Purchasing an electric car is a big step toward new ecological awareness and a more conscious approach to mobility. As reported by the European Environment Agency, transportation is currently responsible for one-quarter of CO₂ emissions in Europe, with more than 71% attributable to road transport. Choosing electric is, therefore, a bet on the future and a long-term investment for a more sustainable tomorrow.
In this scenario, equipping yourself with an efficient home charging system is crucial for optimizing costs, monitoring charging times, and making the most of the potential of an electric vehicle. The single-phase wallbox is the ideal solution for most Italian households, ensuring easy installation and reliable, safe charging. Let’s find out how it works and the benefits of this choice.
What is a single-phase wallbox, and how does it work?
The single-phase wallbox is a charging device for electric vehicles that connects to the home electrical system using single-phase power, providing a variable power range between 3.7 kW and 7.4 kW. This system allows for safe and controlled car charging, converting alternating current into direct current and adapting it to the vehicle’s needs through an integrated inverter.
Compared to a three-phase wallbox, which operates on three power phases and can reach up to 22 kW for faster charging, the single-phase wallbox has longer charging times (a 50 kWh battery can take about 7 hours to charge at 7.4 kW). However, it is ideal for home use, with lower installation and management costs and no need for significant modifications to the home electrical system, unlike the three-phase solution. For those who drive an average of 20-40 km per day for regular commutes, the single-phase wallbox is a practical solution that allows for easy daily charging, adjusting refueling times and costs according to the power of your home electrical system.
Benefits of the single-phase wallbox
The combination of compatibility, safety, economy, and ease of use makes the single-phase wallbox a popular and appreciated home charging choice among electric vehicle owners. Most Italian homes are equipped with a single-phase electrical system, perfect for managing average household appliance and lighting consumption and cheaper to install and maintain compared to a three-phase electrical system. The compatibility with domestic systems makes the single-phase wallbox the perfect ally for conveniently charging your car at home. It is also ideal for those who use their car for short or urban trips, meeting daily charging needs without encountering the dreaded range anxiety.
Choosing a single-phase wallbox also means facing a more affordable expense than a three-phase model, as the lower power control reduces the complexity of the technical components and hardware specifications. Installation costs are therefore less burdensome, both in terms of materials and labor. The advantageous price-quality ratio is complemented by user-friendliness without overload, thanks to an intuitive interface and a structural design that prevents domestic system overload, maintaining stable daily energy consumption.
How to choose the ideal power
Before installing a single-phase wallbox, it is essential to check the capacity of your electric vehicle’s battery pack and assess personal charging needs and times. If you need to charge the vehicle overnight or travel short distances daily, a 3.7 kW model may be sufficient, ensuring a full charge in 8-12 hours. For those who use the vehicle more intensively or need faster charging times, a 7.4 kW solution cuts the charging time in half. The single-phase wallbox is ideal for electric vehicles with medium-low battery capacities, generally up to 40-60 kWh, such as city cars and compact models. For more powerful batteries, a single-phase model might be less effective. It is also crucial to assess the capacity of your home electrical system. In some cases, home systems are designed for standard power levels of 3 to 6 kW and may require upgrades or modifications to support a 7.4 kW wallbox, possibly requiring a review of the system or an increase in the contractual power of the meter.
Installation guide
For the installation of a single-phase wallbox, the intervention of a certified electrician is necessary. They will connect the device directly to the electrical panel through a dedicated circuit. Essential is equipping the circuit with proper protections, such as residual-current and circuit breakers, to prevent overloads and short circuits. Placing the single-phase wallbox in the garage is practical, accessible, and safe because it allows optimal positioning close to the car, in a well-ventilated area to avoid overheating.
Once the device is installed, the certified technician will perform a series of tests to ensure the system works correctly and complies with current safety regulations, such as CEI 64-8 for civil electrical installations. Regular checks are also advisable to keep the wallbox in optimal condition, ensuring the continuous safety of the system. For Daze wallbox, we handle the installation, providing direct contact with a certified technician for all activities related to installation and support.
Tips for efficient charging
Some good practices help ensure efficient and high-performance charging with the single-phase wallbox. For example, scheduling charging at night, during hours with lower rates (such as the F2 or F3 time slots indicated by Arera), helps save money due to reduced energy costs during off-peak periods. This choice not only optimizes costs but ensures high-quality charging without overloading the domestic electrical system. Additionally, setting the vehicle for slow or optimized charging reduces stress on the system and can extend battery life.
If you plan a long trip, consider charging the battery only up to the level needed for the journey, avoiding a 100% charge to improve battery efficiency and preserve its long-term health. Finally, it is always advisable to regularly check the operating conditions of the wallbox and the electrical system to ensure everything works correctly. The single-phase wallbox can be the ideal choice for a first approach to electric mobility, thanks to its affordable costs, ease of use, and perfect match with urban living.