How to choose a home EV charging station (Wallbox): expert advice

Charging an electric vehicle at home becomes more practical when using a dedicated charging station, or Wallbox, rather than a standard power outlet. Aldis Melkerts, director of MMX Energy, explains that a Wallbox is more convenient to use, allows better power control, and often costs about the same as buying a separate charging cable with a controller.

Power output and connection

According to Melkerts, an 11 kW station is suitable in roughly 90% of cases — lower-power units, such as 7.2 kW or less, may struggle to fully charge larger-capacity batteries, while 22 kW stations are unnecessary for most vehicles since not all EVs can even accept that much AC power. The minimum home connection needed to install a Wallbox in a private house can theoretically be around 16 amperes, though the right choice depends on the specific vehicle's charging capability. If the home's connection capacity is limited, a power balancer can be installed to direct only the electricity left over from household use toward charging.

Manufacturers and features

MMX Energy highlights three manufacturers: ABB, offering both 11 kW and 22 kW models; Lithuania's Teltonika, which allows customers to choose the unit's outer design; and Estonia's VOOL, known for a well-designed app that can automate charging based on electricity exchange prices. Cable lengths vary by brand — ABB offers 5 meters, VOOL six meters, while Teltonika allows a choice between 5 and 7 meters. For installations where wall mounting isn't possible, manufacturers also offer standalone posts, including a VOOL model that supports two charging stations at once and is suitable for larger charging sites with remote monitoring capability.

Standard manufacturer warranty is two years, while VOOL offers five years. The charging stations reviewed cost between 600 and 750 euros, and the company recommends submitting an inquiry before purchase to select the most suitable model.