Wallbox Sharing - The sharing of charging stations for electric cars

Do you already know the principle of Wallbox Sharings - i.e. sharing a charging station for electric cars that is located on the wall of someone's home? Although the topics of electromobility and the sharing economy are very present in the media, I still don't have the feeling that potential interested parties are properly informed. For example, one of the most common counter-questions about electromobility is "And where should I charge my electric car on the road?". Ultimately, charging station sharing can ensure that everyone who drives an electric car also has more choice of potential charging stations. As the goal of the federal and state governments to offer charging stations for electric cars nationwide is still a long way off, it is worth taking a closer look.

In this article, I will therefore explain how a wallbox actually works and then introduce you to the concept of wallbox sharing in more detail. In theory, this system can bridge the gap until the nationwide expansion of charging stations. But is private Wallbox sharing a mobility concept of the future? The answer is now available.

Tip: Not only the type of car you drive, but also your driving behavior itself can protect the environment. You can find out more about this in my article on the sustainable driving.

The Wallbox - Your own charging station in your own home

Many people are willing to switch to a climate-friendly electric vehicle. However, they are concerned about the Insufficient charging infrastructure in Germany. Independence from these public charging stations can be achieved by having your own charging station at home. A charging box is required so that the battery of the electric vehicle can be charged at home at any time. Basically, the device is a Special socket, which is attached to the wall of the garage, carport or another place that is easily accessible for the vehicle. 

Advantages of a wallbox

Of course, in theory, the electric car could also be charged via a conventional household socket. However, this would have several disadvantages. For one thing, the charging process can take just under ten hours using a standard household socket - and By contrast, an average vehicle can be fully charged within 90 minutes with the help of a wallbox.

In addition, the wallbox can save you money, because the Charging is around 31 euros cheaper here per year than when using the household socket. With a high charging capacity, as offered by the charging box, the energy loss is also significantly lower. 

However, the most important advantage of a wallbox is safety. Normal 230-volt sockets are not designed for the amount of power and continuous load required to charge an electric vehicle. Charging at the wallbox, on the other hand, avoids overheating, which can cause serious fires. For this reason, a normal socket should only be used to charge an electric car in absolutely exceptional cases. 

Notice: The charging box should always be installed by a qualified electrician. This is because, like an electric stove, the wallbox requires high voltage current. A voltage of 400 volts is required. Only an expert is authorized to carry out the necessary wiring. Ideally, the installation should take place directly in the garage - it is often possible to lay a cable directly from the kitchen. From then on, the box forms the interface between the electric vehicle's battery and the power grid. It takes no more than 90 minutes to charge a mid-range electric vehicle.

Wallbox Sharing: Renting out your own charging station

Sharing your wallbox with other people is an idea that is still fairly fresh. The idea is simple: Currently unused private wallboxes are made available to other electric car drivers. 

The best way to do this is to use an app that makes it easy to rent out your own charging station for a certain period of time. The price for use and charging can be freely determined by the landlord. The principle sounds extremely practical and simple. Various start-ups are currently working on the development of such apps. A great idea for the future, which can certainly reduce the problem of inadequate public charging infrastructure, but not solve it completely.

Question: What do you think about the private sharing of charging stations for electric cars? Just write me a comment.

A few words on the role of electromobility in climate protection

Electric cars are the key to a climate-friendly mobility concept worldwide. Especially if renewable energy is used for operation, the use of electric vehicles generates significantly less CO₂ than conventional gasoline and diesel engines. 

In the future, electric vehicles will also be able to compensate for fluctuations in solar and wind power by storing energy. This will support market integration and the expansion of these energy sources in the long term. In terms of funding, the German government has already drafted a package that includes a purchase premium for e-cars, the expansion of the charging infrastructure and a public procurement program. 

Wallbox sharing - Is sharing charging stations the future?

Wallboxes are essential for electric cars. However, the nationwide supply leaves a lot to be desired. For this reason, I think the concept of wallbox sharing is extremely helpful. However, a prerequisite for the functionality of wallbox sharing is a supply that can at least cover the demand to some extent. This makes it more attractive to think about buying an electric car. 

So if you've bought an electric car, it's worth renting out your own wallbox for the sake of sustainability.

Do you have any questions or suggestions about the article? Or have you already had your first experiences with the concept of wallbox sharing that you would like to share? Then please write me a comment.

Stay sustainable,

PS: If you want to know more about a sustainable life want to learn, then just look further in the Sustainability & Environment Blog around! Maybe also my Book Sustainable living for beginners something for you. Have fun reading!