7kW vs 22kW Home EV Charger: Which One Do You Actually Need?

For most Melbourne homes, a 7kW single-phase charger is the right choice. A 22kW charger only makes sense if your home has three-phase power and your car can actually accept that much power.

7kW chargers: the standard for home charging

A 7kW charger runs on normal single-phase power, which is what most homes have. It adds roughly 40 or more kilometres of range per hour of charging, depending on your car. Plugged in overnight, that's enough to fill most EV batteries from low to full.

22kW chargers: faster, but with two catches

• Your home needs three-phase power. Many Melbourne homes don't have it, and adding it can be expensive.

• Your car has to support it. Many EVs can only take 7kW or 11kW from a home charger. Plug them into a 22kW charger and they still charge at their own maximum, so you'd pay for speed you can't use.

How to choose

• Single-phase home: a 7kW charger is the best fit.

• Three-phase home and a car that accepts 11kW or 22kW: a faster charger can be worth it, especially with two EVs or a busy household.

• Solar panels on the roof: consider a smart charger that can prioritise solar power, whatever its size.

Not sure what power your home has?

Send us a photo of your switchboard. We'll tell you whether you're single-phase or three-phase, and which charger makes sense for your car.

Get a free, fixed-price quote at theevman.com.au or call 0421 926 583. Send a photo of your switchboard and we'll tell you exactly what your install involves.