An 11 kW or a 22 kW
wallbox –
what suits you best?

Quick. Efficient. Reliable. These three main qualities have allowed wallboxes to conquer the market within an extremely short space of time. But, often, choosing the ideal wallbox isn’t quite as easy. Initially, interested individuals are literally “overrun” by a flood of information when conducting relevant research. This is understandable, since the range of 11 kW and 22 kW wallboxes in particular is huge.

11 kW or 22 kW – charging time

What charging power is suitable for use at home

The charging time is the crucial factor for many people when buying a wallbox. Among other things, it depends on the charging power that your charging station provides. Generally speaking, the greater the vehicle’s and the charging station’s charging power, the faster the charging process. Consequently, a 22 kW wallbox can charge twice as fast as an 11 kW wallbox.

However, this is overridden by what is known as the “weakest link principle”, which determines the maximum charging power in a charging chain. If the electric car’s charging power is 11 kW, even a more powerful wallbox cannot speed up the charging process. Additionally, it must be taken into account how much charging power the main connection can provide.

Plug-in hybrids, for instance, often have a charging power of just 3.7 kW to 7.4 kW. But, in most cases, electric cars can be charged with 11 kW of power.

EV charging in family's garage EV charging in family's garage

11 kW or 22 kW – an administrative burden (Germany)

When do I need a registration or permit? 

According to Section 19 of the German Low Voltage Connection Ordinance, 11 kW wallboxes only need to be registered with the local electricity grid operator. On the other hand, additional written permission is required for a 22 kW wallbox. This is not issued as a matter of course. Unfortunately, nothing can be done if the installation is denied. Additionally, the approval process often involves high fees. The backdrop to this complex procedure is ensuring grid stability.

11 kW oder 22 kW – the cost factor

Which is the more cost-effective option?

When comparing the acquisition costs, any differences in this respect are only minor. But during installation, on the other hand, you can definitely save costs. Indeed, technical modifications often have to be made before installing a 22 kW wallbox. Structural adaptation measures aren’t uncommon, especially in older buildings. On the other hand, you don’t usually have to expect changes to a private connection when purchasing an 11 kW wallbox.

Our product recommendations

11 kW wallboxes for private use

-20%
The Mobility House I KEBA KeContact P30 DE440 GREEN EDITION 121.218 Wallbox
KEBA KeContact P30 DE440 GREEN EDITION 121.218 charging station (11 kW, incl. 6m type 2 cable, LAN, UDP/Modbus TCP, DC protection)
Special Price €639.00 Regular Price €799.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-15%
The Mobility House | go-eCharger HOMEfix Wallbox 11 kW
go-eCharger HOMEfix wallbox 11 kW (11 kW, type 2 socket, RFID/APP, EM, WLAN)
Special Price €579.00 Regular Price €679.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-49%
EVBox Elvi Wallbox (11 kW, inkl. 6m Typ 2 Kabel, RFID, WLAN) | The Mobility House
EVBox Elvi Wallbox 11 kW WLAN (11 kW, incl. 6m type 2 cable, RFID, Wi-Fi, OCPP 1.6, DC protection)
Special Price €449.00 Regular Price €889.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-44%
The Mobility House | ABL eMH1 1W1101 Wallbox
ABL eMH1 1W1101 charging station (11 kW, incl. 6m type 2 cable, Type A RCD, DC protection)
Special Price €445.00 Regular Price €789.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-49%
The Mobility House | ABL eMH1 Basic 1W1108 Wallbox
ABL eMH1 Basic 1W1108 charging station (11 kW, incl. 6m type 2 cable, key, DC protection)
Special Price €349.00 Regular Price €679.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
The Mobility House I KEBA KeContact P30 GREEN EDITION 120.163 Wallbox
KEBA KeContact P30 GREEN EDITION 120.163 charging station (11 kW, incl. 6m type 2 cable, DC protection)
€719.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-21%
The Mobility House | Wallbox Pulsar Plus PLP1-0-2-3-9-001 Wallbox
Wallbox Pulsar Plus PLP1-0-2-3-9-001 charging station (11 kW, incl. 5m type 2 cable, APP, integrated energy meter, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, OCPP 1.6, DC protection, white)
Special Price €679.00 Regular Price €859.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-26%
The Mobility House | ABL eMH1 1W1121 Wallbox
ABL eMH1 1W1121 charging station (11 kW, socket type 2, Type A RCD, DC protection)
Special Price €595.00 Regular Price €799.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-11%
The Mobility House | Heidelberg Home Eco Wallbox
Heidelberg Home Eco Wallbox (11 kW, incl. 7,5m type 2 cable, DC protection)
Special Price €469.00 Regular Price €529.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-31%
TMH I EVBox Elvi Wallbox 11kW
EVBox Elvi V2 E3160-A15062-10.2 Wallbox (11 kW, incl. 6m type 2 cable, RFID, MID, Wi-Fi/SIM, OCPP 1.6, DC protection)
Special Price €799.00 Regular Price €1,159.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-28%
TMH I EVBox Elvi Wallbox 11kW
EVBox Elvi V2 E3160-A35062-10.2 charging station (11 kW, incl. 6m type 2 cable, RFID, MID, Wi-Fi, OCPP 1.6, DC protection)
Special Price €779.00 Regular Price €1,079.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-30%
The Mobility House I KEBA P30 Deutschland Edition DE 440 Wallbox
KEBA KeContact P30 Germany edition DE 440 AC wallbox (11 kW, 4m type 2 cable, LAN)
Special Price €539.00 Regular Price €769.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
The Mobility House | Smartfox Pro Charger 767523866314 Wallbox
Smartfox Pro Charger 767523866314 wallbox (11 kW, incl. 5m type 2 cable, integrated energy meter, LAN, DC protection, white)
€1,239.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-12%
The Mobility House |Webasto Pure 5110496A Wallbox
Webasto Pure 5110496A Wallbox (11 kW, incl. 4,5m type 2 cable, DC protection)
Special Price €439.00 Regular Price €499.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-18%
The Mobility House | Webasto Pure 5110497A Wallbox Plus X Award
Webasto Pure 5110497A Wallbox (11 kW, incl. 7m type 2 cable, DC protection)
Special Price €489.00 Regular Price €599.00
Delivery time: 1-2 weeks, no express possible
-18%
The Mobility House | Webasto Next 5111122D Wallbox
Webasto Next 5111122D charging station (11 kW, incl. 7m type 2 cable, APP, integrated energy meter, LAN/Wi-Fi, OCPP/Modbus TCP, DC protection)
Special Price €719.00 Regular Price €879.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
The Mobility House | KEBA KeContact P30 PV EDITION 127.736 Wallbox
KEBA KeContact P30 PV EDITION 127.736 charging station (11 kW, incl. 6m type 2 cable, integrated energy meter, LAN/Wi-Fi, OCPP/UDP/Modbus TCP, DC protection)
€1,019.00
Delivery time: 4-5 weeks, no express possible
-20%
The Mobility House | Charge Amps Halo 100308 Wallbox
Charge Amps Halo 100308 charging station (11 kW, incl. 7,5m type 2 cable, RFID, integrated energy meter, Wi-Fi, DC protection)
Special Price €959.00 Regular Price €1,199.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
-18%
The Mobility House  |  Webasto Next 5111121C Wallbox Plus X Award
Webasto Next 5111121C charging station (11 kW, incl. 4,5m type 2 cable, APP, integrated energy meter, LAN/Wi-Fi, OCPP/Modbus TCP, DC protection)
Special Price €659.00 Regular Price €799.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
The Mobility House | Alfen Eve Single S-line 904460587-4917 Wallbox
Alfen Eve Single S-line 904460587-4326 charging station (11 kW, incl. 5m type 2 cable, RFID, MID, LAN, OCPP/Modbus TCP, DC protection, CP-ready)
€799.00
Delivery time: 1-3 working days

11 kW or 22 kW – battery life

Does the charging power influence the battery life?

The time saved by a more powerful wallbox is tempting at first glance – but it’s not always the best option for the battery. This takes its toll on the cells, which in turn can have a negative impact on the battery life. While charging with less power is certainly more tedious, it’s far more gentle on the electric car’s battery. You should only charge quickly when really necessary.

Additionally, it’s important to avoid extreme battery states – such as full charging or deep discharging. State of charge (SoC) levels between 20% and 80% are ideal. This is where smart software, such as ChargePilot, our intelligent Charging and Energy Management, can be helpful. By controlling the charging processes, battery aging can be significantly reduced.

Woman charging an electric car Woman charging an electric car

11 kW or 22 kW – outlook for the future

Where is this journey taking us?

If we leave the use at home to one side for the moment, a charging power of 22 kW is already standard in the “public charging” sector in the likes of parking lots and at supermarkets. Even fast charging stations with 350 kW can be found occasionally.

If we take a look at the current (German) registration figures – electric cars with 11 kW charging power are currently being sold for the most part (as at: summer 2022).

11 kW or 22 kW wallbox – conclusion

The key considerations in a nutshell

At first glance, the advantages of the 11 kW and 22 kW wallboxes balance one another out. However, relevant differences are emerging on some points.

Powerful 22 kW wallboxes make charging far more flexible in terms of the fast charging time. But, generally speaking, an 11 kW wallbox is perfectly sufficient for private individuals, since it allows them to charge their electric car overnight without any problems. Additionally, most vehicles are 11 kW-capable, but only a few are currently compatible with 22 kW charging power. So it is highly advisable to always find out in advance about your own electric car’s possibilities. What’s more, an 11 kW wallbox can be installed without major administrative effort. 

In general, the 11 kW variant has become an established solution in the domestic charging segment, while the 22 kW variant is the standard in the public sector.

 

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