11kW Wallbox Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Right Home Charger

So, you've decided to buy an electric car, but a key question remains: What's the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective way to charge it at home? The range of charging solutions is vast, from mobile devices for standard sockets to permanently installed wallboxes. This article serves as a guide, introducing various concepts and models to help you choose the right home charging station. We focus on objective criteria and technical features so you can make an informed decision.

What to Look for When Choosing a Charging Station

Before you decide on a model, a few fundamental aspects should be considered. Your individual living situation, vehicle type, and daily driving habits will determine which charging solution is best for you.

1. Power Class: Mobile Wallbox, 11 kW, or 22 kW?

The charging power, measured in kilowatts (kW), determines how quickly your vehicle's battery will charge.

• Mobile Charger (up to 3.7 kW): A portable EV charger, often called a mobile wallbox, plugs directly into a standard household socket (Schuko). The charging power is limited to a maximum of 3.7 kW, which is sufficient for overnight charging of plug-in hybrids or as an emergency solution. The main advantage is its flexibility, as no fixed installation is required.
• 11 kW Wallbox: An 11kW wallbox is the go-to standard for private charging. It typically uses a 3-phase 16A high-voltage connection and can fully charge a typical EV battery (approx. 60 kWh) in under six hours. In Germany, this power class only requires registration with the grid operator.
• 22 kW Wallbox: A 22kW wallbox cuts the charging time in half compared to the 11 kW model, provided the vehicle supports this charging speed. However, installation requires mandatory approval from the grid operator, which is not always granted.

2. Control Features and Connectivity

Modern charging stations offer more than just charging. Smart features can increase convenience and help reduce costs.

• Wallbox with App Control: A smartphone app connection allows you to control the charging process remotely. You can schedule charging times to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs, monitor the current status, and view your charging history.
• Charging Station with an Electricity Meter: An integrated meter accurately records the amount of energy charged. This is particularly useful for billing a company car or for tracking your own electricity consumption in detail.
• Access Control (RFID): In apartment buildings or on publicly accessible parking spaces, an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) function prevents unauthorised use of the wallbox. Only individuals with an authorised charging card can start the charging process.

3. Safety and Connection Type

Safety is the top priority when dealing with high electrical power.

• Residual Current Device (RCD): A wallbox must have a residual current device. A Type B RCD is the most comprehensive standard, as it protects against both AC and DC fault currents that can occur with electric vehicles.
• Connection Cable: The Type 2 charging cable connector is the European standard and is compatible with almost all modern electric cars and plug-in hybrids. Ensure the cable is long enough to comfortably reach your vehicle in the garage or parking space.

Our Recommended Charging Solutions

Here, we present three different charging concepts that cover a range of needs—from flexible mobile solutions to powerful, permanently installed wallboxes.

dé Wallbox Type 2 11kW with APP & RFID

What makes it stand out: This model combines an 11 kW charging power—which simplifies the registration process in many regions—with a comprehensive suite of smart features. Control via the Tuya Smart App and access control via RFID cards make it a versatile and secure solution for private and semi-public use.

Features:

• Power:11 kW (3-phase, 400V, 6–16A adjustable)
• Control:Wallbox with App Control (Tuya Smart App) for scheduling, power adjustment, and monitoring
• Safety: Integrated Type B RCD (AC 30mA + DC 6mA) for comprehensive protection
• Equipment: 7.5-metre Type 2 charging cable, LCD display for charging data, RFID access control

Who it's for: For homeowners looking for a balanced, future-proof, and smart 11kW wallbox for daily charging who value control and security.

See more details on the dé 11kW Wallbox

dé Wallbox 22kW with App and Electricity Meter

What makes it stand out: With 22 kW, this wallbox offers the maximum possible AC charging power for private use, making it ideal for users with high energy needs or very short downtimes. The integrated electricity meter allows for precise tracking and billing of charging sessions.

Features:

• Power:22 kW (3-phase, 400V, 6–32A adjustable)
• Control: App control for remote monitoring and scheduling
• Special Feature: Integrated charging station with an electricity meter for accurate consumption tracking
• Safety: Comprehensive protection with Type B RCD and IP54 protection class

Who it's for: For drivers of EVs that support 22 kW charging and need the fastest possible charge. Ideal for company car drivers or households where the vehicle is only available for short periods during the day. Note the requirement for approval from the grid operator.

See more details on the dé 22kW Wallbox

GONEO Portable Type 2 EV Charger

What makes it stand out: This EV charging cable for Schuko sockets offers maximum flexibility. It requires no fixed installation and can be operated from any standard household socket (230V). Despite its portability, it includes key safety and convenience features like a timer function and integrated residual current protection.

Features:

• Power: Up to 3.68 kW (1-phase, 230V, up to 16A adjustable)
• Flexibility: Plug & Play with any Schuko socket, ideal for travel or rental properties
• Functions: Timer function (0–8 hours) for delayed charging, LED display for real-time data
• Safety: Integrated RCD (30mA AC + 6mA DC), overheat protection, and automatic ground detection

Who it's for: For renters who cannot install a wallbox, for owners of plug-in hybrids, or as a secondary or emergency charger for on the go. A practical and straightforward solution for anyone who doesn't require high charging power.

See more details on the GONEO Charger

Discover More Options

The products presented cover common use cases. If you haven't found the right solution for your specific situation yet, there are other models with different features available. Browse our range to find the ideal charging station for your needs.

Discover more EV charging solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is an 11 kW wallbox sufficient for my EV? For most use cases, an 11 kW wallbox is perfectly sufficient. It can easily charge a fully electric car's battery overnight. It represents an excellent compromise between charging speed, installation effort, and cost.

2. Does an 11 kW wallbox need to be approved by the grid operator? No, in Germany, a wallbox with up to 11 kW of charging power does not require a permit. However, it must be registered with the responsible grid operator before commissioning. This is usually handled by the qualified electrician performing the installation. Only charging stations with more than 11 kW (e.g., a 22 kW wallbox) require prior approval.

3. Can I install a wallbox myself? No, for safety and warranty reasons, the installation of a hard-wired wallbox is a complex electrical task that must be carried out by a qualified electrician. This is the only way to ensure safe operation and compliance with all standards. Mobile chargers for Schuko sockets do not require professional installation.