Installation of charging stations

Charging Station Installation 

The popularity of electric vehicles is rapidly growing in Lithuania, prompting more people to consider installing a private charging station at home. A properly chosen and installed charging station not only ensures safe and efficient EV charging but also increases daily convenience. In this article, we’ll cover the key factors to consider when selecting a charging station and provide practical tips on proper installation.

Key Criteria When Choosing a Charging Station

1. Charging Power and Speed

Charging station power directly determines how quickly your EV will charge. To calculate charging time, you need to know the battery capacity (kWh) and charging power (kW). The formula is simple:

Charging time (hrs) = Battery capacity (kWh) / Charging power (kW)

For example, if your EV has a 60 kWh battery and the station provides 11 kW, a full charge will take about 5.5 hours. However, keep in mind that your EV’s onboard charger may limit the maximum charging power. If the onboard charger supports only 7.4 kW, even with an 11 kW station, charging speed will not increase.
 

2. Electrical Supply Capacity and Dynamic Load Management

Before purchasing a charging station, it’s important to assess your home’s electrical supply capacity. In many cases, upgrading the capacity isn’t necessary due to low average electricity consumption. However, if you’re planning to install a more powerful station, it’s worth considering dynamic load management. This feature allows efficient distribution of available electricity across household devices, ensuring the load limit isn't exceeded during charging.
 

3. Station Type: Integrated Cable or Socket

Charging stations come with either an integrated cable or a socket. If you plan to charge only your own EV, a station with a built-in cable is more convenient since there’s no need to plug in a separate cable each time. However, if multiple vehicles will use the station, a socket-based model is more versatile, as different cars may require different cables.

4. Smart Features and Solar Panel Integration

Modern charging stations can include smart features such as remote control, energy consumption monitoring, or integration with a home solar system. If you have solar panels, a station with such integration enables efficient use of self-produced electricity for EV charging, reducing overall costs.
 

Proper Charging Station Installation

Location Selection

Choose a suitable place to install the station. It can be mounted on a wall, a dedicated stand, or placed on the ground. Ensure the location is safe and convenient for both you and your vehicle.

1. Electrical Wiring

Before installation, the appropriate cross-section electrical cable must be routed to the planned location. Cable thickness depends on the station’s power:

2. An appropriate circuit breaker must also be installed in the electrical panel:

It’s essential to ensure that your home’s main power cable can handle the required capacity for operating this equipment.