You are choosing a home charging station that you will use for 8–12 years. Once installed, switching is expensive. Four questions to help you decide.

Question 1: single-phase or three-phase connection?

If you have a single-phase connection (most older homes), then 11 kW three-phase is not an option anyway without adjustments to your meter cupboard. In that case: 7.4 kW single-phase is your maximum, and that is more than sufficient for 95% of users.

Question 2: how much do you drive per day?

Under 100 km/day: 7.4 kW or 11 kW is more than enough — a night of charging adds 60–110 km. Above 200 km/day or multiple vehicles on one station: then 22 kW is worth the extra cost.

Question 3: do you have solar panels?

If you have PV and want to charge your vehicle during the day using solar energy, you need a station that can modulate with solar surplus. Not every 11 kW station can do this. Specific models (Smappee, Alfen Eve Single Pro-line with the correct configuration, Enovates with PV add-on) can.

Question 4: do you want split billing with your employer?

If so: your station must be OCPP-compliant and capable of being linked to your employer’s management platform. Inexpensive stations from DIY stores often do not meet these requirements. Ask explicitly before purchasing.

The decision tree in one sentence

  • City dweller with single-phase and average driving habits → 7.4 kW simple station, approx. €1,500 installed.
  • Standard family with PV and EV company car → 11 kW smart station with solar integration, approx. €2,000–€2,500 installed.
  • Frequent driver, two vehicles, or operational needs → 22 kW smart station, approx. €2,800–€3,500 installed.

What is NOT the right reason to choose 22 kW

“Just to be safe” or “because it’s possible” — if you are never going to notice the difference in charging time, it is a wasted budget. 11 kW simply fully charges a vehicle overnight. 22 kW does the same, but 5 hours faster — and that doesn’t matter if you’re sleeping until morning anyway.

Don’t forget

  • The installation cost (cabling, grounding measurement, potentially upgrading the circuit group) can be higher than the station itself. Always ask for a total price.
  • Smart stations require a Wi-Fi or 4G connection at the installation site — check this in advance.

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Want to know which station fits your situation? View our packages for individuals with indicative prices, or request a personalized quote.