Choosing a Home EV Charger: A Practical Guide

Charging your electric car at home should be simple and cost-effective. No more hassle searching for an available public charging station or paying variable rates. With your own charging point, you can charge your car whenever it suits you, often at a lower electricity rate. But which charging solution is right for your situation? A fixed wallbox or a flexible mobile charger? And what do terms like 1-phase, 3-phase, and 11kW actually mean?

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you make the right choices. In this article, we'll compare the specifications of various charging solutions so you can make an informed decision that fits your car, your electrical panel, and your budget.

What to Consider When Buying an EV Charger?

Before you make a choice, it's wise to consider a few key points. These will determine which home EV charger is most suitable for you.

Charging Speed: 1-Phase (up to 7.4 kW) or 3-Phase (from 11 kW)?

Charging speed is perhaps the most important factor. It depends on two things: the connection in your electrical panel and the charging capacity of your car.

• 1-Phase Charger (up to 7.4 kW): Most households have a standard 1-phase connection. A 7kW charger can be connected to this and can fully charge an average electric car overnight. This is sufficient for many users.
• 3-Phase Charger (11 kW or 22 kW): Do you have a 3-phase connection (three-phase power) and a car that supports it? Then you can charge significantly faster with an 11kW charger. A 3-phase charger is a future-proof choice, especially if you expect to purchase a car with a larger battery in the future.

Always check your electrical panel and your car's specifications before choosing a charger.

Fixed Wallbox or a Mobile Charger for Your Car?

The next choice is between a permanently installed charging station and a portable charger.

• Fixed Charging Station (Wallbox): This is a car charging station that is permanently mounted on the wall of your home or garage. It's a robust and tidy solution for daily use. Installation by a certified electrician is necessary.
• Mobile Car Charger: You plug a mobile charger directly into a suitable socket (like a CEE three-phase power socket). The main advantage is flexibility: you can take the charger with you on trips or to a relative's house. This is also a great solution if you can't or don't want to install a fixed charging station.

The Advantages of a Smart Charger

A smart charger offers extra functionalities via an app on your smartphone. Think of starting or stopping a charging session remotely, setting charging times to take advantage of off-peak rates, and monitoring power consumption. This gives you more control and can help reduce charging costs.

Recommended Home EV Charger Picks

Based on specifications and features, we have listed some interesting options for you.

Feyree EV Wallbox 7kW (1-Phase)

Why this model stands out This Feyree charger is a solid and reliable wallbox for home use. The design is functional, with a special socket that keeps dust out and a sturdy 5-meter cable. According to the manufacturer Feyree, the built-in intelligent chip monitors the charging process to protect the charger and the vehicle. The device automatically shuts off when the battery is full.

Key Features

• Robust aluminum alloy housing.
• Comprehensive safety features (IP65 waterproof, overvoltage protection, leakage protection).
• Standard Type 2 charger connection, suitable for most European electric cars.
• Simple operation with a start button.

Who is this product for? For the EV driver with a 1-phase connection who is looking for a reliable, fixed charging solution for daily use, without complex smart features.

Feyree Mobile EV Charger 11kW (3-Phase) with App

Why this model stands out This mobile charger combines the power of an 11kW charger with the flexibility of a portable device. It is a smart charger that you can control via Wi-Fi and an app. According to Feyree, you can use it to schedule charging times to benefit from off-peak rates and monitor the charging status in real-time. The charging current is adjustable from 8A to 16A.

Key Features

• App control for scheduling charging sessions and monitoring status.
• Flexible in use: at home via a CEE socket or on the go.
• Clear 2.8-inch LCD screen with real-time charging information.
• Comprehensive safety features, including Type B (AC 30mA + DC 6mA) leakage protection.

Who is this product for? For the EV owner with a 3-phase connection who wants maximum control and flexibility. Ideal for those who want to save money by charging at night and also want to take the charger on trips.

Feyree Mobile EV Charger 7kW (1-Phase)

Why this model stands out This mobile car charger offers an excellent combination of power and portability for vehicles and connections on 1-phase. A key feature is the adjustable charging current (8A to 32A), allowing you to adapt the charging speed to the available power supply. All charging data can be read directly from the bright LCD screen.

Key Features

• Highly portable and easy to take with you.
• Adjustable charging current for maximum flexibility.
• High compatibility with electric cars that follow the IEC 62196-2 (Type 2) standard.
• Robust design with IP65 water resistance and various protections.

Who is this product for? For EV drivers who cannot or do not want to install a fixed wallbox, or who travel frequently and need a reliable EV charger for on the go. Also suitable as a backup charger for home.

Haven't found the right charger yet?

The choice of a charging solution is personal and depends on many factors. If the recommendations above don't quite match your needs, there are plenty of other options available.

View our full range of charging solutions and accessories in the cable connector adapter category.

Frequently Asked Questions about a Home EV Charger

What is the difference between a 1-phase and a 3-phase charger?

A 1-phase charger uses a standard power connection and charges with a power of up to about 7.4 kW. A 3-phase charger uses three-phase power and can charge faster, typically at 11 kW or 22 kW. The choice depends on the connection in your electrical panel and what your car can handle. A 3-phase charger can charge a compatible car up to three times faster than a basic 1-phase charger.

Can I install a charging station myself?

No installation is needed for a mobile charger; you just plug it into a suitable socket. However, the installation of a fixed wallbox is a job for a specialist. It requires modifications to the electrical panel and must be done safely and in accordance with current standards. It is strongly recommended to always hire a certified electrician for this.

Is a mobile charger a full-fledged alternative to a fixed wallbox?

For many users, yes. A modern mobile charger offers the same charging speeds and safety features as a fixed wallbox. The main difference is the installation and form factor. A wallbox is a neater, permanent solution for the wall. A mobile charger offers flexibility and is ideal if you want to charge at multiple locations or do not want a permanent installation.