11 kW or 22 kW? Tethered or socketed?

Short answer: Most EVs accept at most 11 kW on AC, so an 11 kW charger is enough for most people; if your car takes 11 kW, a 22 kW unit does not charge any faster. 22 kW makes sense if your car supports it or you plan to buy one that does, and it needs a three-phase 32 A supply. For one car, a tethered model is convenient; for different cars, or to avoid leaving a cable outside, choose a socketed one. On a single-phase supply you get at most 7.4 kW.

The difference between 11 kW and 22 kW

• 11 kW: three-phase, 16 A per phase.
• 22 kW: three-phase, 32 A per phase.
• Single-phase equivalents: 3.7 kW at 16 A, 7.4 kW at 32 A.

The car's onboard charger sets the AC limit. An 11 kW car on a 22 kW station charges at 11 kW; it is not harmed, just not faster. See how to tell if you have three-phase.

Charging times

From 10% to 100% of a 60 kWh battery is 54 kWh. With about 10% losses:

• 7.4 kW: about 8 hours.
• 11 kW: about 5.5 hours.
• 22 kW (if the car supports it): about 2.7 hours.

Parked overnight, 11 kW is usually full by morning. More in EV charging times.

Which cars benefit from 22 kW?

Most cars accept 11 kW; some models and trims offer 22 kW as standard or as an option. It varies by trim, so check the car's technical documents, or pick your model in the charger finder.

Supply for 22 kW

• Three-phase and sufficient contracted power, considered with the rest of the home's load.
• Cable size and breaker depend on power and distance: cable sizing.
• Shared car parks need separate assessment: charging at sites and workplaces.

If your car does not support 22 kW and will not change soon, take 11 kW. If a 22 kW car is coming, 22 kW avoids buying a second unit, provided the supply is designed for it.

Tethered or socketed?

Tethered:

• The cable stays attached and is always ready.
• No cable in the boot.
• Length is chosen once and must reach the car's inlet.

Socketed:

• Use your own Type 2 cable.
• Suits different cars and guests; a faulty cable is replaced on its own.
• No visible cable outside.
• You need a separate cable: charging cables and connectors.

Quick decision

• Single-phase, one car: portable or 7.4 kW solution.
• Three-phase, 11 kW car: 11 kW tethered.
• Three-phase, 22 kW car coming soon: 22 kW.
• Several cars or guests: socketed.
• Sites and workplaces: socketed, with SIM and MID meter if needed.

See home chargers and installation.

• → Charger finder
• → What is a wallbox?
• → Choosing a home charger