Why Charging Speeds Matter

Charging speed determines how long it takes to power up your EV, impacting your daily routine. A charger with the right speed ensures your car is ready when you need it, whether you’re charging overnight or between errands.

Types of EV Charging Speeds

What Do 7kW, 11kW, and 22kW Mean?

  • 7kW Chargers: Ideal for home use, providing enough power to fully charge an EV overnight (6-12 hours).
  • 11kW Chargers: Faster than 7kW, suitable for homes with three-phase power or small businesses.
  • 22kW Chargers: The fastest option for AC charging, primarily used in commercial settings and requires three-phase power.

Each charger type differs in speed, compatibility, and installation requirements, so understanding these factors can guide your decision.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

Charging time depends on three things: the size of your car’s battery, the power of your charger, and the maximum AC speed your car can actually accept. As a rough guide, divide your usable battery size in kWh by the charging power in kW to estimate a full charge. Real-world charging is usually around 10 percent slower because of energy losses, and most drivers top up rather than charge from empty.

 

The approximate time to charge from empty to full, for three common battery sizes, looks like this.

7kW charger (single-phase, the typical home setup)

  • Small battery, about 40 kWh: around 5.5 hours
  • Medium battery, about 60 kWh: around 8 hours
  • Large battery, about 80 kWh: around 11 hours
  • Range added: roughly 40 km per hour

11kW charger (three-phase)

  • Small battery, about 40 kWh: around 3.5 hours
  • Medium battery, about 60 kWh: around 5.5 hours
  • Large battery, about 80 kWh: around 7.5 hours
  • Range added: roughly 60 km per hour

22kW charger (three-phase, only if your car supports it)

  • Small battery, about 40 kWh: around 2 hours
  • Medium battery, about 60 kWh: around 3 hours
  • Large battery, about 80 kWh: around 3.5 hours
  • Range added: roughly 120 km per hour

These figures assume your car can accept the charger’s full speed, and many cannot, which is where the next section comes in. If you are still choosing hardware, our Type 2 home charger guide explains the connector standard used across Europe.

Your Car’s Onboard Charger Sets the Real Limit

A charger can only deliver as much power as your car is able to take in. Every EV has a built-in onboard charger that converts AC power from a home charger into DC for the battery, and this component caps your AC charging speed.

 

Most EVs accept up to 11kW on AC, and many smaller or older models are limited to 7.4kW. Only a small number of cars accept the full 22kW. This is why a 22kW charger rarely charges a typical car any faster than an 11kW unit at home, and it is the most common misunderstanding about charging speed. Before paying for a faster charger, check your car’s maximum AC charging rate in its specification. For a walkthrough of the practical side, see our guide to installing an EV charger at home.

7kW Chargers: The Perfect Fit for Homes

A 7kW charger is the most common choice for home EV charging. It delivers a steady charge overnight, meeting the needs of most EV drivers.

Benefits: Affordable installation, compatible with standard single-phase power.

Considerations: While not the fastest, it’s ideal for homes where time flexibility is available.

11kW Chargers: A Speedier Option

If you need faster charging or have multiple EVs, an 11kW charger offers a balanced solution.

Benefits: Charges quicker than 7kW, reducing wait times for fully charged batteries.

Considerations: Requires three-phase power, which may involve additional installation costs.

22kW Chargers: High-Speed Power

For those seeking the fastest AC charging, a 22kW charger delivers. It’s perfect for frequent use or commercial applications.

 

Benefits: Rapid charging ideal for high-usage scenarios.

Considerations: Typically requires three-phase power, which may not be available in all homes. There are only a few EVs that actually support 22kW, as most EVs have an 11KW onboard charger

Choosing the Right Charger

When selecting a charger, consider:

  • Your Lifestyle: Overnight charging vs. quick top-ups.
  • Your EV: Some cars can’t accept more than 7kW or 11kW, regardless of the charger.

Installation Costs: Faster chargers may require power upgrades.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge at Home?

Charging cost does not depend on the charger’s speed. A 7kW and a 22kW charger use the same total energy to add the same amount of charge, so what matters is your electricity price. To estimate the cost of a full charge, multiply your usable battery size in kWh by your price per kWh.

 

For example, charging a 60 kWh battery from empty at 2 NOK per kWh would cost roughly 120 NOK. Prices vary widely by country, tariff and time of day, so use your own rate for an accurate figure. Charging overnight, where a lower night tariff applies, can bring the cost down.

When Is the Best Time to Charge Your EV?

For most drivers, the best time to charge is overnight. Charging while you sleep means the car is full each morning, and it lets you use cheaper off-peak electricity where it is available. Overnight charging at 7kW or 11kW is more than enough to fully replenish a typical battery before you wake up.

 

A smart charger makes this effortless. It can schedule charging for the cheapest hours automatically and balance power with the rest of your home, so you avoid overloading your supply.

Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charging Speeds

Is a 7kW charger enough for home charging?

For most drivers, yes. A 7kW charger adds around 40 km of range per hour, which fully charges most EVs overnight and comfortably covers typical daily driving.

Do I need three-phase power for an 11kW or 22kW charger?

Yes. Both 11kW and 22kW AC charging need a three-phase supply. A standard single-phase home supply supports up to 7.4kW. Installing three-phase power, if you do not already have it, can add to the cost.

Can every electric car use a 22kW charger?

Most EVs accept a maximum of 11kW on AC, and some are limited to 7.4kW. Only a few models use the full 22kW, so a 22kW charger will not speed up a car that is limited to a lower rate.

How much faster is an 11kW charger than a 7kW charger?

Around 50 percent faster, provided your car can accept 11kW. For a 60 kWh battery, that is roughly 5.5 hours for a full charge instead of about 8 hours.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla?

Most Tesla models accept up to 11kW on AC and have batteries between roughly 60 and 80 kWh. At 11kW, a full charge takes around 5.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on the model.

Final Thoughts

A home EV charger simplifies charging and ensures your car is ready when you need it. Whether you opt for a 7kW, 11kW, or 22kW charger, understanding the differences helps you make an informed decision. By choosing a charger that matches your needs and your home’s capabilities, you’ll enjoy the full convenience and cost savings of EV ownership.