Is it worth having a 22kW charger at home?
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, many EV owners are considering installing home charging solutions to make their daily lives more convenient. One option that often comes up is the 22kW charger, a powerful charging station that can significantly reduce charging times. But is it worth the investment? Let’s explore the benefits, considerations, and whether it’s the right choice for your home.
What Is a 22kW Charger?
A 22kW charger is a Level 2 home charging station that delivers up to 22 kilowatts of power. This allows for faster charging compared to standard home chargers, which typically provide 7kW or less. With a 22kW charger, you can fully charge most EVs in just a few hours, depending on the battery size and the vehicle's onboard charging capacity.
Benefits of a 22kW Charger
There are several advantages to installing a 22kW charger at home:
- Faster Charging: A 22kW charger can significantly reduce the time it takes to charge your EV, making it ideal for busy households or those with multiple EVs.
- Convenience: With faster charging, you can top up your battery quickly, even during short breaks at home.
- Future-Proofing: As EV technology advances, having a high-capacity charger ensures compatibility with future models that may require faster charging speeds.
Considerations Before Installing a 22kW Charger
While the benefits are clear, there are some important factors to consider before deciding on a 22kW charger:
- Electrical Infrastructure: A 22kW charger requires a three-phase electrical supply, which is not available in all homes. Upgrading to a three-phase system can be costly.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Not all EVs can utilize the full 22kW charging capacity. Check your vehicle’s specifications to ensure it can take advantage of the charger’s power.
- Cost: The installation and equipment costs for a 22kW charger are higher than those for a standard 7kW charger. Consider whether the faster charging speed justifies the additional expense.
Who Should Consider a 22kW Charger?
A 22kW charger is best suited for:
- Households with multiple EVs that need frequent charging.
- Drivers with high daily mileage who require quick recharging times.
- Homeowners planning for future EV purchases with higher charging demands.
If your home already has a three-phase electrical supply and your EV can utilize the full 22kW capacity, the investment may be worthwhile. However, for most average EV owners, a 7kW charger is often sufficient for overnight charging needs.
Conclusion
Installing a 22kW charger at home can be a game-changer for EV owners who need fast and frequent charging. However, it’s essential to weigh the costs, compatibility, and your specific charging needs before making a decision. For many, a standard 7kW charger may provide all the convenience they require at a lower cost. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional electrician or EV charging specialist to determine the best solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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 |
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 |
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
