Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, and choosing the right home EV charger is a key decision for every EV owner. The most common choices are 7kW, 11kW, and 22kW chargers. But what’s the difference? Which one is better for your home or business?
In this article, we break down everything you need to know to make the best choice.
EV Charging Speeds Explained
EV charging speeds are measured in kilowatts (kW). The higher the kW rating, the faster your EV charges.
| Charger Type | Approx. Charging Speed | Time to Charge 60kWh Battary |
|---|---|---|
|
7kW |
~25-30 km per hour |
~8-9 hours |
|
11kW |
~50-60 km per hour |
~5-6 hours |
|
22kW |
~100-120 km per hour |
~2-3 hours |
Keep in mind that your car must also support the charging speed. Some EVs are limited to lower charging rates.
What Is a 7kW Home EV Charger?
A 7kW charger is a Level 2 AC charger that typically works on a single-phase power supply. It’s the most common home EV charger in many countries, especially in the UK and Europe.
Power Supply: Single-phase
Installation: Easy and compatible with most homes
Use Case: Ideal for overnight charging at home
Speed: Charges around 30 km/hour
What Is a Single-Phase Electricity Supply?
A single-phase electricity supply is standard in most residential homes, especially in older buildings or suburban areas.
Voltage: Usually 230V
Phases: 1
Max Charging Power: Around 7.4kW
Benefits: Simpler, cheaper to install
If your home only has single-phase power, you will be limited to 7kW charging unless you upgrade your electricity system.
What Is an 11kW EV Charger?
An 11kW EV charger is a three-phase AC charger, offering faster charging than 7kW.
Power Supply: Three-phase (380-400V)
Installation: Requires compatible electrical system
Speed: Charges around 50–60 km/hour
Use Case: Great for daily top-ups or quicker home charging
Not all EVs can take full advantage of 11kW—check your car’s onboard charger.
What Is a 22kW EV Charger?
A 22kW charger is the fastest AC charger available for home and commercial use.
Power Supply: Three-phase
Speed: Charges around 100–120 km/hour
Installation: Requires special electrical setup and stronger infrastructure
Use Case: Ideal for EVs with large batteries or small fleets
Note: Very few EVs support full 22kW AC charging; many cap at 11kW.
What Is Three-Phase Electricity Supply?
A three-phase power supply delivers more electricity, more efficiently.
Voltage: ~400V
Phases: 3
Common In: Newer homes, commercial or industrial buildings
Allows: Faster charging (11kW and 22kW)
To install a 22kW charger at home, you must have three-phase power or apply for an upgrade with your utility provider.
Can Everyone Have 11kW or 22kW at Home?
Not always. Whether you can install 11kW or 22kW depends on:
Your electricity supply (single-phase or three-phase)
Your local grid limits
Approval from your utility provider
EV support — Not all cars can charge at 22kW
If your home has only single-phase, you’re likely limited to 7kW unless you upgrade your supply, which can be costly.
Which Is Better? 7kW, 11kW, or 22kW?
7kW Charger – Pros and Cons
Pros:
Easy to install
Works with single-phase supply
Affordable
Enough for overnight charging
Cons:
Slower charging
Not ideal for multiple EV households
11kW Charger – Pros and Cons
Pros:
Faster than 7kW
Balanced for daily use
Suitable for homes with three-phase power
Cons:
Requires three-phase supply
Some EVs can’t utilize full 11kW speed
22kW Charger – Pros and Cons
Pros:
Fastest home AC charging
Great for business or fleet use
Future-proof if you upgrade EVs
Cons:
Requires three-phase power
High installation cost
Not all EVs support 22kW AC chargin
Conclusion
Choosing between a 7kW, 11kW, or 22kW EV charger depends on your home’s power supply, budget, and charging needs.
Go with 7kW if you have single-phase power and mainly charge overnight.
Choose 11kW if your EV supports it and you have three-phase at home.
Pick 22kW for fast charging, future-proofing, or business use—but make sure your EV and power system support it.
Still unsure? Talk to a licensed installer or EV charger supplier to find out what your home is capable of — and what your EV really needs.
