As more drivers switch to electric vehicles (EVs), choosing the right home or workplace charger has become an important decision. One of the biggest questions is whether a 7kW or 22kW EV charger is the better option.
While both provide reliable charging, they suit different properties, vehicles, and charging requirements. Understanding the differences can help you avoid paying for power you can't use while ensuring your charger meets your needs now and in the future.
What Is a 7kW EV Charger?
A 7kW charger is the most common EV charger installed at UK homes. It operates from a standard single-phase electricity supply, which is what the vast majority of UK properties have.
For most electric vehicles, a 7kW charger provides around 25 to 30 miles of driving range per hour of charging, although this varies depending on the vehicle's efficiency.
An overnight charge is usually enough to take most EVs from low battery to full, making a 7kW charger ideal for drivers who charge at home after work.
Benefits of a 7kW charger
- Compatible with most UK homes
- Lower installation costs
- Suitable for overnight charging
- Works with almost all electric vehicles
- Widely available with smart charging features
For many households, a 7kW charger offers the best balance between charging speed, affordability, and practicality.
What Is a 22kW EV Charger?
A 22kW charger delivers over three times the charging power of a 7kW unit. However, there is an important catch.
To achieve 22kW charging speeds, both your property and your vehicle must support three-phase electricity.
Three-phase supplies are common in commercial premises, industrial buildings and some newer developments, but relatively uncommon in standard UK homes. Even if a 22kW charger is installed, a vehicle that only accepts 7kW AC charging will still charge at 7kW.
Benefits of a 22kW charger
- Much faster charging for compatible vehicles
- Ideal for workplaces and commercial premises
- Reduces waiting times when multiple vehicles need charging
- Suitable for fleet operators
- Can help maximise charging opportunities during shorter parking periods
Charging Speed Comparison
Although charging speeds depend on battery size and vehicle capabilities, the difference is significant.
|
Charger |
Typical Range Added Per Hour* |
Typical Use |
|
7kW |
25–30 miles |
Homes, overnight charging |
|
22kW |
Up to 75–90 miles |
Businesses, public charging, fleets |
*Approximate figures that vary by vehicle model and driving conditions.
For example, a vehicle with a 60kWh battery could take around eight to nine hours to charge from empty using a 7kW charger. Under ideal conditions with a compatible vehicle and three-phase supply, a 22kW charger could reduce this to around three hours.
Does Your Property Support a 22kW Charger?
This is often the deciding factor.
Most UK homes have a single-phase electricity supply, meaning a 7kW charger is the maximum practical option without significant electrical upgrades.
Installing a three-phase supply can involve additional work from the electricity network operator, making it considerably more expensive than a standard home charger installation.
Businesses are far more likely to already have three-phase electricity, making 22kW chargers a realistic option.
Before purchasing any charger, it's worth having your electrical supply assessed by a qualified installer.
Does Your EV Support 22kW Charging?
Not every electric vehicle can accept 22kW AC charging.
Every EV has an onboard charger that determines the maximum AC charging speed it can receive. Many popular models sold in the UK are limited to 7kW or 11kW AC charging.
This means installing a 22kW charger won't automatically reduce charging times unless your vehicle is designed to take advantage of the higher output.
Checking your vehicle's specifications before choosing a charger can prevent unnecessary expense.
Which Charger Is Better for Home Charging?
For most homeowners, the answer is simple.
A 7kW charger is usually the better choice because:
- It matches the electrical supply found in most UK homes.
- It provides more than enough charging overnight.
- Installation costs are generally lower.
- Smart charging features help reduce running costs by using cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs.
Unless you have a three-phase supply and regularly need much faster charging, a 22kW charger is unlikely to offer significant advantages at home.
When Is a 22kW Charger Worth It?
A 22kW charger becomes far more attractive in commercial environments.
Businesses that operate electric vehicle fleets, provide workplace charging or serve customers with EV charging facilities often benefit from faster charging speeds.
Examples include:
- Office car parks
- Hotels
- Retail premises
- Vehicle dealerships
- Fleet depots
- Commercial properties with multiple EV users
Faster charging means vehicles spend less time occupying charging bays, allowing more drivers to recharge throughout the day.
Cost Considerations
The charger itself is only part of the overall investment.
A 7kW charger is generally less expensive to install because it works with existing domestic electrical supplies.
A 22kW installation may require:
- A three-phase electrical supply
- Distribution board upgrades
- Higher-capacity cabling
- Additional electrical work
These factors can significantly increase installation costs if the required infrastructure isn't already available.
Which EV Charger Should You Choose?
For the majority of UK homeowners, a 7kW EV charger offers the best combination of affordability, compatibility and everyday convenience. It delivers reliable overnight charging without requiring costly electrical upgrades.
A 22kW charger is best suited to businesses or properties that already have a three-phase supply and vehicles capable of accepting higher AC charging speeds.
If you're comparing charging solutions for your home or business, explore Internet Electrical's range of electric car charging installation products. Choosing equipment that's compatible with both your property's electrical supply and your vehicle will help you get the best performance from your EV charging setup for years to come.