EV Charger Buying Guide: Choosing 7, 11, or 22 kW for Your Home

If you drive an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, you know how crucial an efficient charging solution is. A standard household outlet works in a pinch, but it quickly reveals its limitations in terms of speed and safety. Installing a charging station, or wallbox, at home is a game-changer: charging becomes faster, safer, and often, much smarter.

With the overwhelming number of models available, it can be difficult to find your way. Should you opt for a 7 kW wallbox, an 11 kW charging station, or a 22 kW EV charger? This guide is here to break down the key criteria and help you choose the best home EV charger for your needs, complete with our selection of the top models on the market today.

How to Choose Your Home EV Charger?

Before you take the plunge, there are three essential points to consider to ensure your investment is perfectly suited to your needs and your electrical system.

1. Charging Power: Single-Phase or Three-Phase?

The charger's power directly determines your vehicle's charging speed. The choice will therefore depend on two factors: your home's electrical setup and the maximum charging capacity your car can handle.

• 7 kW (Single-Phase): This is the most common power level for residential installations. A 7 kW wallbox runs on a single-phase power supply and requires a dedicated circuit with a 32 A circuit breaker. It can charge most electric vehicles overnight (approximately 6 to 8 hours for a 50 kWh battery). It's the ideal balance between charging speed and installation simplicity.
• 11 kW (Three-Phase): This option requires a three-phase electrical system, which is less common in single-family homes but often available in new constructions or apartment complexes. An 11 kW three-phase charger significantly reduces charging time compared to a 7 kW model, provided your vehicle is compatible.
• 22 kW (Three-Phase): This is the maximum power available on alternating current (AC) for home charging. This power level offers ultra-fast charging, but be aware: few vehicles accept this power on AC, and it requires a suitable electricity plan and a particularly robust three-phase installation.

2. Features: Smart or Standard?

A smart wallbox offers a host of benefits compared to a standard model. Thanks to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection and a mobile app, you can:

• Schedule charging sessions to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
• Monitor your energy consumption in real time.
• Control the charger remotely (start, stop, adjust the current).
• Lock the charger, for example with an RFID card, to secure access and prevent unauthorized use.

If you're looking for a simple and effective "plug-and-charge" solution without advanced management, a non-connected model will do the job perfectly.

3. Compatibility and Installation

Nearly all electric vehicles sold in Europe use a Type 2 connector (also known as Mennekes) for AC charging. Simply verify that the charger you're considering is equipped with this universal standard.

Regarding the installation of the charging station, hiring a qualified electrician (with a relevant certification for EV charger installation) is mandatory. This professional is the only way to guarantee an installation that complies with safety standards. They will prevent any risk of overheating or short-circuiting and ensure your installation is covered by your insurance.

Recommended EV Chargers to Consider

Here are a few models that caught our attention for their technical specifications and excellent balance of features and price.

Feyree 7 kW Type 2 EV Charger with Adjustable Current

What sets it apart: Flexibility is the key word for this model. Its standout feature is the ability to adjust the current from 8 A to 32 A to precisely match your electrical circuit's capacity and eliminate any risk of overload. It's a solution that is both safe and future-proof.

Pros:

• Adjustable current: 7 power levels (8 A/10 A/13 A/16 A/20 A/25 A/32 A) for maximum flexibility.
• Multiple protections: Overvoltage, overheating, leakage, lightning… the station automatically shuts off if an anomaly is detected.
• Robust design: The IP65 protection rating makes it resistant to rain and dust for both indoor and outdoor installation.
• Practicality: Integrated cable holder for clean and tidy storage.

Who is it for? Ideal for EV owners in single-family homes with a single-phase installation. It's the perfect choice for a first charging station that is reliable, safe, and much faster than a standard outlet, without being bogged down with complex smart features.

Feyree 11 kW Three-Phase EV Charger with App Control

What sets it apart: This model represents an excellent balance for users with a three-phase installation. It combines the speed of a three-phase charger with the intelligence of a smart wallbox, all in a compact and secure package.

Pros:

• Efficient three-phase charging: The 11 kW power significantly reduces charging times for compatible vehicles.
• Smart control via the Tuya Smart app: Manage charging remotely, schedule sessions for off-peak hours, and monitor your consumption.
• Advanced safety: Includes protections against leaks, overvoltage, and overheating.
• Convenient features: Option for RFID card locking and charge scheduling.

Who is it for? Aimed at users equipped with a three-phase power supply and a vehicle that accepts 11 kW charging. It's the perfect solution for those who want to optimize their charging time and intelligently manage their energy consumption.

Feyree 22 kW Three-Phase EV Charger with App Control

What sets it apart: With its 22 kW, this charger is built for pure performance. It is designed for those who want the fastest possible charging at home and whose installation and vehicle can handle such power.

Pros:

• Maximum charging speed: The 22 kW power minimizes the vehicle's downtime.
• Full connectivity: Like the 11 kW model, it can be controlled via the Tuya Smart app for remote management (scheduling, monitoring, current adjustment).
• Comprehensive protection system: Ensures a worry-free charge thanks to its multiple sensors and safety features.
• Clear LED indicators: The charging status is visible at a glance, even from a distance.

Who is it for? For drivers of high-end electric vehicles compatible with 22 kW AC charging, who also have the appropriate three-phase electrical installation. This is the performance choice for those who refuse to compromise on speed.

Looking for Other Options?

Our selection focuses on specific needs, but the market is full of alternative solutions. To explore other power levels, designs, or features, feel free to browse our complete catalog.

Discover our full range of electric vehicle charging units

EV Chargers: Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference in charging time between a 7 kW, 11 kW, and 22 kW charger?

As a general guide, to charge a 50 kWh battery from 20% to 80% (which is 30 kWh):

• 7 kW charger: approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
• 11 kW charger: approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• 22 kW charger: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes (if the vehicle is compatible). Of course, these times can vary depending on the vehicle model, outside temperature, and the battery's condition.

Do I need to hire a professional to install an EV charger?

Yes, absolutely. The installation of an EV charger must be carried out by a qualified electrician. This is not only a guarantee for your safety and that of your vehicle, but also an essential condition required by insurance companies and necessary to qualify for certain government incentives. An improper installation can lead to fire hazards and void the equipment's warranty.

Are all chargers compatible with my car (Tesla, Renault, Peugeot)?

The vast majority of wall-mounted chargers sold in Europe, including those presented here, are equipped with a Type 2 connector. This standard is used by almost all manufacturers for AC charging, including Tesla (for European models), Renault, Peugeot, Volkswagen, Hyundai, etc. Compatibility is therefore nearly universal. The only point to verify is the maximum charging power your vehicle can accept.