A 22 kW AC charger only delivers 22 kW if the car's onboard charger can take it and the property has a three-phase supply able to provide the current. Most UK homes are single-phase. On those supplies a 22 kW-labelled unit falls back to a much lower rate, often the same 7 kW class a cheaper, correctly specified charger would have given you. Buy the hardware for the supply you have, or get a network quote for three-phase before you buy the badge.
The price effect of buying a 22 kW home EV charger
The unit can cost more, and the connection can cost much more again if the street cable changes. The running speed you wanted may never appear.
A miss that shows up later: buying a 22 kW home EV charger
The mistake is 'future proofing' a semi with a 22 kW post because a workplace had one. Workplaces often have three-phase already.
Write buying a 22 kW home EV charger into the quote
The quote should state the supply phase, the car's AC limit and the rate the installer expects to achieve, in kW, at your house.
Buying a 22 kW home EV charger
Some cars, including many plug-in hybrids and some smaller EVs, cannot use more than 7 kW or even 3.7 kW AC. A 22 kW wallbox does not change the onboard charger.
- 22 kW needs three-phase and a capable car
- Single-phase homes usually want 7 kW
- The network quote comes first
- Plug-in hybrids rarely benefit
Check buying a 22 kW home EV charger before you accept a price
Ask the distributor for the car's AC rate and look at your cut-out. If both are not in the 22 kW club, stop.
Frequently asked questions
Will the car charge on it anyway?
Yes, at whatever AC rate the car and the supply share. You may have overpaid for a label.
Is 11 kW the middle option?
11 kW is the common three-phase home rate for cars that support it. It still needs three-phase.
Can software unlock 22 kW later?
Software cannot invent a phase that is not in the cut-out.
Are public 22 kW posts the same kit?
They are AC posts on a commercial supply. Copying the model onto a house does not copy the supply.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local EV Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.