Address
3rd Floor, Building A, Xincheng Square, Baomin 2nd Road, Xixiang Street, Baoan District, 518102, Shenzhen, China.
Address
3rd Floor, Building A, Xincheng Square, Baomin 2nd Road, Xixiang Street, Baoan District, 518102, Shenzhen, China.
Many EV owners have questions about the charging power when purchasing a home EV charger: Which one should we choose between 7kW, 11kW or 21kW?
Today we want to give you a brief introduction.
The higher the charging power of the charger, the faster the charging speed. However, not all car models support high-power charging. Therefore, before selecting a home ev charger, you should understand what charging power your car is compatible with.
Currently, the charging ports of electric vehicles are divided into two types: direct current charging ports (9-pin) and alternating current charging ports (7-pin). Direct current charging bypasses the vehicle’s onboard charger and directly interfaces with the battery, resulting in fast charging. Alternating current charging, on the other hand, requires the current to pass through the vehicle’s onboard charger, resulting in slower charging. Our current home chargers are all alternating current chargers.
Alternating current, or AC, is the type of electricity we encounter in our daily lives, such as the electricity in our household sockets. AC electricity is divided into “single-phase” and “three-phase” power. Single-phase power, commonly known as “residential power” or “household power,” has a voltage of 220V~230V (nominal 220V, but it’s slightly higher in reality). Three-phase power, known as “industrial power” or “commercial power,” has a voltage of 380V~400V (nominal 380V, but it’s slightly higher in reality).
The maximum charging power that a electric vehicle can accept is not determined by the ev charger’s power, but rather by the specifications of the vehicle’s onboard charger.
However, the actual situation varies for each car owner. In some areas, the voltage may not meet the requirements for a 380V supply, so only a 220V single-phase power supply can be installed. Therefore, before installing an ev charger, it’s essential to communicate with the management staff and understand the power supply conditions before applying for a power meter.
In summary, for most people, it’s recommended to choose a 7kW charger as it is convenient and cost-effective. However, if your budget allows, it’s highly recommended to consider purchasing an 11kW or 21kW charger to reduce charging time.