Joybuy Insights

Choosing an electric car charger: how to avoid buying the wrong one

An electric car charger may seem simple at first glance: connect the plug and charge. In practice, the charging capacity, connection and safety features determine whether an EV charger is suitable for your car and electrical installation. This applies to households in both the Netherlands and Belgium.

Many buyers focus mainly on a high number of kilowatts. This can lead to three common purchasing mistakes:

  • High power without a suitable installation: a 22 kW charging station will not automatically work with a standard single-phase connection.
  • “Universal compatibility” without checking the plug: a Type 2 EV charger will not fit every car without the right connection or adapter.
  • Smart features that do not suit the situation: wifi and an app are useful, but only if the charging point has coverage and the controls will actually be used.

The right choice therefore starts not with the brand, but with the car’s technical specifications, the electrical connection and the intended usage scenario.

The most important EV charger specifications

1. Check the charging capacity and number of phases

A 7 kW EV charger generally uses one phase and requires a suitable dedicated circuit at 32 amps. An 11 kW EV charger and 22 kW charging station usually work with a three-phase connection. The car’s inverter or built-in charger also determines how much power can actually be used.

A 22 kW charging station will therefore not automatically charge faster than an 11 kW model if the car accepts a maximum of 11 kW. Check the following:

  1. The car’s maximum AC charging capacity.
  2. Whether your home has a single-phase or three-phase connection.
  3. Whether the consumer unit and wiring are suitable for sustained loads.
  4. Whether installation by a qualified electrician is required.

Ideally, have a fixed wallbox for an electric car assessed and connected by a qualified installer.

2. Consider the Type 2 connection and cable design

Type 2 in accordance with IEC 62196-2 is common on many European electric cars and plug-in hybrids. Pay attention to the difference between:

  • A wallbox with a fixed cable.
  • A charging station with a Type 2 socket.
  • An EVSE charging cable with an in-line control box and domestic plug.
  • A portable EV charger with a CEE or Schuko plug.

A Schuko connection is practical for occasional charging, but the maximum power is lower than with a fixed three-phase connection. Also check the cable length. A 5-metre cable is often suitable for a driveway, but may not always be long enough when the charging port is at the rear of the car.

3. Safety features are more important than speed alone

Look for features such as overcurrent, overheating, earth-leakage and overvoltage protection. Some models specify a combination of Type B AC 30 mA + DC 6 mA leakage protection. Always check that this protection is compatible with the existing installation; product safety features do not replace a correctly installed electrical system.

An IP rating provides information about protection against dust and water. IP65 or IP66 does not mean that every component can be used outdoors without restriction. The installation location, cable connections and instructions remain decisive.

Which electric car charger suits your needs?

The recommendations below are based on verifiable specifications from the product descriptions. Where a statement is a brand claim, this is clearly indicated.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
feyree Type2 16A 3.5KW Portable EV Charger EVSE Charging Cable 5m with Schuko Plug

feyree Type2 16A 3.5KW Portable EV Charger EVSE Charging Cable 5m with Schuko Plug

Why it suits this profile: This portable EV charger is intended for anyone who mainly wants to charge at home or at a family member’s house using a standard 230V socket. The current can be adjusted from 8A to 16A.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the maximum capacity of approximately 3.5 kW and the Schuko plug. This makes the difference compared with a 7 kW or 11 kW charger clear before you buy.

Key benefit & advantages

5-metre cable, OLED status display, adjustable charging current and Type 2 compatibility according to the product description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
feyree Type2 EV Charger Socket Version 22KW Smart Electric Car Charger

feyree Type2 EV Charger Socket Version 22KW Smart Electric Car Charger

Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for a fixed charging solution with adjustable power and app control. According to the product description, this model supports 1.4 to 22 kW and both single-phase and three-phase installations.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The adjustable power setting makes it clear that 22 kW is the maximum. The actual charging speed still depends on the installation and the car’s built-in charger.

Key benefit & advantages

Wifi and Bluetooth control, charging schedules, adjustable current and an IP66-rated enclosure according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
feyree Type 2 Portable EV Charger 11KW 16A 3 Phase Wi-Fi APP Bluetooth Version

feyree Type 2 Portable EV Charger 11KW 16A 3 Phase Wi-Fi APP Bluetooth Version

Why it suits this profile: A practical choice for users with access to a suitable CEE connection who want to charge flexibly at home, at work or on the move.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description explicitly states that a CEE socket is required. This prevents confusion with charging from a standard domestic socket.

Key benefit & advantages

Up to 11 kW, adjustable charging current from 8A to 16A, LCD screen and control via wifi, Bluetooth or the buttons on the charging box.

Suitable for: High-mileage drivers with a fixed parking space
feyree EV Charger Type2 Plug EVSE Wallbox 32A 7KW IEC62196-2 Socket

feyree EV Charger Type2 Plug EVSE Wallbox 32A 7KW IEC62196-2 Socket

Why it suits this profile: This fixed 7 kW solution is designed for a garage or parking space with a single-phase installation and a cable reach of 5 metres.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists single-phase, 32A and 7 kW separately. This allows you to compare these specifications with your consumer unit before professional installation takes place.

Key benefit & advantages

Type 2 according to IEC 62196-2, 5-metre cable, automatic shut-off according to the product description and IP65 protection.

Practical buying checklist

Before ordering an electric car charger, check the following:

  • Plug type: Type 2, Schuko or CEE?
  • Charging capacity: 3.5 kW, 7 kW, 11 kW or up to 22 kW?
  • Phases: single-phase or three-phase?
  • Cable length: measure the distance from the socket to the charging port.
  • Charging current: can it be adjusted for different connections?
  • Controls: do you really need wifi, Bluetooth, a display or a timer?
  • Outdoor installation: check the IP rating and installation instructions.
  • Installation: have a fixed wallbox and a new circuit assessed by an electrician.

According to the product descriptions of the portable models, safety features such as earth-leakage, overheating and overcurrent protection are built in. Always check this information on the current product page and use the charger in accordance with the manual.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about an electric car charger

Can I charge an electric car at home using a standard socket?

Yes, with a suitable portable EV charger with a Schuko plug. The charging capacity is usually lower than with a fixed wallbox. Do not use an extension lead unless this is permitted in the manual, and have the electrical installation checked if you charge regularly.

How much does it cost to use an electric car charger?

You can calculate the energy cost easily using: kilowatt-hours charged × your electricity tariff. An 11 kW charger does not directly determine the cost; the amount of energy stored by the car is what matters. An app or timer can help you schedule charging sessions during cheaper periods, but the available tariff varies between energy suppliers.

How long does an EV charger last?

Its service life depends on how often it is used, storage conditions, moisture, temperature and the quality of the electrical connection. Check the cable and plugs regularly for damage, discolouration or unusual heat. Stop charging if you notice any damage and have the device assessed. Consumers in the EU also continue to benefit from the applicable statutory guarantee in accordance with the terms of sale.