Charger guide
7kW vs 22kW: which home charger do you need?
Most UK homes are best served by a 7kW charger. Here is how to decide which is right for you.
The difference between 7kW and 22kW
A 7kW charger runs on a single-phase electricity supply - the standard supply type in the vast majority of UK homes. A 22kW charger requires a three-phase electricity supply, which is far less common in residential properties and is mainly found in commercial premises and some newer large detached homes.
How fast does each charge?
Charging speed at a glance
For most drivers, charging speed at home is not a meaningful concern. The majority of EVs are plugged in overnight and are fully charged well before morning. A 7kW charger will comfortably replenish 150-200 miles of range in a standard overnight session.
Does my home support 22kW?
Only around 10% of UK homes have a three-phase electricity supply. Terraced houses, semi-detached homes, and flats are almost always single-phase. Even if your property does have three-phase supply, your distribution network operator (DNO) may need to approve a 22kW installation, which can add time and cost. If you are unsure, your installer can check your supply type as part of a site survey.
Does my car support 22kW?
Your car's onboard charger determines the maximum AC charging rate it can accept - regardless of what the wallbox is rated at. Many popular EVs are limited to 7.2kW or 11kW AC charging. Only a small number of models support 22kW AC (for example, certain Renault Zoe variants and some Mercedes EQ models). Fitting a 22kW charger to a car with a 7.4kW onboard charger will not make it charge any faster. Check your vehicle handbook or the manufacturer's website for the onboard AC charging limit.
Our recommendation
For the vast majority of UK homeowners, a 7kW charger is the right choice. It fully charges most EVs overnight, requires nothing more than a standard single-phase supply, and is compatible with the OZEV grant scheme for eligible renters and flat owners. Unless you have confirmed three-phase supply, a compatible vehicle, and a specific need for faster home charging, a 7kW unit offers the best value and the simplest installation.