Is it worth having a 22kW charger at home?
In short, whether a 22kW home charger is worth the investment depends on your specific needs and driving habits. While a 22kW charger can significantly reduce charging times compared to a standard 7.4kW or 11kW unit, the higher cost and installation complexity may not justify the benefits for all electric vehicle (EV) owners.
Understanding the Charging Power Needs
The power output of a home charger, measured in kilowatts (kW), determines how quickly an EV's battery can be recharged. A 22kW charger is considered a "high-powered" option, capable of delivering a full charge to most EVs in just a few hours. In contrast, a standard 7.4kW or 11kW charger may take 8-12 hours to fully recharge an EV battery.
The key factors to consider when choosing a home charger include:
- Your EV's maximum charging rate: Most EVs can only accept a maximum of 11kW or 22kW, so a 22kW charger may not provide any additional benefit if your vehicle can't utilize the full power.
- Your daily driving needs: If you only drive short distances and can charge overnight, a slower 7.4kW or 11kW charger may be sufficient. A 22kW charger is more beneficial for those who need to quickly recharge between longer trips.
- The cost and complexity of installation: 22kW chargers require a dedicated high-voltage electrical circuit, which can significantly increase the installation cost and complexity compared to a standard 240V Level 2 charger.
For many EV owners, a 22kW charger may be overkill and not worth the additional investment. However, for those with high-mileage needs or who frequently need to quickly recharge their vehicles, a 22kW home charger can be a worthwhile upgrade.
Factors to Consider
When deciding if a 22kW home charger is right for you, consider the following factors:
- Charging speed: A 22kW charger can add up to 100 miles of range in just 1 hour, compared to 30-40 miles for a standard 7.4kW or 11kW charger.
- Cost and installation: 22kW chargers can cost $2,000-$4,000 to purchase and install, significantly more than a standard Level 2 charger.
- Electrical system requirements: 22kW chargers require a dedicated 240V, 100A electrical circuit, which may necessitate an electrical panel upgrade or other complex installation work.
- Your driving needs: If you only drive short distances daily and can charge overnight, a slower charger may be sufficient. A 22kW charger is more beneficial for those who need to quickly recharge between longer trips.
- Your EV's maximum charging rate: Most EVs can only accept a maximum of 11kW or 22kW, so a 22kW charger may not provide any additional benefit if your vehicle can't utilize the full power.
Ultimately, the decision to install a 22kW home charger should be based on your specific driving needs, budget, and the capabilities of your EV. For many EV owners, a standard 7.4kW or 11kW charger may be the more practical and cost-effective choice.
How much does it cost to install a 22kW car charger?
| Charger type | Time to full battery | Price with installation |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6 kW | 19 hours | £800 |
| 7 kW | 10 hours | £1,000 |
| 22 kW | 3 hours | £1,200 |
Can you use a 22 kW charger at home?
The 22kW three-phase charger is the fastest EV charger you can install in your home, but for it to be three-phased, a few criteria need to be fulfilled in order to use it.
How fast is 22 kW home charger?
A 22kW EV charger is three times faster than a 7kW EV charger and six times faster than a 3-pin plug charger, adding 37-50 miles of range per hour. In turn, a 22kW charger can fully charge your electric car in approximately 3-4 hours and 1-2 hours to top up.
Does a 22kW charger need 3 phase?
In order to charge an electric vehicle at a significantly higher rate (such as 11kW or 22kW), your property will need to have a three-phase electricity supply.
What kW should my home charger be?
Charging speed for electric cars is measured in kilowatts (kW). Home charging points charge your car at 3.6kW or 7kW giving about 15-30 miles of range per hour of charge (compared to 2.3kW from a 3 pin plug which provides up to 8 miles of range per hour).
Is a 22 kW charger worth it?
Since a majority of electric vehicles can only support up to 7kW and not many homes will be able to have a 22kW charger installed due to a single-phase power supply, a 22kW three-phase charger is not worth it for home installations.
How many kW to power my house?
How Much Electricity Does a House Use?
| Home Size (Sqft) | Estimated Monthly kWh Usage |
|---|---|
| 2,500 | 1,250 – 2,500 kWh |
| 3,000 | 1,500 – 3,000 kWh |
| 3,500 | 1,750 – 3,500 kWh |
| 4,000 | 2,000 – 4,000 kWh |
Which cars use a 22kW charger?
The most common electric cars to charge at 22kW are typically Tesla, Renault Zoe, BYD and Audi. However, it depends on the EV model. Be mindful that certain Tesla models have charging capabilities of 11kW and would, therefore, not truly benefit from a 22kW charger.
How much does an electric car charger add to your electric bill?
$30 to $60 a month
Electric car owners do the vast majority of their charging at home, rather than at public charging stations. Charging an electric car will typically add $30 to $60 a month to your utility bill. Electric cars are generally cheaper to fuel and maintain than conventional cars, although they may cost more to buy.
Is it better to have a higher wattage charger?
High-wattage chargers, also known as "fast chargers," provide the fastest charging speed. These are great for when you need to power up in a hurry. Charge wattages for these rapidly evolving technologies vary significantly, often starting from 18W and going as high as 65W for some of the latest phones.
