Are you considering purchasing a 22kW home EV charger but unsure if it's the right choice for your needs? Let's take a closer look at what a 22kW charger is, its benefits and drawbacks, and what factors you should consider before making a decision.

What is a 22kW Home EV Charger?

A 22kW home EV charger is a charging station that can provide up to 22 kilowatts of power to your electric vehicle. This type of charger is typically installed at home or in a private garage, allowing you to charge your EV faster and more conveniently than using a standard 120-volt outlet.

Benefits of a 22kW Home EV Charger

The main advantage of a 22kW home EV charger is its speed. With 22 kilowatts of power, you can fully charge most electric vehicles in just a few hours, depending on the size of the battery. This is a significant improvement over the 3-6 miles of range per hour that you can get from a standard 120-volt outlet.

Another benefit of a 22kW home EV charger is convenience. Rather than having to visit a public charging station or wait for hours to charge your car using a standard outlet, you can charge your EV at home at your own convenience. This can save you time and money in the long run, especially if you drive frequently or have a larger battery that requires more frequent charging.

Drawbacks of a 22kW Home EV Charger

One potential drawback of a 22kW home EV charger is its cost. While the cost of these chargers has come down significantly in recent years, they are still more expensive than a standard 120-volt outlet or a slower Level 2 charger. You may also need to hire an electrician to install the charger, which can add to the overall cost.

Another consideration is whether your home's electrical system can handle a 22kW charger. Most homes in the United States have a 200-amp electrical service, which may not be sufficient to support a 22kW charger without additional upgrades. You may need to have your electrical system evaluated and potentially upgraded before installing a 22kW charger.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a 22kW Home EV Charger

Before deciding if a 22kW home EV charger is right for you, there are several factors to consider. These include:

• Your driving habits and how frequently you need to charge your EV
• The size of your EV's battery and how long it takes to charge using a standard outlet
• The cost of the charger and installation, as well as any potential electrical upgrades
• Whether your EV is capable of charging at 22kW
• Whether you plan to keep your EV long-term and whether a 22kW charger will provide a good return on investment over time

whether your home has a three-phase electricity supply.

To charge an electric vehicle at a significantly higher rate, such as 22kW, your property will need to have a three-phase electricity supply. Most residential properties in the UK operate on a single-phase supply and are unable to support the additional two phases needed for a 22kW charging point. Therefore, most EV drivers will not achieve charging speeds faster than 7kW at home.

It is possible to apply for an upgrade to a three-phase supply through your Distribution Network Operator (DNO), but this can be a very expensive process with costs ranging from £3,000 to £15,000.

Therefore, it's important to check with your DNO whether your home is eligible for a three-phase upgrade and what the associated costs will be before considering a 22kW home EV charger. In many cases, a 7kW charger may be the best option for most customers, as it is the highest-powered charger available on a single-phase supply and will still provide fast charging speeds.

Other factors to consider before choosing a 22kW home EV charger include the make and model of your electric vehicle, its charging capabilities, and your daily driving habits. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a 22kW home EV charger is the right choice for you.

In the United States, the installation of a 22kW home EV charger is possible for some homeowners, but it depends on several factors.

Firstly, the electrical system in the home needs to have enough capacity to support the additional load. This means having a 240-volt electrical service with a minimum of 200-amp capacity. Additionally, the home's wiring must be able to support the increased voltage and amperage demands of a 22kW charger.

If these requirements are met, the homeowner can work with a licensed electrician to install the 22kW charger. The installation process typically involves mounting the charger on a wall near the vehicle's parking spot, running electrical conduit from the charger to the electrical panel, and connecting the charger to the home's electrical system.

However, it's important to note that not all electric vehicles are capable of charging at 22kW. Most EVs on the market in the US are limited to 6.6kW or 7.2kW charging speeds at home. Before investing in a 22kW home charger, it's essential to check the charging capabilities of your specific vehicle.

Additionally, the cost of installing a 22kW charger can be significant, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the installation and any necessary upgrades to the home's electrical system. Homeowners should carefully consider the cost-benefit analysis of investing in a 22kW charger versus a lower-powered, more cost-effective option.

In summary, while it is possible to install a 22kW home EV charger in the United States, it depends on the home's electrical system capacity and the specific vehicle's charging capabilities. Homeowners should work with a licensed electrician to assess their home's electrical system and consider the cost-benefit of a 22kW charger before making a final decision.

Here are some examples of electric vehicles that are capable of charging at 22kW:

1. Audi e-tron
2. BMW i3
3. Jaguar I-PACE
4. Mercedes-Benz EQC
5. Porsche Taycan
6. Renault Zoe
7. Tesla Model S
8. Tesla Model X
9. Tesla Model 3 (Long Range and Performance versions)
10. Volkswagen ID.3

It's important to note that even if your electric vehicle is capable of charging at 22kW, you may not be able to achieve this charging speed at home due to factors such as your home's power supply and the capabilities of your home EV charger. It's always a good idea to consult with a qualified electrician and/or EV charging installation professional to ensure that you are choosing the right charger for your needs and that it can be safely installed at your home.