Charging an electric car at home with a wallbox is not only more convenient but also significantly cheaper than using public charging stations. However, the cost of purchasing and installing a private charging unit can vary widely. This guide explains what electric car owners can expect to pay, what factors affect the total cost, and which type of wallbox is best for company cars.
A home wallbox involves several cost components:
The price of a wallbox depends mainly on its charging capacity and available features. For most households, a standard 11 kW wallbox is sufficient. Drivers who need faster charging might consider a 22 kW model.
Basic 11 kW devices start at around €300, while higher-quality units with advanced features like app control or load management can cost €1,000 or more. A 22 kW wallbox starts at around €500 to €600, but premium models can easily reach €2,000 or more.
In general, wallboxes can be grouped into three price categories:
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Installation costs depend on the property and the local electrical setup. The German automobile club ADAC estimates installation expenses between €500 and €2,300, depending on the complexity of the work. Installation must be carried out by a certified electrician. Costs are usually lower for single-family homes and higher for multi-unit buildings, where extra wiring, load management, and sub-distribution systems may be needed.
Every wallbox requires a circuit breaker and protection against direct and alternating current faults. Some models already include these components; others require an additional FI-A residual current device. Models with built-in DC fault detection can reduce installation costs.
Connection upgrades
While registration of a wallbox is mandatory and free, approval for 22 kW models may require connection reinforcement. If the household’s total electricity demand exceeds 30 kW, utilities can charge a one-time grid upgrade fee—typically around €500.
Smart meter costs
When charging an EV at home, electricity consumption rises considerably. If the total annual consumption exceeds 6,000 kWh, installation of a smart meter becomes mandatory. This also applies to new wallboxes rated above 4.2 kW, which must be registered as controllable consumption devices.
Installation of the smart meter and control box is free, but operation costs up to €50 per year under regulated price caps.
Operating costs depend on the car’s consumption and the household electricity tariff. With an average consumption of 20 kWh per 100 kilometers and an electricity price of €0.30 per kWh, charging costs amount to around €6 per 100 km. Using power from a home solar system can cut this in half.
In multi-unit buildings, additional costs may arise for load management, reporting systems, and billing services—especially for company cars.
Currently, there are no national subsidies for home wallboxes in Germany. Some regional or local programs still exist. For instance, North Rhine-Westphalia offers grants of up to €1,500. In other areas, local utilities or municipalities may provide limited-time rebates, sometimes linked to signing a new electricity contract.
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Get infoAccording to §14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG), new wallboxes must be remotely controllable. This means the device must have a digital interface that allows the grid operator to temporarily reduce the charging output to 4.2 kW in case of grid overload. In return, the household benefits from reduced grid fees. The operator is not allowed to switch the wallbox off completely.
Employees who charge a company car at home and need to bill electricity costs precisely to their employer must ensure the wallbox meets technical and legal requirements. There are several options:
For all options, the wallbox must be connected to the home network (usually via Wi-Fi or LAN) to transmit data. Reliable internet coverage at the installation site is essential for remote reading. The charging process should ideally be linked to an RFID card to assign sessions to individual vehicles—useful when several cars share the same wallbox.
The ideal wallbox depends on your home setup, vehicle type, desired charging speed, and whether charging will be private or work-related. In most cases, an 11 kW wallbox is sufficient. It charges overnight, is easier to install, and doesn’t require approval from the grid operator.
An 11 kW wallbox offers the best value: affordable, simple, and powerful enough for daily needs. Look for integrated safety features, user-friendly design, and optional smart functions such as app control. Reliable models are available from around €500–€800.
Households with photovoltaic systems benefit most from PV-optimized wallboxes, which adjust charging to available solar power. Key features include dynamic load adjustment, inverter communication, and surplus charging. Though these models cost around €1,000–€1,500, they can cut charging costs to just a few cents per kWh.
Those charging a company car at home need to meet additional requirements for accurate, tax-compliant reimbursement. The best choices are:
Network connectivity, RFID authentication, and compliance with §14a EnWG are also essential. Always coordinate with the employer before purchasing to ensure the model qualifies for reimbursement.
Charging at home is almost always cheaper than using public stations, especially with a low electricity tariff or solar power.
Many operators also charge basic or blocking fees if vehicles remain connected after charging ends.
Charging at home is the most convenient and often the most economical solution. Drivers can plug in anytime and always start their next trip with a full battery. The more frequently you drive, the faster the investment pays off—both in cost savings and comfort.
Public charging, on the other hand, can be more complicated. Prices vary, payment methods differ, and stations are sometimes busy or out of order. According to the 2024 charging station survey by energy provider Lichtblick, the average price per kWh at public stations is around €0.54, with fast chargers costing even more.
For frequent drivers or those without access to workplace charging, a private wallbox quickly becomes worthwhile. Pairing it with a competitive electricity provider or solar power can further reduce costs.
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