7 kW, 11 kW or 22 kW? How to Choose the Right Home EV Charger

19. September 2026

Bigger isn't always better. The right home charger power depends on three things: your car, your home's electrical supply, and how far you drive.

1. Your car's onboard charger

When you charge with AC at home, the car converts AC to DC using its onboard charger. This component sets the maximum speed, no matter how powerful your wall box is.

Many EVs accept 7.4 kW (single-phase) or 11 kW (three-phase).
Only a minority of models accept 22 kW AC.

If your car accepts 11 kW, a 22 kW charger will still charge it at 11 kW. Check your car's specifications before you buy.

2. Your home's electrical supply

Power	Supply needed	Current
3.7 kW	Single-phase	16 A
7.4 kW	Single-phase	32 A
11 kW	Three-phase	16 A
22 kW	Three-phase	32 A

In many European countries homes have three-phase power, but single-phase is common in some countries and older buildings. An electrician can confirm what your home supports and whether your main connection can handle the extra load.

3. How much you drive

A typical European driver covers 30–50 km a day, which needs roughly 5–10 kWh of energy. Even a 7.4 kW charger replaces that in 1–2 hours. For most households, 11 kW is the sweet spot: fast enough for large batteries and widely supported by cars.

Local rules

In many countries home chargers must be registered with the local grid operator, and higher-power chargers (often above 11–12 kW) may require approval. Rules differ by country, so check with your electrician or grid operator before installation.

Quick recommendation

Single-phase home: 7.4 kW
Three-phase home, most cars: 11 kW
Car supports 22 kW, or you share the charger between vehicles: 22 kW (can often be limited to 11 kW if needed)