Joybuy Insights

Buying an EV charger: how to choose the right wallbox, portable charging station or battery charger

An EV charger must match your vehicle’s charging capacity, the available electrical connection and where you plan to use it. Many poor purchasing decisions are not caused by insufficient power, but by unclear compatibility information, missing installation requirements or confusion between an electric car charger and a 12 V battery charger.

Common purchasing decisions that can cause problems later

1. Maximum charging capacity is confused with actual charging capacity

A 22 kW wallbox can only charge at up to 22 kW if three conditions are met: the vehicle supports this AC charging capacity, a suitable 3-phase connection is available and the electrical installation has been designed accordingly. Many electric cars and plug-in hybrids charge more slowly using AC. A 22 kW unit therefore does not automatically mean shorter charging times.

With an 11 kW wallbox, the electrical requirements are simpler for many private garages and parking spaces. The right choice therefore depends on more than just the advertised maximum capacity.

2. A Type 2 plug does not mean that every connection is suitable

The Type 2 charging standard, widely used in Europe, describes the connection between the vehicle and the charging equipment. However, it does not indicate whether the device is designed to be connected to a standard household socket, a CEE socket or a permanently installed connection.

A portable EV charger with a Schuko plug typically delivers considerably less power than an 11 kW wallbox. Before buying, you should check:

  • Does your vehicle support the Type 2 connection?
  • Is single-phase or three-phase operation intended?
  • Which socket is available at the place of use?
  • How long does the cable need to be?
  • Is the current adjustable?

3. App features are valued more highly than the electrical infrastructure

A Wi-Fi charger with app control can schedule charging times, adjust the current and display charging progress. These features are convenient, but they do not replace suitable circuit protection, earthing or professional installation. You should also check whether the app requires a stable Wi-Fi connection at the parking space and what data it records.

The most important parameters to check before buying

Charging capacity and current

With three-phase alternating current, 11 kW corresponds to approximately 16 A per phase, while 22 kW requires approximately 32 A per phase. A device with an adjustable charging current, such as 8, 10, 13 or 16 A, can adapt more easily to different connections. Depending on the model, 22 kW units may offer additional current settings up to 32 A.

The actual charging time is also determined by the battery capacity and the vehicle’s integrated charger. A simple guide is:

Charging time in hours = battery capacity in kWh ÷ charging capacity in kW

Charging losses and any limitation imposed by the vehicle are not included in this calculation.

Safety features and enclosure protection

Look for clearly stated features such as:

  • Overcurrent, overvoltage and undervoltage protection
  • Overheating and short-circuit protection
  • Earth-leakage or residual-current monitoring
  • Reverse-polarity protection for 12 V chargers
  • IP rating for garages, carports or outdoor use
  • Emergency stop or stop button on portable devices

Some of the EV chargers listed specify Type B residual-current monitoring with AC and DC components. However, the required protection technology for the entire installation must still be assessed by a qualified electrician. In Germany, permanently installed wallboxes should generally be connected by a qualified electrical installation company. Additional requirements from the grid operator may apply to units above 11 kW.

Don’t overlook battery type and voltage

A 12 V battery charger is not intended for an electric car’s high-voltage battery. It is suitable, for example, for the starter battery of a car, motorbike, van or motorhome. Before buying, check:

  • 6 V, 12 V or 24 V
  • AGM, GEL, EFB, wet-cell or lithium battery
  • Battery capacity in Ah
  • Charging and maintenance current
  • Suitable repair or maintenance mode

An AGM charger or GEL battery charger should explicitly support the relevant battery type. The term “pulse repair charger” does not indicate that a damaged battery will become safe to use again. The function may be ineffective with deeply discharged or defective batteries.

Our selection by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Feyree Type 2 portable EV charger with 5 m cable

Feyree Type 2 portable EV charger with 5 m cable and Wi-Fi app

Why this product suits this profile: This portable EV charger is suitable for users who want to charge at home or on the go using suitable connections. According to the product details, the charging current can be adjusted between 8 A and 16 A, with delayed charging and scheduling also available.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The adjustable current helps you adapt the device to the available connection. However, you should check the vehicle connection and circuit protection before buying.

Main benefit & strengths

5 m cable, LCD display, app control and current settings from 8 A to 16 A, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Quality-focused buyers
Feyree Type 2 11 kW EV charger

Feyree Type 2 11 kW EV charger with dynamic load balancing

Why this product suits this profile: This wallbox is an appealing option for households where other appliances are running while the vehicle is charging. According to the product details, the DLB function monitors consumption and adjusts the charging current.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated load distribution helps address the risk of overloading the household electrical system. You must still confirm compatibility with your home installation in advance.

Main benefit & strengths

11 kW, Type 2 compatibility, app control, LCD display and, according to the product description, safety features including residual-current monitoring.

Suitable for: Specialist applications & frequent users
Feyree 22 kW Type 2 portable EV charger

Feyree 22 kW Type 2 portable EV charger with Wi-Fi app

Why this product suits this profile: This three-phase charger is designed for users with a suitable 32 A connection and vehicle who want to use a portable charging station with an additional wall bracket.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description explicitly states the requirements for a three-phase 32 A circuit and reliable earthing. This clearly highlights the need to check the installation before buying.

Main benefit & strengths

Current settings up to 32 A, app-based scheduling, portable or wall-mounted use and an IP66 rating, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Workshop, motorbike and fleet operators
EAFC portable 12 V 20 A 24 V 10 A car battery charger

EAFC portable 12 V/24 V car battery charger

Why this product suits this profile: This device is designed for vehicle batteries and, according to the product details, supports 12 V at up to 20 A and 24 V at up to 10 A. It is therefore suitable for different vehicles and maintenance situations.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The choice of different modes reduces the risk of confusing the voltage and battery type. You must still check the battery specifications and selected mode before connecting it.

Main benefit & strengths

12 V/24 V operation, seven charging programmes, voltage and current display and safety features, according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

EV charger FAQ

Is an 11 kW or 22 kW wallbox suitable for home use?

11 kW is often a better fit for private charging points, provided that the vehicle and household connection support this capacity. 22 kW can make sense if the vehicle has the appropriate AC charger and a suitable 32 A three-phase connection is available. Before buying, discuss the installation and any notification or approval requirements with a qualified electrician and the grid operator.

Can a portable EV charger be used with a standard socket?

That depends on the model. Devices with a Schuko plug are designed to operate from a household socket, but charge at considerably lower power than a wallbox. The socket, wiring and circuit protection must be suitable for the intended continuous load. Extension leads and multiway adapters are generally not a suitable solution for regular charging.

How long does a car battery charger last?

Its service life depends, among other things, on ambient temperature, humidity, cable routing and how intensively it is used. A fully automatic charger with a maintenance mode may be suitable for extended periods when the vehicle is parked, provided the manufacturer expressly states this. Regardless of the model, you should regularly inspect the cables, clamps and housing.