Buying a home charger means picking a power rating — and the choice matters more than the brand. A 7kW charger is 3x slower than a 22kW one, and buying the wrong one can cost you hundreds in unnecessary wiring or leave you waiting overnight.
Here's how to choose between 7kW, 11kW and 22kW.
The quick comparison
| 7 kW | 11 kW | 22 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles added per hour | ~25 mi | ~40 mi | ~80 mi |
| Time for 60 kWh (10–80%) | ~6 hours | ~3.8 hours | ~2 hours |
| Typical cost | $400–$800 | $600–$1,000 | $800–$1,400 |
| Electrical requirements | Single-phase, 32A | 3-phase, 16A | 3-phase, 32A |
| Works for most homes? | Yes, almost always | Needs 3-phase | Needs 3-phase |
| Real benefit over 7kW | — | Faster overnight | Faster + future-proof |
The honest truth about charging speed
Here's the part charger sellers don't emphasize: your car limits the charging speed too.
- Many EVs (Nissan Leaf, smaller models, some older cars) only accept 7kW — an 11kW or 22kW charger gives them zero extra speed
- Some cars accept 11kW but not 22kW — they'll pull 11kW max on any bigger charger
- Only newer models with 3-phase onboard chargers can use 22kW
Check your car's max AC charging rate first. If it's 7kW, a bigger charger is wasted money. If it's 11kW, that's your ceiling. 22kW only helps if the car supports it.
Which one do you actually need?
7kW — the sweet spot for most people
- Charges a typical 60 kWh battery fully overnight (~6 hours)
- Works with the wiring most homes already have
- Cheapest to buy and install
- Right choice for 90% of home chargers
11kW — the smart upgrade
- Fully charges in ~4 hours — useful if you need a quick top-up during the day
- Only makes sense if your car accepts 11kW
- Requires 3-phase power (more common in Europe)
22kW — for heavy users and the future-proof
- Adds 80 miles per hour — a full charge in ~2 hours
- Worth it for high-mileage drivers, taxis, or fleets
- Needs 3-phase power AND a car that accepts 22kW
- Rarely worth it for a typical household
The real question: how much charging time do you need?
- Commuter, charge overnight → 7kW is plenty. You'll never notice the difference.
- Short-turnaround, charge during the day → 11kW helps.
- Very high mileage or shared charger → 22kW earns its keep.
Home charging happens while you sleep. Unless you need a daytime full charge, 7kW is the rational choice — and the money saved goes a long way toward the best home chargers.
Installation realities
- 7kW needs a single 32A circuit — most homes can install it without a service upgrade
- 11kW and 22kW need 3-phase power, which many homes don't have (especially in the US and UK)
- Upgrading to 3-phase costs thousands — the breaker and cable work isn't trivial
- Check your electricity supply before buying anything bigger than 7kW
Use the charger sizing tool to check your electrical situation and car compatibility.
FAQ
Is a 7kW charger enough? For almost everyone, yes. It fully charges a typical EV overnight — the whole point of home charging. Unless you drive huge daily distances, you'll never notice the difference.
Is 22kW worth it? Only if your car accepts 22kW, you have 3-phase power, and you need daytime full charges. For most homes it's wasted money.
Can a 7kW charger charge a 22kW-capable car? Yes, at 7kW. The car simply charges slower — you don't need a big charger to avoid damage, just patience (or overnight).
The bottom line
Buy a 7kW charger unless you have a specific reason not to: a car that accepts more, 3-phase power, and a genuine need for daytime full charges. It's cheaper, simpler to install, and overnight charging makes the extra speed almost invisible. Check your car's max AC rate first — that number decides everything.
