Choosing a charging device

If choosing a device is confusing, and you don't have time to learn more about the topic, call us and we will be happy to recommend a charging device that suits your needs.

When choosing a charging device, you should think about the following points:

Which type of connector fits my car?

- For example, these electric or plug-in hybrid cars are charged with a Type 2 plug; Audi hybrids, BMW i3 and i8 + plug-in hybrids, Chevrolet Spark, Mercedes Benz hybrids and full electrics, Porsche Panamera S PHEV, Renault Zoe, Volkswagen e-Up, e-Golf, Golf and Passat GTE, Skodas, Volvo hybrids and full electrics. Make sure your car has a plug before buying the device. Type 2 is capable (at a general level) of utilizing single-phase, two-phase and three-phase alternating current charging.

- For example, these electric or plug-in hybrid cars are charged with a Type 1 plug; Chevrolet Volt, Citroen C-Zero, Fisker Karma, Ford Focus Electric, Ford C-Max Energi, Mia, Mia Electric Van, Mitsubishi Outlander Phev, Peugeot Ion, Renault Fluence and Kangoo, Toyota Prius. Make sure the plug is suitable for your car before buying the device. Type 1 is only able to use single-phase alternating current charging.

- Ensure compatibility with our assistance if necessary. We will be happy to help you choose the device that best suits you.

What size is the battery in my car?

The batteries of smaller plug-in hybrids are fully charged in a single phase (1x16A / 3.6 kW) in a couple of three hours.

Larger 11kW/22kW stations are connected to the mains either with a mains plug or a fixed connection. A power socket (3x16A) can be found in many households precisely in the carport or garage.

Before purchasing the device, you should also check the power of your car's internal charger (on board charger). Car manufacturers often market a somewhat misleadingly more efficient internal 7.2kW charger, which may, however, be a single-phase charge utilizing 32A. The traditional 3x25A main fuse of a detached house cannot do this.

From the Type 2 connector on the car side, you can see if your car supports 1-, 2-, or 3-phase charging. If the pin is only found in slot L1, it is a car using single-phase charging, if L1 and L2, it is a car using two-phase charging and if all L1, L2 and L3, then the car is charged using three phases. See picture below.