Home charging can be solved in two ways: with a portable charger that travels with you, or with a fixed wall-mounted charging station, a wallbox. Both charge the car safely - the difference is in installation, features and how they are used. In this guide we go through which solution you should warm to.
Portable charger: charging that travels with you, no installation
A portable charger is a mobile charging device that plugs into an existing socket - a regular Schuko household socket or a three-phase CEE socket. No separate installation is needed, and the charger travels in its case with the car to the cottage, to work or on trips. The Ampere Point range has three portable charger series:
- B series - a compact 3.7 kW base model for home and office. Schuko plug, simple push-button control and four current settings (8 / 10 / 13 / 16 A).
- P series - a popular versatile series from 3.7 kW to 11 kW. A 2.4 inch LCD display, timer, adjustable charging current and energy meter without any app. Input via Schuko or CEE 16/32 A.
- Q series - the premium range from 3.7 kW to 22 kW. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the Tuya app, IP66 rating, operation down to -30 °C and current adjustment in 1 A steps even during charging. The Q PRO models also have interchangeable Quick-Connect smart adapters that identify the connection and monitor the socket temperature.
Portable chargers have built-in residual current protection (RCD Type A 30 mA + DC 6 mA), overheating protection and temperature sensors, so charging from a regular socket is controlled and safe.
Wallbox: a fixed charging station for homes and housing companies
The Wallbox PRIME is a TUV certified AC wallbox for homes, housing companies and small vehicle fleets. It is installed permanently by a qualified electrician and comes with a CEE plug and a 7.5 metre Type 2 cable. There are two PRIME stations: 11 kW (16 A) and 22 kW (32 A) - the choice is made according to the car's on-board AC charger.
A fixed station brings features a portable charger cannot offer: RFID access control with three cards, dynamic load balancing for up to four stations, built-in residual current protection (RCD Type A 30 mA + RDC-DD 6 mA), OTA updates, plus Wi-Fi and the Tuya app. The IP65/IP66 rating and IK10 impact resistance suit outdoor installation, and the warranty is 24 months.
Which one is right for you?
Choose a portable chargerif you want to start charging right away without installation costs, you charge in several places (home, cottage, work) or you rent and cannot install a fixed device. Choose a wallboxif you have your own permanent charging spot, you want access control and load management, or several charging points are needed - for example in a housing company. Many end up with both: a wallbox at home and a portable charger in the car.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | Portable charger (B/P/Q series) | Wallbox PRIME |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | No installation - plugs into a socket | Fixed, installed by a qualified electrician |
| Portability | Travels in its case with the car | Stays where it is installed |
| Input | Schuko or CEE 16/32 A | CEE16A or CEE32A |
| Power | 3.7-22 kW depending on the model | 11 kW or 22 kW |
| Access control | No | RFID · 3 cards |
| Load management | Current adjustment on the charger | Dynamic load balancing for up to 4 stations |
| App | Wi-Fi and Tuya in the Q series | Wi-Fi · Tuya · OTA updates |
| Best for | Renters, mobile users, a first solution | Detached houses, housing companies, small vehicle fleets |
Both the portable chargers and the Wallbox PRIME stations are available in our webshop. Browse the range and choose the charging solution that fits your life - we are happy to help you choose.