Charger power ratings
7kW vs 11kW vs 22kW: which home EV charger do you need?
The number on the box is the charger's maximum output — not necessarily the speed your car will charge at. Here's how the three common ratings compare for Melbourne homes.
7kW
Single phase
~40km of range per hour
The default choice for most Melbourne homes. Overnight charging covers typical daily driving several times over.
- Standard single phase supply
- Spare capacity at the switchboard
- Accepted by essentially every EV
11kW
Three phase
~60km of range per hour
A good fit if you already have three phase and your car accepts 11kW AC — useful for high-kilometre drivers or two-EV households.
- Three phase supply
- Heavier cable and protection
- Car must accept 11kW AC
22kW
Three phase
~120km of range per hour
Rarely necessary at home. Most EVs cannot accept 22kW AC, so the extra capacity often goes unused.
- Three phase supply with capacity
- Largest cable and protective devices
- Car must accept 22kW AC (uncommon)
Range figures are approximate and assume an efficient mid-size EV. Real-world results vary with vehicle, temperature and driving conditions.
The key limit
Your car's onboard charger sets the ceiling
AC charging at home goes through the vehicle's onboard charger, which converts AC to DC for the battery. That converter has a fixed maximum — commonly 7kW or 11kW on cars sold in Australia.
If your EV accepts 7kW, plugging it into a 22kW wallbox still charges at 7kW. You have paid for a larger charger, heavier cable and three phase circuitry with no benefit.
Check your vehicle's specification sheet for "maximum AC charging" before choosing. It is the single most useful number in this decision.
A quick way to decide
- Single phase home? 7kW is your practical option and is enough for the vast majority of drivers.
- Three phase home, car accepts 11kW? 11kW is a sound choice, especially with two EVs.
- Car caps at 7kW? Don't pay for 11kW or 22kW unless you plan to change vehicles soon.
- Charging overnight anyway? Faster charging rarely changes anything — you are asleep either way.
Common questions
Power rating FAQ
Is a 22kW charger better than a 7kW charger?
Only if your home has three phase supply and your car's onboard charger can accept 22kW AC. Most EVs sold in Australia cap at 7kW or 11kW AC, so a 22kW wallbox will simply charge at the car's maximum rate.
Is 7kW fast enough for a home charger?
For most households, yes. A 7kW charger adds roughly 40km of range per hour, which means a typical daily commute is replaced in about an hour and an almost-empty battery fills overnight.
What do I need for an 11kW charger?
Three phase supply at the property, a switchboard that can accommodate the additional load, and a vehicle that accepts 11kW AC charging.
We are an information and quote request service — we do not carry out electrical work. All installations are performed by licensed electricians.
Keep reading
More Melbourne EV charging guides
Independent, jargon-free information to help you work out what your home actually needs.
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Read guideDo I need single or three phase?
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Read guideCan I charge from solar?
Solar diversion, battery integration and what to look for in a charger if you already have panels on the roof.
Read guideDo I need a switchboard upgrade?
Why some homes need switchboard work before a charger can be installed, and how to spot the warning signs.
Read guideWhich EV charger is right for my car?
The main categories of home charger sold in Australia and the features worth comparing before you buy.
Read guideReady to get EV charger quotes?
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