In a context of transition to electric mobility, more and more companies are equipping their employees with electric or rechargeable hybrid company vehicles. But a strategic question soon arises: Which charging solution should be installed at home? Should you opt for the simplicity of a connected cable or invest in a fixed charging station (wallbox) ? Power, cost, safety, compatibility... There are many criteria to consider. This article offers you a clear clear, well-argued comparison to help you choose the solution best suited to your uses, your fleet and your employees' needs.
Understanding the basics: connected cable vs. charging point
Before deciding, it's essential to understand exactly what these two options cover. While their objective is the same - to recharge an electric vehicle at home - their mode of operation, performance and level of integration differ greatly.
What is a connected cable?
A connected cable is an intelligent charging accessory designed to plug directly into a standard or reinforced domestic socket. It incorporates integrated control electronics, enabling it to communicate with the vehicle to adapt the charge and monitor consumption, thanks to functions such as supervision, load shedding, Smart Charging, locking, MID metering, etc.
Connected cables, such as mode 2 with control box, are particularly popular for their ease of use and mobility. They can be transported and used in several locations (home, vacation spot, second home...), as long as a suitable plug is available.
{{cta-block}}
What is a wallbox?
The residential charging station, often referred to as a wallbox, is a fixed piece of equipment installed on a wall or a dedicated stand, connected directly to the home's electrical panel. It generally offers higher charging power and can integrate the same functions as the cable: supervision, load shedding, Smart Charging, locking, MID metering, etc.
It requires professional installation by an IRVE (Infrastructure de Recharge pour Véhicules Électriques) certified electrician, in particular to guarantee safety and compliance with electrical standards. It's the most reliable, durable and scalable solution for employees who use their company vehicles on a daily basis.
Comparison: connected cable vs. home charging station
Choosing between a connected cable and a fixed charging station involves comparing several criteria: charging power , costsafety, ergonomics and scalability. Here's an overview to help you make the right choice for your operational needs.
Power and charging time: a clear advantage for the terminal
- Connected cable: power is limited by the socket used. A conventional household socket (2.3 kW) will take over 20 hours to fully recharge. On a reinforced socket (3.2 kW), the time drops to around 15 hours.
- Charging station: provides power from 7.4 to 22 kW, i.e. a full charge in 3 to 6 hours, depending on model and vehicle. Ideal for intensive users.
➡️ Conclusion: for a fleet of service or company vehicles, the terminal offers incomparable ease of use and speed.
Installation cost and flexibility
- Connected cable: moderate cost (around €200 to €600), no installation work required unless a reinforced socket is needed. Suitable for limited budgets or lightly-used vehicles.
- Charging station: installation included, overall cost between €1,200 and €1,800 inc. tax, depending on model and electrical panel configuration. Subsidies such as the ADVENIR program can help reduce the bill.
➡️ Conclusion: the cable is more economical in the short term, but the terminal is more cost-effective in the long term, especially for employees who recharge several times a week.
Safety and compliance
- Connected cable: safe, but depends on the condition of the household electrical supply. Risk of overloading or overheating if the plug does not comply.
- Charging station: dedicated installation with differential protection and specific circuit breakers. Compliance with IRVE standards, power control, improved heat dissipation.
➡️ Conclusion: for the company, the terminal is more reliable and more compliant with safety and employer responsibility requirements.
Managing turnover and relocations: the flexibility of connected cable
One aspect often overlooked when choosing a charging solution is employee mobility. Here, the connected cable offers a major advantage:
- It's portable: if employees move house or move internally, they can take their cable with them, without incurring new installation costs.
- It avoids the often complex and costly de-installation and transfer procedures associated with a fixed terminal.
- It is ideally suited to companies with high staff turnover or where employees frequently relocate.
➡️ Conclusion: for companies that are highly mobile or do not wish to make a long-term commitment to fixed installations, connected cable offers invaluable logistical flexibility.
Billing, reimbursement, NEA: a strategic challenge for the company
Easy consumption tracking and repayment
With an electric company car, the employer can reimburse the cost of recharging the vehicle at the employee'shome. To do this, it is essential to measure precisely the kWh consumed for professional purposes.
- Connected cable: contrary to popular belief, some models are now fully compatible with supervision platforms, enabling automatic feedback of consumption data.
- With a MID-certified connected terminal, data can be traced and exported, facilitating accurate accurate and transparent and transparent reimbursements.
Inclusion in benefits in kind (AEN)
According to the latest regulatory developments (Finance Bill 2025), electricity supplied for recharging company vehicles at home is included in the NEA assessment. A deduction of 70% is applied to these expenses, up to a limit of €4,582 per year.
💡 Whether you use a connected cable or a connected terminal, consumption data is certified, simplifying accounting and tax management for the company. This is a real plus for HR and finance managers.
Which solution is best for your employees? Our recommendation
Home recharging is an essential part of any company's electric mobility strategy. For employees with company cars, it's crucial to opt for a reliable, secure solution that can be easily managed by the company. The choice between a connected cable and a fixed charging station depends above all on the intended use, the employee's profile, and the level of integration desired by the company.
💡 By opting for a solution like the one offered by Bump, you benefit from comprehensive support: installation of kiosks in employees' homes, supervision, automated reimbursements, NEA compliance, and a single portal to pilot all your kiosks, including those installed in-house.
{{cta-block}}
Need to equip your employees?
Discover our home recharging solutions!