7kW vs 22kW EV Chargers for Ballarat Homes
Choosing between a 7kW and a 22kW home charger is one of the first decisions Ballarat homeowners face. This comparison is written for local households: what each option needs from your home, what your car can actually accept, and how to end up with a charger that suits your driving rather than the spec sheet.
The basics
What the difference really is
The kW figure is how much power the charger can deliver. A 7kW unit runs on a single phase; a 22kW unit needs three phases. That's the core difference, and it's decided mostly by what supply your home already has.
The catch is your car. Every EV has an onboard AC charger with its own limit — many accept around 7kW, some 11kW, fewer accept the full 22kW. If your vehicle tops out at 7kW, a 22kW wallbox will still charge it at 7kW. So the question isn't which charger is faster, it's which charger your home and car can actually use.
Side by side
7kW vs 22kW comparison
| Consideration | 7kW home charging | 22kW home charging |
|---|---|---|
| Typical supply needed | Single-phase (common in Ballarat homes) | Three-phase supply |
| Common home use | Overnight charging for everyday driving | Faster top-ups for higher daily distances |
| Vehicle limit matters | Most EVs accept 7kW AC | Many EVs cannot accept the full 22kW AC |
| Installation complexity | Often simpler | Often more involved |
| Electrical capacity | Usually less demanding | May need more capacity or upgrades |
| Cost to install | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Solar-friendly options | Available on many smart chargers | Available on many smart chargers |
Practical view
Why 7kW suits most Ballarat homes
Most households charge overnight. If the car sits in the garage from evening until morning, that's a long charging window — and for typical Ballarat driving, including regular runs out to Buninyong, Miners Rest or a commute across town, a 7kW charger generally recovers far more range than a day's use consumes.
Single-phase installs are also usually simpler and less costly, which matters if the switchboard needs attention or the cable run is long.
Who may benefit from 22kW
Homes that already have three-phase supply with capacity to spare, drivers covering high daily distances, households sharing one vehicle with short turnaround times between trips, or homes planning for a second EV. It's worth confirming your vehicle's onboard limit first — otherwise you may be paying for capacity the car can't use.
Solar and future EVs
Both options can pair with rooftop solar on compatible smart chargers. If a second EV is likely later, mention it early: load management or a suitable charger choice now can save rework down the track.
Before you choose
Questions worth asking
- What is my vehicle's maximum onboard AC charging rate?
- Is my home single-phase or three-phase?
- How many kilometres do I actually drive on a typical day?
- How many hours is the car parked at home overnight?
- Does my switchboard have space and capacity for a new circuit?
- How far is the switchboard from where I park?
- Do I want to charge from rooftop solar during the day?
- Am I likely to add a second EV in the next few years?
Not sure which charger suits your home?
Send a few details about your vehicle, parking area and switchboard and we'll help you understand the next step.