Choosing the Right Home EV Charger: A Quick Guide
When switching to an electric vehicle (EV), choosing the right home charger is essential. With many options available, the best choice depends on two main factors: your car and your home’s electrical system.
Who Controls Charging Speed: The Car or the Charger?
Your car’s onboard charger (OBC) determines how much power it can accept. The charger only supplies power—it doesn’t decide the speed. Charging speed is limited by the lower value between the charger’s output and your car’s capacity. For example, if you have a 22 kW charger but your car accepts only 11 kW, you’ll charge at 11 kW.
Common AC Charging Levels in Europe
- 3.7 kW: Slow charging using a household plug.
- 7.4 kW (single-phase): Ideal for home wallboxes and overnight charging.
- 11 kW (three-phase): Faster, suitable if your home supports three-phase power.
- 22 kW (three-phase): The fastest AC option, useful only if your car supports 22 kW.
Example: Volkswagen ID.3
- Most ID.3 models charge at up to 11 kW.
- Entry-level models charge at 7.2 kW.
- Even plugged into a 22 kW charger, the car will still cap charging at 11 kW.
How to Choose the Right Charger
- Check your car’s AC charging limit.
- Evaluate your home’s power setup:
- Single-phase: choose 7.4 kW.
- Three-phase: choose 11 kW or 22 kW based on your car.
- Consider daily use:
- Short commutes: 7.4 kW is enough.
- Frequent long trips: 11 kW offers faster charging.
- Plan for the future: installing a more powerful charger now may save you from upgrading later.
Conclusion
The right home EV charger isn’t the most powerful one—it’s the one that matches your car’s limits and your home’s electrical capacity. Choosing correctly ensures efficient, safe, and cost-effective charging.
