electric vehicle while charging. The load management integrated in the charging station prevents the overloading of the power grid.

When purchasing an electric vehicle such as a VW ID.3, Audi e-tron, SEAT Mii or Škoda Enyaq iV, it is worthwhile including your own charging station directly in the investment. Purchases of private charging stations are also promoted by the federal government and the cantons through grant funding and tax savings.
Calculate charging station

Also, home owners can use their own electric «filling stations» with power from the solar panels on their roof. Surplus electricity is not fed into the grid at unattractive conditions, but can be used for charging the battery of your own electric vehicle, helping you to cut energy costs while also benefiting the environment.