Home EV Charger: 11kW Wallbox Buyer's Guide

Purchasing an electric vehicle is the first step towards a new era of mobility. The second, equally important step is choosing the right charging infrastructure. Given the multitude of options—from a permanently installed home charging station to a portable EV charger—the decision can be complex. This article serves as an objective guide to simplify your selection process. We will introduce various charging concepts and present a selection of products that cater to different needs.

As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I have analysed the available information to provide you with a factual basis for your decision.

What to Consider When Choosing a Charging Solution

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

1. Fixed Wallbox or Portable Charger?

The first fundamental decision concerns the type of charging station.

• Fixed Wallbox: A home charging station permanently mounted on the wall of your garage or carport is the most convenient option for homeowners. It is always ready to use and typically offers higher charging power and additional safety features. Models like an 11kW wallbox enable significantly faster charging than a conventional power socket.
• Portable Charger (Mobile Wallbox): A portable wallbox offers maximum flexibility. It is ideal for renters who are not permitted to make structural modifications, or for drivers who regularly need to charge their vehicle at different locations (e.g., at work, at a holiday home). These devices can be connected to various socket types, from a household socket (Schuko) to an industrial power socket (CEE).

2. Connection Types and Their Charging Power

The speed at which your vehicle charges depends significantly on the power connection.

• Schuko Charging Cable: Charging via a standard household socket is the simplest but also the slowest method. The charging power is limited to a maximum of 3.7 kW, and in practice, often to 2.3 kW (10A) to prevent overheating of the home's electrical system.
• CEE Charging Cable: For higher charging power, CEE sockets ("three-phase power") are required. A red CEE 16A charging cable connection allows for three-phase charging with up to 11 kW. This significantly reduces charging time and is the standard for most modern wallboxes.
• Type 2 Charging Cable: On the vehicle side, the Type 2 plug has established itself as the standard in Europe. Nearly all charging solutions presented here use this plug type, making them compatible with most European electric cars and plug-in hybrids.

3. Additional Features: Wallbox with App and RFID Access

Modern charging solutions often offer smart features that make the daily charging routine more convenient and secure.

• Wallbox with App: App control allows you to start and stop charging sessions remotely, schedule charging times (e.g., to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates), and monitor energy consumption.
• Wallbox with RFID: An RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) function provides access control. Using a special card or chip, only authorised individuals can start the charging process. This is particularly useful in underground garages of apartment buildings or on publicly accessible company car parks to prevent unauthorised use.

Recommended Charging Solutions

Based on the criteria mentioned above, we have compiled a selection of products that cover various use cases—from flexible portable solutions to permanently installed home charging stations.

feyree Type2 16A 3.5KW Portable EV Charger

Why it stands out: This portable charger is an extremely flexible and straightforward solution for charging at any standard household socket. Its key feature is the adjustable current (8A, 10A, 13A, 16A), which allows the charging power to be adapted to the capacity of the respective electrical installation. The OLED display shows the current charging status at all times.

Pros:

• Universal Connection: Charges via a standard Schuko socket.
• Adjustable Charging Current: Allows for safe adaptation to the socket's load capacity.
• Compact and Portable: Includes a carrying case for easy transport in the vehicle.
• Integrated Safety Features: Protection against leakage current, overvoltage, and overheating.

Who is it for? This device is ideal for owners of plug-in hybrids or EVs with smaller batteries. It serves perfectly as a secondary or emergency charger for on the go, or for renters who rely on an existing Schuko socket.

dé Portable EV Charger 11kW with App

Why it stands out: This portable wallbox combines the flexibility of a portable device with the performance of a fixed station. With its CEE 16A plug, it achieves a charging power of up to 11 kW, which can reduce charging time by a factor of three compared to a Schuko socket. Control via an app makes it a smart and versatile charging solution.

Pros:

• High Charging Power: Up to 11 kW via a CEE 16A connection.
• Smart Control: Charging sessions can be scheduled and monitored via an app.
• Long Cable: The 7-metre cable offers plenty of flexibility when parking.
• Flexible Use: Ideal for home, work, or campsites with a three-phase power supply.

Who is it for? Perfect for EV drivers who need a fast charging solution but cannot or do not want to install a fixed wallbox. It is the optimal choice for anyone with regular access to a CEE socket who doesn't want to miss out on the benefits of a wallbox with an app, even when on the move.

dé Wallbox Type 2 11kW with APP & RFID

Why it stands out: This installable 11kW wallbox is a comprehensive solution for home charging. It combines high charging power with intelligent control and security features. A particular highlight is the integrated Type B RCD, which protects against both AC and DC fault currents and can save costs during installation. The combination of app control and RFID access control offers maximum convenience and security.

Pros:

• Full 11 kW Charging Power: For fast and efficient overnight charging.
• Comprehensive Control: Scheduling, power adjustment, and monitoring via the Tuya Smart App.
• Secure Access:RFID cards prevent unauthorised use by third parties.
• Integrated Type B RCD: A high level of electrical safety is already built into the device.
• Generous Cable Length: The 7.5-metre cable can also reach vehicles parked further away.

Who is it for? This wallbox is the top choice for homeowners looking for a permanent, powerful, and secure home charging station. It is ideal for households with one or more electric vehicles and for users who value smart features and controlled access.

Didn't Find the Right Fit?

Choosing the right charging solution is a highly individual decision. If the models presented here do not fully meet your requirements, there are numerous other options to discover. From different cable lengths to specific functionalities—the market offers a wide range.

Discover our entire range of charging solutions and find the perfect accessory for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an 11kW wallbox suitable for every EV?

Most modern battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can charge with 11 kW of alternating current (AC). However, some older models or certain plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have an on-board charger that is limited to a lower power level (e.g., 3.7 kW or 7.4 kW). An 11 kW wallbox will then charge these vehicles only at their maximum possible speed. Nevertheless, an 11kW wallbox is a future-proof investment, as it will be compatible with future vehicles.

Do I need a permit for an 11kW wallbox?

In Germany, charging equipment up to and including 11 kW must be registered with the responsible grid operator before commissioning. This is a simple notification process, which the installing electrician usually handles for you. Charging equipment with a power rating of more than 11 kW requires a permit.

Can I install a wallbox myself?

No. In Germany, the installation of a hardwired wallbox is work on the home's electrical system and, for safety and warranty reasons, may only be carried out by a qualified electrician. Portable chargers that are plugged into an existing and correctly fused socket (Schuko or CEE) do not require professional installation.