What size EV charger should I get?

For most people, a 7 kW charger is enough for overnight charging at home. On a single-phase supply, 7 kW is the usual starting point.

A 11 kW or 22 kW charger only delivers its full speed if your home has a three-phase supply and your car can accept that speed. Bigger isn't better if either one is missing.

How much charging do you need?

Most daily driving uses only part of the battery. Work out how long the car sits at home, then compare that with how much energy you need to add.

Charging time (hours) ≈ energy to add (kWh) ÷ charger power (kW)

A 7 kW charger adds roughly 7 kWh an hour. Your car's manual or the manufacturer's site will tell you the battery size, and your typical daily driving will tell you how much you need to put back in.

Single phase or three phase?

Most Australian homes are single phase. The usual sizes are:

• Single phase: a 7 kW charger, using a 32 amp circuit.
• Three phase: an 11 kW charger (16 amps on each phase) or a 22 kW charger (32 amps on each phase).

A 22 kW charger on a single-phase home won't necessarily deliver 22 kW of charge to your EV.

Check what your car can accept

The car's own onboard charger sets the limit. A car rated for 11 kW AC will charge at 11 kW even when it's plugged into a 22 kW charger. Check the car's manual or spec sheet for its maximum AC charging rate before you pay for a bigger charger.

Where Smarter Solar fits

Smarter Solar considers your EV plans, electricity use and solar setup to create a free personalised plan you can discuss with vetted installers.