Have You Bought an Electric Car? Find the Right EV Charger for Your Home

Have you purchased an electric car or are you planning to switch to an EV soon? Now, you’re looking for the right EV charger for your home? We explain what you need to consider to find the right charging solution for your needs:

Why Should I Charge at Home with an EV Charger?
What Should I Consider When Buying an EV Charger?
Conclusion

Why Should I Charge at Home with an EV Charger?

One major advantage of EVs is the ability to utilize long idle times of your vehicle for charging. Having your own EV charger at home makes charging particularly convenient, with additional features offering further benefits. You can easily charge your vehicle overnight and start your day with a full battery. Compared to using a standard household socket, an EV charger is not only faster but also safer and more cost-effective in the long run. If you have a solar PV system, you can save even more by using free solar power to charge your vehicle.

What Should I Consider When Buying an EV Charger?

A good EV charger stands out due to several factors. Smart features such as app control, charging analytics, PV integration, and multi-user capability are important aspects. Cable length, ease of use, and installation requirements also play a significant role. With a good load management system, you don’t have to worry about overloading your home’s electrical system. Lastly, the charging power in kilowatts determines how fast you can charge your car.

Key Features of EV Charger Hardware

Depending on the installation location, you should consider several hardware features before purchasing an EV charger:

Cable Options

EV chargers come with different cable configurations. Some models have a permanently attached charging cable, allowing for easy plug-in charging. However, this means the cable cannot be removed and needs to be wrapped around the charger when not in use. Our DaheimLader chargers, for example, come with 5 or 7.5-meter fixed cables.

Alternatively, you can opt for a charger without a cable. In this case, the charger has a socket where you connect an external charging cable. Our DaheimLader EV chargers are also available in this variant. You can order an additional cable of up to 15 meters from our shop.

Choosing the right cable option depends on where your EV charger is installed and where your vehicle’s charging port is located. A longer cable can be practical if you need to route it around the vehicle. A 7.5-meter cable is generally a safe choice.

Display on the EV Charger

Basic EV chargers often do not have a display. However, a display can improve user experience by showing real-time charging data such as speed and duration. Our DaheimLader Smart PRO features a simple display that quickly shows the charging status once activated.

With a touchscreen display, you gain additional functionality, allowing you to adjust settings like charging power and Wi-Fi configurations. The DaheimLader Touch PRO, for instance, provides these advanced features.

Housing Material

For outdoor installation, a durable metal housing is preferable, as plastic components can become brittle and degrade over time. The DaheimLader Smart PRO and DaheimLader Touch PRO feature a metal casing with a tempered glass front. This material is highly heat-resistant and suitable for installation without additional protection from sun and rain.

EV Charger for Private Use

For private use, features like app control, charging analytics, PV charging, and multi-user capability are particularly useful.

Our Click2Charge app allows you to start and stop charging sessions, monitor the charging status, set charging timers, and analyze detailed charging data. You can also integrate dynamic electricity pricing to charge when rates are lowest.

With an integrated RFID card reader, you can assign RFID cards to different users or vehicles. This allows you to share your EV charger with neighbors while keeping track of individual usage for cost allocation.

If you own a PV system, you can optimize savings by charging your car directly with excess solar energy. When the sun isn’t shining, the charger pauses and waits until more energy is available.

The DaheimLader Smart PRO offers all these features and is easy to install with our DaheimLader DockingStation, making it simple to become a #daheimlader.

Good to Know

As of January 1, 2024, Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act states that EV chargers can no longer be prohibited by grid operators, and 22 kW chargers no longer require special approval. You can now register your EV charger digitally with your local grid operator.

EV Charger for Company Cars, Rental Properties, and Businesses

If you need an EV charger for a company car, rental property, or business, precise billing is essential. MID-certified electricity meters ensure legally compliant billing and tax recognition.

Our DaheimLader Touch PRO features an MID-certified meter and, when used with the Click2Charge app, enables accurate reimbursement of electricity costs from your employer. You can track exactly how much electricity has been consumed over a specific period for invoicing tenants or business use.

11 kW or 22 kW EV Charger?

The choice between an 11 kW and a 22 kW EV charger primarily depends on your vehicle. Most EVs can only charge at 11 kW. Our DaheimLader EV chargers are available in both 11 kW and 22 kW versions. If your vehicle supports 22 kW AC charging, a 22 kW charger will double the charging speed. If you are unsure, check with your car dealer.

Examples of vehicles that support 22 kW charging:

Renault Twingo E-Tech
Renault Megane E-Tech
BMW i7
Nissan Ariya

Optional 22 kW charging available for:

Audi e-tron
BMW i5
BMW iX
Polestar 4
Volvo EX30

Note: Home AC chargers differ significantly from public DC fast chargers, which can charge at speeds of up to 240 kW—ideal when minimal downtime is required.

How is the EV Charger Installed and What Does it Cost?

Installation should always be carried out by a qualified electrician. You can save some costs by preparing certain groundwork, such as excavation.

Installation costs depend on various factors, such as the need for core drilling and cable length from the charger to the power source. Longer cable runs can significantly increase costs.

Our DaheimLader DockingStation simplifies installation—your electrician only needs to install the docking station, and you can then easily mount the charger yourself.

Save Money with Subsidies

To offset installation costs, check for available subsidies for EV charging infrastructure. In addition to nationwide programs, many cities and municipalities offer local grants. More details can be found in our article on EV charger subsidies.

Conclusion

Choosing the right EV charger for your electric car is an important decision influenced by several factors. Here’s a quick summary:

Convenience & Efficiency: Home charging saves time and money.
Smart Features: Look for app control, PV integration, and multi-user capability.
Hardware: Cable length, display, and durable housing are key considerations.
Charging Power: Choose between 11 kW and 22 kW based on your vehicle’s capabilities.
Business Use: If needed, ensure accurate billing options.
Installation: Have it professionally installed and explore possible subsidies.
Future-Proofing: Opt for an EV charger that supports software updates for future needs.

With the right EV charger, home charging becomes more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. Products like the DaheimLader Smart PRO or Touch PRO offer a wide range of features to meet diverse needs.

Still unsure about choosing the right EV charger? Contact us via email, chat, or phone at +49 6202 9454644 for expert advice!