Last updated: October 15, 2025
Electromobility is on the rise, and having a home wallbox is becoming increasingly standard for electric car drivers. Charging your own vehicle overnight is not only convenient but also significantly cheaper than using public charging stations. However, the wallbox market is large and confusing. Which model is right for me? What do I need to consider during installation? And what legal requirements do I need to consider?
This comprehensive guide for 2025 gives you all the answers you need to make an informed purchasing decision. We'll guide you step by step through the process—from choosing the right charging power to exploring the latest smart features.
What is a wallbox and why do you need one?
A wallbox, also called a wall-mounted charging station, is a special socket designed for the safe and fast charging of electric vehicles. It is typically mounted on a wall in the garage, carport, or on a freestanding charging station and connected to the home's electrical grid.
The advantages over charging from a conventional household socket (Schuko) are considerable:
• Safety: Household sockets are not designed to withstand the high continuous load that occurs when charging an electric car. This can lead to overheating and, in the worst case, fire. Wallboxes, on the other hand, are equipped with special protective devices that ensure a safe charging process.
• Speed: While charging from a household socket can often take more than 24 hours, a wallbox can fully charge your electric car in just a few hours, depending on the model and vehicle.
• Convenience: No more messing with extension cables. Simply plug the charger into your car's charging port and the charging process begins.
• Cost savings: Charging at home is generally significantly cheaper than using public charging stations. With your own wallbox, you have complete control over your charging costs.
Wallbox purchase criteria: What you should pay attention to
Choosing the right wallbox depends on several factors. Here are the most important criteria to consider when making your decision:
Charging power: 11 kW or 22 kW?
The charging power, measured in kilowatts (kW), determines how quickly your electric car is charged. The most common charging powers for private wallboxes are 11 kW and 22 kW.
• 11 kW wallboxes: For most applications, 11 kW wallboxes are perfectly adequate. They easily fully charge most electric vehicles overnight. Another advantage: They only need to be registered with the grid operator.
• 22 kW wallboxes: A 22 kW wallbox charges your electric car twice as fast as an 11 kW wallbox. However, your vehicle must also be designed for this high charging power. You also need approval from the grid operator for installation.
|
Charging power |
Charging time (approx.) for 50 kWh battery |
Network operator requirement |
|
11 kW |
5-6 hours |
Registration requirement |
|
22 kW |
2-3 hours |
Approval requirement |
Taxability according to Section 14a EnWG
As of January 1, 2024, all newly installed wallboxes with a charging capacity of more than 4.2 kW must be controllable. This is stipulated in the Energy Industry Act (Section 14a EnWG). This means that if the power grid is at risk of overload, the grid operator can temporarily reduce the charging capacity of your wallbox. In return, you benefit from reduced grid fees.
Integrated electricity meter
An integrated electricity meter is useful for keeping track of the electricity being charged. This is especially important if you want to bill your employer for charging costs or if the wallbox is used by multiple people.
• Simple electricity meter: Shows the electricity charged, but is not suitable for billing purposes.
• MID-certified meter: Enables legally compliant billing, e.g. with the employer.
• Meter compliant with calibration law: Necessary for billing with third parties, e.g. in apartment buildings or company parking lots.
DC residual current protection
DC residual current protection is an essential safety feature that protects against dangerous DC fault currents. Many modern wallboxes already have this built-in, reducing installation costs. If it's not integrated, an expensive Type B residual current device must be installed separately.
Access protection
If your wallbox is installed outdoors or in a freely accessible underground parking garage, access protection is a good idea to prevent unauthorized charging. Common methods include:
• RFID cards: The charging process is activated by holding a special card.
• App control: Activation is done via a smartphone app.
• Key switch: The wallbox is activated with a key.
Plug type and charging cable
In Europe, the Type 2 plug has become the standard. Make sure your wallbox has one. You can choose between a wallbox with a permanently attached charging cable or a charging socket to which you connect a separate cable.
Wallbox costs: purchase and installation
The costs for a wallbox consist of the purchase price and the installation costs.
• Purchase price: Prices for wallboxes range from approximately €400 for simple models to over €1,500 for high-end devices with many additional functions.
• Installation costs: The cost of installation by a qualified electrician varies greatly depending on the local conditions. Expect to pay between €500 and €2,500. Factors that influence the cost include the distance to the fuse box, necessary wall penetrations, and excavation work.
Wallbox installation: wall-mounted or freestanding?
The most common installation method is to mount it on a wall in the garage or carport. But what if there is no suitable wall near the parking space? In this case, a freestanding installation is the ideal solution.
Freestanding installation is achieved using a base , also called a pedestal or charging station . This offers maximum flexibility in choosing a location. When selecting a charging station, you should look for high-quality materials such as stainless steel to ensure a long service life and weather resistance. Models with a roof offer additional protection for your wallbox from rain and snow. An integrated cable holder also keeps things tidy and protects the charging cable.
At www.die-ladesaeule.de, we specialize in the production of high-quality and durable stainless steel charging stations that meet precisely these requirements and offer an elegant and robust solution for the freestanding installation of your wallbox.
Legal requirements 2025
• Registration requirement: Every wallbox up to 11 kW must be registered with the responsible grid operator before commissioning. This is usually handled by the electrical company installing it.
• Approval required: Wallboxes with charging capacity exceeding 11 kW (e.g., 22 kW) require approval. The grid operator must approve the installation.
• Right to a wallbox: Since the reform of the German Condominium Act (WEG), tenants and homeowners have a legal right to the installation of a wallbox.
Intelligent wallbox features for the future
Modern wallboxes can do more than just charge. Here are some smart features that can be worthwhile:
• PV surplus charging: If you have a photovoltaic system, you can use a smart wallbox to specifically use the excess solar power to charge your electric car. This is not only environmentally friendly but also extremely cost-effective.
• Load management: If several electric cars are to be charged simultaneously (e.g. in an apartment building or in a company parking lot), load management ensures that the available power is optimally distributed among all vehicles without overloading the house connection.
• Bidirectional charging (V2H/V2G): An emerging trend is bidirectional charging. This allows the electric car to not only absorb power but also feed it back into the home grid (Vehicle-to-Home, V2H) or the public grid (Vehicle-to-Grid, V2G). This transforms your car into a mobile power storage device.
Wallbox subsidy 2025
The nationwide KfW funding program for private wallboxes has unfortunately expired. However, there are still opportunities to benefit from subsidies. Many federal states, cities, and municipalities offer their own funding programs. It's best to contact your local authority directly for information about current funding opportunities.
Checklist: How to find the right wallbox
1 Analyze your needs: How many kilometers do you drive daily? How quickly does your car need to charge?
2 Check your vehicle: What maximum charging power does your electric car support?
3 Determine the installation location: wall-mounted or freestanding? Garage, carport, or outdoor area?
4 Have your electrical installation checked: An electrician can assess the on-site conditions and estimate the installation effort.
5 Select additional features: Do you need an electricity meter, PV surplus charging, or other smart features?
6 Get quotes: Compare prices for wallboxes and installation from different providers.
7 Check funding: Find out about regional grants.
Conclusion
Purchasing a wallbox is a worthwhile investment in the future of mobility. It not only offers greater safety and convenience when charging your electric car, but also saves costs in the long run. With the information in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to find the right charging solution for you—whether wall-mounted or freestanding with a high-quality charging station.
References
• ADAC: Wallbox: This is what private charging stations plus installation will cost in 2025
• Simply electric car: Which wallbox for home in 2025? - The ultimate buying guide
• Energy Industry Act (EnWG) §14a