Are you considering buying an EV charger for your home? With so many options available on the market, choosing the right charger can be confusing.
In this blog post, we'll explore how kW ratings relate to EV charging and how the charging speed of your EV depends on multiple factors. We'll also discuss the importance of selecting the correct kW output for your EV to ensure you're maximizing your charging experience. Finally, we'll highlight the fact that some EV car batteries can only draw a certain amount of power from the charger despite the charger's maximum output, and how this can impact your charging speed.
How does kW rating relate to EV charging speed?
The kW output of an EV charger is directly related to its charging speed. The higher the kW rating, the faster the charger can charge an EV. For instance, a 22kW charger can charge a car three times faster than a standard 7kW charger, providing up to 90 miles of range per hour compared to 30 miles of range per hour for the latter.
What factors affect EV charging speed at home?
Multiple factors impact the charging speed of an EV at home, including the domestic property power supply, the EV charger output, and the speed of charge that the car allows. This means that not all EV owners can benefit from a high kW output charger as their domestic power supply and car's charging capability might limit the charging speed.
Can all residential properties support a 22kW charging point?
Most UK residential properties operate on a single-phase supply, which cannot support the additional two phases required for a 22kW charging point. Therefore, upgrading to a three-phase supply may be required to use a 22kW charger, which can be expensive.
What is the recommended kW output for most EV owners?
A 7kW charger, such as the Pod Point Solo 3 or Ohme Home Pro, is the highest-powered charger most customers can get on a single-phase supply, making it the recommended kW output for most EV owners.
What cars can use 22kW chargers?
If you're wondering what cars can use a 22kW home charger, the answer is technically all EVs can use them, but not all will be able to make use of the full 22kW power available.
Electric vehicles that are capable of 22kW charging currently include the Renault Zoe, BMW i3, Tesla Model S, and Tesla Model X. However, charging speeds can vary depending on the car's make, model, and spec levels, so it's always advisable to check the maximum charging speed by referring to your vehicle manual, asking the retailer or contacting the manufacturer before commiting to an EV charger purchase.
Why is it important to check an EV's manual or vehicle database before purchasing a charger?
Some EV batteries can only draw a certain amount of power, regardless of the maximum output of the charger. Therefore, it's crucial to check your EV's manual or visit a vehicle database to find out what charging speeds your EV is capable of before purchasing a charger to ensure that you're not overspending on a charger that your EV cannot utilize fully.
How does choosing the correct kW output affect charging experience, cost, and battery health?
Selecting the correct kW output for your EV battery can improve the charging experience, reduce costs, and maintain battery health. Faster charging saves time and reduces range anxiety, and charging at the correct kW output can prevent unnecessary costs.
So, when shopping for an EV charger, keep in mind that it's essential to choose the right kW output for your vehicle as not all EV owners can benefit from a 22kW charger.
We hope this blog has helped you to decide which EV charger output is best for you and your vehicle. However, if you have any questions, you can contact one of our EV charger experts on 0203 994 5470, drop us an email at sales@electricpoint.com or use our Contact Form.