7kW EV Chargers vs 22kW EV Chargers: Which One Fits Your Needs Best?

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction worldwide, one of the most important considerations for both individual owners and commercial users is how to charge efficiently and effectively. The EV charging landscape has evolved rapidly in recent years, offering various power outputs and technologies to meet different needs. Among the most popular AC charging options are 7kW and 22kW chargers—both categorized as “fast chargers” but offering distinctly different user experiences.

Choosing between a 7kW home charger and a 22kW high-speed charger involves more than just speed. It’s about matching your power infrastructure, EV compatibility, and daily driving habits with the right solution. This article takes a comprehensive look at both options—how they work, their performance differences, and what you should consider before installing one.

EV chargers are generally categorized into three types based on their charging speeds:

Slow chargers (typically up to 3.6kW)

Fast chargers (7kW to 22kW range)

Rapid or ultra-fast chargers (typically above 50kW, often DC)

Both 7kW and 22kW AC chargers fall under the fast-charging category. These are the most common units installed at homes, workplaces, and public charging points such as parking lots or shopping centers.

The difference between them lies not only in how fast they can refill your EV battery but also in their electrical requirements, installation complexity, and vehicle compatibility.

A 7kW AC charger has become the go-to choice for most EV owners who prefer the convenience of charging at home. It strikes a balance between performance, affordability, and compatibility with residential electrical systems.

Most homes in countries like the UK, Europe, and Australia operate on single-phase power, which naturally limits the maximum AC charging power to around 7.4kW. This makes 7kW chargers the default and most practical option for household installations.

A 7kW charger typically provides enough power to fully recharge a 40kWh EV battery in 6 to 8 hours, making it ideal for overnight charging. For most EV drivers, this means waking up every morning to a fully charged car ready for the day’s journey.

Affordable installation: Since they operate on single-phase power, installation costs are generally lower compared to 22kW chargers, which require a three-phase upgrade.

Compatibility: Nearly all EVs on the market today can charge at 7kW using an AC Type 2 connector.

Convenience: Perfect for overnight home charging when time is not an issue.

Energy efficiency: Provides steady charging with minimal strain on the household power supply.

While 7kW chargers may not offer lightning-fast charging, they fit perfectly into the natural rhythm of daily life. Most drivers only need to top up their EV battery once a day, or even every few days, depending on usage. Unless you drive long distances daily or need quick turnarounds, a 7kW charger offers all the functionality you need—without requiring any electrical infrastructure upgrades.

If the 7kW charger is a steady jogger, the 22kW charger is a sprinter. It offers three times the power, making it the fastest AC charging option available. This makes it especially attractive for businesses, fleet operators, or drivers with high daily mileage.

A 22kW charger can fully recharge a 40kWh battery in just 1.5 to 2 hours, offering much quicker turnaround times. For workplaces, car dealerships, or commercial parking facilities, this speed advantage translates directly into increased vehicle uptime.

Rapid AC charging: Ideal for situations where vehicles need to be charged multiple times a day.

Efficient use in commercial environments: Perfect for offices, taxi fleets, or shared charging hubs.

Future-ready infrastructure: As EV technology evolves, having higher-capacity chargers ensures long-term adaptability.

However, not all homes or vehicles can take full advantage of 22kW charging. A key requirement is three-phase power, which is common in commercial or industrial areas but rare in residential properties. Installing a 22kW charger at home would typically require upgrading the power supply—an expensive and complex process.

Additionally, many EVs are not equipped with 22kW onboard chargers. Instead, most have 11kW or 7.4kW onboard units, meaning they can’t utilize the full 22kW capacity even if the charger supports it. In such cases, charging speed is limited by the car’s onboard converter, not the charger itself.

Charging speed depends on both the charger and the EV’s onboard capabilities. Here’s a general comparison based on real-world averages:

As shown above, a 22kW charger can theoretically add about three times more range per hour than a 7kW unit. However, if your EV’s onboard charger is limited to 11kW, you won’t see the full benefit. Thus, the car itself plays a crucial role in determining how “fast” your charging will be.

In residential settings, most homeowners opt for 7kW chargers. These provide ample speed without overloading the home’s electrical system. They also align with off-peak electricity schedules, allowing users to take advantage of lower nighttime energy rates.

Workplaces often feature fast AC chargers—typically 7kW, 11kW, or 22kW—since employees park their vehicles for several hours during the day. This setup ensures a full charge before they head home, improving convenience without requiring the ultra-high power of DC chargers.

Public car parks, retail centers, and supermarkets increasingly install 22kW AC chargers. These cater to users who need a quick top-up while shopping or running errands. However, these sites often have three-phase electrical systems already in place, making 22kW installations practical and cost-effective.

It’s tempting to assume that a faster charger automatically equals a better experience—but that’s not always true. Choosing between a 7kW and 22kW EV charger depends on several factors:

7kW: Works with standard single-phase power, which most homes already have.

22kW: Requires a three-phase connection—common in commercial buildings but rare in residential settings.

7kW: Compatible with virtually all EV models.

22kW: Only a limited number of EVs—such as certain Renault, Tesla, and Mercedes models—support full 22kW AC charging.

7kW: Lower installation costs and minimal electrical upgrades required.

22kW: Installation can be significantly more expensive due to three-phase power requirements and additional wiring.

If your EV sits parked overnight, a 7kW charger easily covers your daily driving range. On the other hand, if you manage a fleet, operate a taxi service, or run a business with multiple EVs, the 22kW charger’s speed can improve turnaround times and operational efficiency.

Electrical capacity is a finite resource. Installing one 22kW charger may use up the same power that could otherwise support three 7kW chargers. In settings where multiple EVs need charging simultaneously—like apartment blocks or company parking lots—installing several 7kW chargers can provide greater overall utility.

A crucial aspect that many overlook is the onboard charger (OBC) inside the vehicle. This device converts the AC power from the wallbox into DC power to store in the battery. The OBC’s rated capacity limits how fast the car can charge via AC.

For instance:

A car with a 7kW OBC will not charge faster even if plugged into a 22kW charger.

An 11kW OBC will max out at 11kW on a 22kW charger.

Only vehicles with a 22kW-capable OBC—such as the Renault Zoe—can fully utilize a 22kW AC charger.

This is why checking your EV’s onboard charging capacity is essential before investing in a high-power wallbox.

If you drive less than 50 kilometers a day and charge your EV overnight, a 7kW charger is perfect. It will fully recharge your battery while you sleep, at minimal cost and without electrical upgrades.

For households with two or more EVs, it’s often better to install two 7kW chargers rather than one 22kW charger. This setup distributes power more efficiently and ensures all vehicles get adequate charge without overloading the supply.

If you operate delivery vans, taxis, or company cars that run multiple shifts daily, a 22kW charger can be a game-changer. The faster turnaround keeps vehicles on the road and reduces downtime.

While a 22kW unit offers faster charging, the total cost of ownership is significantly higher. Most homeowners find the 7kW charger to be the most economical and practical choice in the long run.

Both 7kW and 22kW chargers play important roles in the EV charging ecosystem. The best choice depends on your individual circumstances:

Choose a 7kW charger if you charge mainly at home, drive moderate distances daily, and want a cost-effective, simple setup.

Choose a 22kW charger if you manage a fleet, operate a commercial facility, or have three-phase power readily available.

For most residential users, 7kW remains the sweet spot—efficient, affordable, and perfectly aligned with typical driving patterns.

As EV technology evolves, so too will charging capabilities. But for now, whether you’re powering your EV at home or on the go, understanding the differences between 7kW and 22kW chargers ensures you make a smart, future-ready investment in your electric mobility journey.