How to Choose Between 7kW, 11kW, and 22kW EV Chargers

Selecting the right AC EV charger power level is not about choosing the highest kilowatt rating available.
For commercial, residential, and fleet operators, the decision must balance charging behavior, electrical capacity, cost efficiency, and long-term scalability.

This guide explains when 7kW, 11kW, or 22kW charging makes the most sense—and when it does not.

Understanding the Core Difference

The primary difference between 7kW, 11kW, and 22kW AC chargers lies in:

• Charging speed
• Electrical infrastructure requirements
• Operational flexibility

All three are AC chargers, meaning they rely on the vehicle’s onboard charger to convert AC to DC. Therefore, real-world charging speed also depends on the vehicle itself.

Charging Power vs. Typical Charging Time

Charger Power	Typical Charging Time (60 kWh battery)	Electrical Phase
7kW	8–9 hours	Single-phase
11kW	5–6 hours	Three-phase
22kW	2.5–3 hours*	Three-phase

*Actual speed depends on vehicle onboard charger capability.

When to Choose a 7kW EV Charger

Best for:

• Residential apartments
• Assigned parking spaces
• Overnight charging scenarios

Key Advantages:

• Lowest installation and equipment cost
• Minimal impact on building electrical systems
• Ideal for long dwell times (8+ hours)

Limitations:

• Not suitable for high vehicle turnover
• Less attractive for shared or public parking

7kW chargers are optimal when vehicles remain parked for long periods and charging urgency is low.

When to Choose an 11kW EV Charger

Best for:

• Apartment complexes with shared parking
• Office buildings
• Hotels and mixed-use properties

Key Advantages:

• Balanced charging speed and grid load
• Supports most modern EVs efficiently
• Strong compatibility with load management systems

Limitations:

• Requires three-phase power
• Slightly higher infrastructure cost than 7kW

11kW chargers are often considered the “sweet spot” for semi-public and residential-commercial hybrid use cases.

When to Choose a 22kW EV Charger

Best for:

• Commercial fleets
• Public or high-turnover parking
• Retail, logistics hubs, and mobility operators

Key Advantages:

• Faster charging for short dwell times
• Higher user satisfaction in commercial settings
• Maximizes charger utilization rate

Limitations:

• Higher grid demand
• Not all vehicles support full 22kW AC charging
• Requires proper load balancing to avoid peak overload

22kW chargers are about operational efficiency, not just speed.

The Role of Load Management in Power Selection

Choosing higher power does not always mean upgrading grid capacity.

With dynamic load management (DLM):

• Multiple chargers can share limited power
• Charging output adjusts automatically based on building load
• Peak demand is controlled without sacrificing scalability

This allows properties to deploy more 11kW or 22kW chargers while staying within existing electrical limits.

Power Selection by Use Case

Use Case	Recommended Power
Residential apartment (overnight)	7kW
Shared residential parking	11kW
Office / Hotel	11kW
Fleet depot	22kW
Public commercial parking	22kW

Why One Size Does Not Fit All

A common mistake is standardizing on a single power level across all sites.
In reality, a mixed deployment strategy often delivers the best ROI:

• 7kW for long-stay parking
• 11kW for shared usage
• 22kW for high-demand zones

This approach maximizes infrastructure efficiency while controlling costs.

QIAO’s Perspective on AC Power Selection

At QIAO, power selection is always driven by scenario-based analysis, not marketing claims.

Our AC EV charging portfolio supports:

• 7kW, 11kW, and 22kW configurations
• Intelligent load management
• Scalable deployment across residential and commercial sites

By aligning charger power with real usage patterns, QIAO helps partners achieve higher utilization, lower operating risk, and future-ready EV charging infrastructure.

Conclusion

Choosing between 7kW, 11kW, and 22kW EV chargers is a strategic decision—not a technical checkbox.
The right choice depends on dwell time, grid capacity, vehicle mix, and long-term growth plans.With proper planning and smart load management, AC EV charging can deliver reliable performance without unnecessary infrastructure upgrades.