A Scandi-flick: the 3 best, stylish and functional home wall charger stations to charge your Volvo at home
- Mario de Vries
- Feb 21, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 28, 2024
Social democracy, self-assembled furniture, and excellent crime series on Netflix – just a few clichés associated with Scandinavian culture. Another stereotype is the Scandinavians' mastery of excellent design. Volvo happens to be one of my favourite car brands. Not because they're incredibly sexy or loud, but because they're exceptionally well-built and their designs have stood the test of time incredibly well. Volvo knows this too, hence their long-standing slogan "Volvo. For Life", reflecting the immense loyalty most Volvo drivers have towards the brand.
Here in Norway, the Volvo XC40 Recharge (or EX40 as it's now called) consistently populates the list of the most sold EVs per month, and the EX30, unveiled in the autumn of 2023, is also making its way up the sales charts. In fact, Volvo has announced plans to phase out all combustion engine vehicles by 2030, sending only electric models onto the roads (which they already do in Denmark).
This means that their vast loyal customer base will need to consider installing a home charging station for your Volvo, since that's where you'll do most of your weekly charging. And that's where I come in to help. Interestingly, Volvo itself doesn't offer its own home charger yet, despite being part of the massive Geely conglomerate. But why should they when there are several home chargers that perfectly complement Volvo's design language? Let me introduce them to you.
Zaptec Go
This Norwegian solution might just be the perfect match for your Volvo. Awarded the prestigious international Red Dot Design Award in 2022 and hailed as the top choice by the Norwegian Automobile Federation, the Zaptec Go's accolades speak volumes, especially in a country like Norway, boasting the highest EV density globally. Its simple installation and outstanding build quality set it apart, comprising fewer components than competitors, potentially reducing installation costs significantly. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, Zaptec offers a five-year warranty, with an intuitive app for user convenience. While currently available only in Scandinavian countries, expansion plans are in place, with compliance with all EU regulations, making it safe to use anywhere in Europe. Prices start around €739.00, depending on location and possible local or national subsidies.
Charging Power: The Zaptec Go offers a wide range of charging power, from 1.4 kW to 22 kW, supporting both 1-phase and 3-phase charging.
Load Balancing: It supports load balancing for up to 3 units per fuse without needing additional infrastructure. This load balancing capability is wireless.
Connectivity: Integrated 4G: Each unit comes with an integrated e-SIM for 4G connectivity. The subscription for 4G connectivity is free for the lifetime of the charger.
WiFi: The charger can also connect to WiFi for over-the-air updates, ensuring it stays up-to-date with the latest software. Type 2 Cable Locking: The charger allows for permanent locking of the Type 2 cable, providing security and preventing unauthorized removal. Safety Features: PEN Fault Detection: It has built-in PEN fault detection to ensure maximum charging safety without compromising on performance.
Quality and Safety Monitoring: The Zaptec Go continuously monitors temperature, overcurrent, residual current, and humidity to ensure safe operation. It complies with safety requirements of IEC 61851-1 and IEC 60364 standards.
Guarantee: It comes with a 5-year guarantee, assuring customers of its quality and reliability.
EVBox Elvi
For another great option to charge your Volvo, let's head to a Volvo stronghold. Apart from the Nordic countries, there's no place in Europe where Volvo is more popular than in the Netherlands. EVBox, a Dutch company, offers EV home charging products in over 70 countries. Oddly enough, not yet in the US, simply because the market there is still too small. What sets EVBox apart is its excellently designed products, being a trusted player in the EV world since 2010. Additionally, its underlying software and app environment are particularly effective when dealing with a heavily burdened electricity network where kilowatt-hour prices can vary significantly. The best choice is the EVBox Elvi, which is compatible with third-party software, crucial in navigating the maze of network operators and electricity providers that are populating the European grid. Prices starting at €1018,80
Charging Power: Available in versions of 7.4 kW, 11 kW, and 22 kW. Supports both 1-phase and 3-phase charging. Voltage range: 230–400V. Current options: 16 A and 32 A- Approximate charging times up to 120 km of range in one hour.
Load Balancing: Supports load balancing of up to 3 units per fuse without requiring additional infrastructure (wireless).
Connectivity: Each unit comes with an integrated e-SIM for 4G connectivity, and the subscription is free for the lifetime of the charger.
WiFi: You can connect the EVBox Elvi to WiFi for over-the-air updates and always stay up-to-date.
Type 2 Cable Locking: The charger allows for permanent locking of the Type 2 cable.
Safety Features: Built-in PEN fault detection ensures maximum charge without compromising safety.
Quality and Safety: The EVBox Elvi continuously monitors temperature, overcurrent, residual current, and humidity. It complies with safety requirements of IEC 61851-1 and IEC 60364 and comes with a 5-year guarantee.
ChargePoint Home Flex (US)
Another familiar name in the field is ChargePoint, poised to be the go-to home charging solution in the US, especially with their Home Flex Level 2 charger. It's one of the fastest and highest-performing Level 2 EV home chargers on the US market today. The ChargePoint Home Flex is versatile, compatible with most home electrical systems. Waterproof and rated NEMA 3R for outdoor use, it can be installed using either hardwired or plug-in installation methods. With adjustable amperage to meet car needs and work with existing electrical systems, it can be installed both indoors and outdoors in most homes, apartments, and condo complexes. Just ensure approval from your HOA or complex if you live in a multi-unit complex. ChargePoint also offers EV chargers tailored for apartments and condos, providing options for property managers to consider. With a lightweight and 23 feet long cable, installation flexibility is ensured, whether in a garage, carport, or parking garage. Prices starting at $549.
Charging Power: The ChargePoint Home Flex offers a maximum charging power of 50 amps (up to 9.6 kW for 240V installations) for faster charging of electric vehicles.
Load Balancing: The ChargePoint Home Flex supports load balancing to distribute available power across multiple charging stations if you have more than one EV charger at home. This helps prevent overloading your electrical circuit.
Connectivity: WiFi Connectivity: The ChargePoint Home Flex can connect to your home WiFi network, allowing you to monitor and manage charging sessions remotely through the ChargePoint app.
Type 2 Cable Locking: The ChargePoint Home Flex uses a Type 2 (J1772) connector, which securely locks into place during charging sessions.
Safety Features: The ChargePoint Home Flex is UL listed, ensuring compliance with safety standards. It includes ground fault protection to enhance safety during charging. The charger has built-in overcurrent protection to prevent electrical issues. The ChargePoint Home Flex monitors temperature to prevent overheating.
Guarantee: The ChargePoint Home Flex comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.