Understanding Wall Box EV Chargers
Electric vehicles are on a well-established path to becoming the new norm. Many companies have already embraced the green trend and started adding EVs to their fleets. But when you’re adding EVs to your fleet, it’s important to think about how you’re going to charge them, too. This guide will explain everything about how to “fuel” EVs using wall box EV chargers.
And if you’ve already added EVs to your company fleet, it’s now time to consider charging points for your EVs. We’ll help you find the best solutions!
Why do you need a wall box EV charger?
For charging your electric vehicle, obviously – you might say. If only it were that simple. There are many people thinking they can just plug a connection cable into their car and the other end to the grid. Look, we’re not saying it’s not possible.
EVs usually come with a mode 2 charging cable fitted with a device that’ll stop the charging in case of emergency. But it’s still a bad idea to do that. First of all, it’s highly unsafe to have it connected directly to the grid. The longer the current flows, the hotter the leads would become.
Using a wall box EV charger is safer. It’s also faster and cheaper. The wall box charger is smart. It controls the energy flow that goes through the cable. Charging will be completed much faster than with just a cable.
So, if your business uses electric vehicles, consider installing wall box EV chargers. You can install them at the office or premises of your business or you can install them at your employees houses so they can charge the vehicles overnight. Either way, play it safe!
How to choose the right wall box EV charger?
EV wall chargers in the UK usually come with a Type 2 cable that can be plugged in the vehicle. This is compatible with all new EVs and hybrid models sold in the UK. Anyway, check your vehicle’s specs beforehand to make sure you choose correctly.
When it comes to power output, you can choose between a 3kW wall box charger, a 7kW wall box charger or, if your premises has three-phase power, a 22kW wall box charger.
Before deciding how much power you want, keep in mind the higher the power, the more costly the unit will be. Of course, with a greater power output your EV will recharge faster.
For example, an EV with a 40kWh battery charges in approximately 6 hours at a 7kW wall box EV charger and in approximately 2 hours at a 22kW charger.
Some EV wall chargers can also be solar-powered.
So, take time and consider all your needs before making a choice. Or give us a shout and we’ll find you the best options.
What does a wall box EV charger installation require?
First of all, a wall box EV charger installation requires a qualified electrician. He’ll fit the device. He’ll drill to the outside wall as to allow to connect the EV wall box charger to the electric supply. Then, the wall box will be wired into the mains.
The wall box EV charger should then be energised and tested. And connected to the app if that’s the case. Yes, some devices come with an app for easier control. Which can’t be that much of a surprise in a connected age.
Wall box EV chargers – let’s talk options
The market is packed with options and providers. All offering shiny features and benefits. So many that it’s hard to choose one. To make it easier, here are some suggestions. Or let us take it out of your hands and compare the market for you.
Project EV wall box EV chargers
Project EV offer many features packed as standard. Besides, they have lots of options to choose from. They offer products with a capacity of up to 40 kW! No matter where you’re looking to install the wall box EV charger, at home or at your business premises, rest assured you’ll find a product to fit your needs.
Their EV wall chargers are all OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) approved and OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) 1.6 compliant.
Some of their best benefits include:
- Solar-powered as standard
- RFID and 4G versions
- Built-in earthing
- Cable lock – meaning cable is sold separately
- Charge port on the side, which means lower risk for the cable to stick out when in use
- Solid build, great quality
- Free app or pro app if you’re willing to pay for more
- Great range of products
- Competitive prices
Project EV offers a great range of products. For its 7.3kW AC range, there’s:
- EVA-07S-S – the Wall Charger Single Gun
- EVA-07S-SE – the Pro Earth Wall Charger Single Gun
- EVA-07S-SE-RFID – the Pro Earth Wall Charger Single Gun RFID
- EVA-07S-SE-RFID-4G – the Pro Earth Wall Charger Single Gun RFID 4G
For its 22kW AC range, Project EV offers:
- EVA-22S-SE-RFID – the Pro Earth Wall Charger Single Gun RFID
- EVA-22S-SE-RFID-4G – the Pro Earth Wall Charger Single Gun RFID 4G
Note: All products fit a type 2 socket.
If you’re looking to charge two EVs at the same time and at the same charger, you can choose one of the dual AC range products:
- EVA-07D-SE-W – 7kW Pro Earth, dual gun wall charger – RFID
- EVA-22D-SE-W – 22kW Pro Earth, dual gun wall charger – RFID
Project EV also offers DC range options for rapid charging with EVD-20S-P, a 20kW wall charger with a single gun and with EVD-40D-P-CM and EVD-40D-P-CC, 40kW wall chargers with dual gun. All DC range options have RFID control.
Wallbox Pulsar Plus
This is a great product to be installed at home. It’s small, discreet and nice looking. It comes with an app that allows you to easily control it. The downside? It’s a bit more expensive than Project EV.
Its special features include:
- Remote lock via the app
- Bluetooth – a nice touch if you have poor Wi-Fi coverage
- Up to 40 amps of power, but automatically adjusts to varying charging needs down to 16 amps
- 25-foot charging cable
If you’re looking for a wall box EV charger to install at your employees’ homes, the Pulsar Plus could do the job.
Andersen A2
The Andersen A2 is the smartest looking wall box EV charger we’ve seen so far. That’s if you’re into the looks. It’s also on the expensive side, so you might opt for one that’s not as good-looking but is more affordable.
Leaving the aesthetics aside, it’s a great made-in-Britain EV wall charger.
It brings features such as:
- Quality design and build
- Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Remote locking
- Built-in earthing protection
- App for easy control and scheduling
If you can afford it, Andersen A2 can be a great choice to install an EV wall charger at your employees’ homes or your business premises.
How do you choose the right wall box EV charger?
Already confused with the variety of choices? Then, remember these are only a few. The market is well-packed with so many more products.
Luckily for you, we know the market and we’re here to help. Tell us what needs the wall box EV charger should cover and we’ll search the best and most affordable one for you.
