Home EV Charging: 7kW vs 22kW Explained

The "Bigger is Better" Trap

When buying a home EV charger, it's tempting to go for the fastest option available—the 22kW charger. However, for 95% of Australian homes, this is a waste of money.

The Phase Problem

To run a 22kW charger, you need 3-phase power. Most older Australian homes only have single-phase power.

• Single-Phase Limit: Maxes out at roughly 7kW.
• Three-Phase Required: Needed for 11kW or 22kW charging.

If you install a 22kW charger on a single-phase home, it will simply downgrade itself and run at 7kW anyway. You paid for speed you can't use.

Charging Speeds in Real Life

• 7kW Charger: Adds ~40km of range per hour. A full charge overnight (8 hours) gives you ~320km. This is more than enough for daily commuting.
• 22kW Charger: Adds ~120km of range per hour. Great for commercial fleets, but rarely necessary for a car that sits in the driveway for 12 hours a night.

Cost Difference

Upgrading a home from single-phase to three-phase power can cost $3,000 - $5,000+. Unless you have a specific need for rapid daytime turnaround, a standard 7kW smart charger is the most cost-effective choice.