As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to rise in popularity, the need for efficient and convenient charging solutions becomes more important. One of the most common types of chargers for electric cars is the 7kW EV charger. But what exactly is a 7kW charger, and why is it considered a suitable option for most EV owners? In this article, we will explore the technical details, charging speeds, installation considerations, and compare the 7kW charger with other types of chargers like the 22kW EV charger.
What is a 7kW EV Home Charger?
When discussing electric car charging, it is essential to understand the concept of kilowatts (kW). The rate at which an electric vehicle charges is measured in kilowatts, representing the power output of the charger. A 7kW EV charger refers to a charging station capable of providing a maximum power output of 7 kilowatts, which is considered a "fast charger." This makes it significantly faster than traditional home charging methods such as a 3-pin plug.
7kW chargers are commonly found in residential homes, workplaces, and some public EV charging stations. In the UK, this charger type is the most popular for home installations because of its balance between power, efficiency, and the electricity supply required. Most electric vehicles (EVs) are equipped with onboard chargers that can handle a maximum of 7kW, making the 7kW charger the best option for homeowners and businesses.
Why is it so common?
The popularity of 7kW chargers can be attributed to the fact that a single-phase electricity supply, which is available in 95% of UK homes, can support the installation of a 7kW charger. This makes it both practical and affordable for most people. For EV owners with typical home energy supplies, this charger offers an ideal combination of charging speed and cost-efficiency.
How Fast is the 7kW Home Charger?
One of the primary concerns for EV owners is how long it will take to charge their vehicle. The speed at which an electric car charges depends on both the charger and the vehicle's battery capacity. A 7kW home charger is capable of delivering about 30 miles per hour of charge. This means that, on average, for every hour your car is plugged in, it will gain 30 miles of range, depending on the vehicle's energy consumption.
This is much faster than using a standard 3-pin socket, which can provide only a small amount of charge per hour. However, when compared to a rapid charger or ultra-fast chargers at public stations, the 7kW charger is slower, but it still offers a solid performance for everyday use.
How Long Does it Take to Charge an EV with a 7kW Home Charger?
Charging time with a 7kW home charger depends largely on the capacity of the car’s battery. For example, a typical EV with a 40kWh battery will take around 5 to 8 hours to charge fully using a 7kW charger. This time frame makes 7kW chargers particularly convenient for overnight charging or charging during the workday if the vehicle is parked at the office.
For electric car owners, this is often more than sufficient to ensure that the vehicle is fully charged by the morning or at the end of a workday. In fact, many drivers find that they rarely need to charge their EV to 100%, as typical daily driving requirements don’t demand a full charge each day.
For commercial premises, 7kW chargers are also a suitable option, as employees can easily charge their cars during working hours, ensuring that they have sufficient range for the commute home or for business trips.
Installation Costs of a 7kW EV Charger
When considering the installation of an EV charger at home or at a workplace, several factors can influence the overall cost.
Key factors affecting installation costs include:
Electrical capacity
The electrical supply to your home or business must be adequate to handle the load of a 7kW charger. Most homes have sufficient capacity, but if upgrades are needed, they may add to the cost.
Distance from the main electrical panel
The further the charger is from your main electrical panel, the more expensive the installation could be, as additional wiring and labor may be required.
Installation complexity
Some installations require trenching or other complex work that can increase costs. Additionally, permits may be necessary, depending on local regulations.
Local regulations
Compliance with local building codes and electrical codes can also affect the price of installation.
Typically, the installation cost of a 7kW charger can range from £500 to £1,500, depending on these factors. Government incentives or grants may help reduce the upfront costs in some regions.
7kW vs 22kW EV Chargers: Which is Better?
While the 7kW charger is by far the most common and practical option for home charging, there is an alternative: the 22kW EV charger. So, what makes the 22kW charger different, and is it better?
What is a 22kW EV Charger?
A 22kW EV charger is a high-power charging solution that can deliver up to 22 kilowatts of power. This is three times faster than the 7kW charger and provides the fastest home charging solution available. A 22kW charger can fully charge a vehicle much more quickly—typically in 2 to 3 hours depending on the battery size. This can be ideal for people who require frequent and fast charging, especially in commercial or fleet vehicle settings.
However, a 22kW charger requires a three-phase electricity supply, which is not available in most residential settings. This means that homeowners with a standard single-phase power supply cannot install a 22kW charger without significant electrical upgrades.
7kW vs 22kW – Which is Better?
When choosing between a 7kW charger and a 22kW charger, the decision comes down to usage needs and the electrical infrastructure available at your property.
1. Installation Requirements
A 7kW charger can be installed in most homes with a single-phase supply. It’s a more affordable and practical option for the vast majority of residential users, making it the go-to solution for home EV charging.
A 22kW charger, on the other hand, requires a three-phase electricity supply, which means it’s more suitable for businesses or areas with industrial power supplies.
2. Charging Speed
A 22kW charger is undoubtedly faster, allowing vehicles to charge three times as fast as a 7kW charger. However, this speed might not be necessary for most people. For most EV owners, a 7kW charger will offer sufficient speed, and charging overnight or during the workday is typically all that’s needed.
3. Cost
The cost of installing a 22kW charger is usually higher, both in terms of equipment and installation. There are also the additional costs of upgrading your electrical supply to support a three-phase system. A 7kW charger is much cheaper to install and doesn’t require major electrical upgrades.
4. Use Case
If you are a homeowner with a single-phase supply, a 7kW charger is likely the better and more cost-effective choice. If you are running a commercial fleet or need to charge multiple vehicles in a short period of time, a 22kW charger may be worth the investment. For typical home users, the 7kW charger strikes the perfect balance between charging speed, cost, and practicality.
Conclusion
A 7kW EV charger is one of the most popular choices for homeowners who want to efficiently and affordably charge their electric vehicles. It offers an excellent balance of power and convenience, typically fully charging a vehicle overnight or during the workday. With a single-phase supply, it is compatible with 95% of homes, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
While faster chargers like the 22kW EV charger exist, they are more suitable for commercial or high-demand settings due to the need for a three-phase electrical supply. For most residential users, the 7kW charger provides everything needed for efficient EV charging at home.
By considering your charging requirements, the type of electrical supply available at your home, and the cost of installation, you can determine the best charging solution for your electric vehicle.
