Do I need a 22kW charger at home?
7kW vs 22kW EV Chargers: Which Suits a Home?
A plain-language comparison of 7kW and 22kW home EV chargers, including why your vehicle may limit the benefit of 22kW.
A 7kW charger runs on a single phase; a 22kW charger needs three-phase supply. Most Ballarat homes are single-phase, so for many households the decision is effectively made by the existing supply.
The other limit is your car. Every EV has an onboard AC charger with a maximum rate — often around 7kW, sometimes 11kW, less commonly 22kW. If your vehicle caps out at 7kW, a 22kW wallbox will still charge it at 7kW.
For overnight charging, 7kW is usually more than adequate. A car parked from evening to morning has a long charging window, which typically recovers far more range than a normal day's driving uses, even allowing for regional distances around Ballarat.
A 22kW charger makes more sense where three-phase supply already exists with spare capacity, the vehicle can genuinely accept a higher AC rate, and daily distances or quick turnarounds justify it.
Before deciding, check your vehicle's onboard AC limit, your supply type, your typical daily kilometres and how long the car is parked at home. Those four answers usually settle it.
Where professional help is needed: Charger selection should be confirmed against your vehicle specifications and an assessment of your property's electrical supply. This guide is general information only and is not a substitute for a site-specific electrical assessment.
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