3.6kW vs. 11kW Home EV Charger – Which One is Right for You?

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent, the need for efficient home charging solutions has never been greater. Choosing the right home EV charger can significantly impact your charging experience, cost, and convenience. Today, we explore the differences between 3.6kW and 11kW home EV chargers to help you determine which one is right for you.

Understanding EV Charging Basics

Before diving into the specifics of 3.6kW and 11kW chargers, it’s essential to understand the basics of EV charging. Home EV chargers convert alternating current (AC) from your home’s electrical system into direct current (DC) that your car’s battery can store. The speed at which this conversion happens depends on the charger’s power output, measured in kilowatts (kW).

The onboard charger (OBC) of your electric vehicle also determines the maximum charging rate it can accept. Even if you install an 11kW charger, if your car’s onboard charger only supports 7.4kW, you will be limited to that rate.

Key Factors to Consider

Electrical Installation

• Single-phase homes (common in older European buildings) typically support 3.6kW to 7.4kW charging.

• Three-phase homes (common in newer constructions) can support 11kW and higher.

Battery Capacity and Charging Time

The larger your EV’s battery, the longer it takes to charge.

• A 3.6kW charger provides approximately 18 km of range per hour and would take:

• Renault Zoe 52kWh battery: ~15 hours from 0 to 100%

• Tesla Model 3 Long Range 75kWh battery: ~21 hours from 0 to 100%

• An 11kW charger provides up to 55 km of range per hour, reducing charging times:

• Renault Zoe 52kWh battery: ~5 hours from 0 to 100%

• Tesla Model 3 Long Range 75kWh battery: ~7 hours from 0 to 100%

3.6kW Home EV Chargers

Advantages

• Cost-Effective: 3.6kW chargers are generally more affordable, with prices around €250 - €500.They are plug & play with no installation costs,as they do not require special electrical upgrades.

• Compatibility: Ideal for smaller EVs or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with battery capacities below 40kWh.

• Easy to use: Can be plugged into a 230V Schuko socket, which is commonly found in European households.

Disadvantages

• Slower Charging: A 3.6kW charger may not fully charge larger EVs overnight, making it less practical for drivers with high daily mileage.

• Limited Future-Proofing: As EV batteries grow in capacity, 3.6kW chargers may become outdated.

Best Use Case

• Suitable for short-range EVs such as the Nissan Leaf (40kWh battery) or plug-in hybrids (e.g., VW Golf GTE, BMW 330e).

• Ideal for drivers who travel less than 50 km per day and charge overnight.

 

11kW Home EV Chargers

Advantages

• Faster Charging: An 11kW charger provides up to 3 times the speed of a 3.6kW unit, charging most EVs overnight.

• Efficient Use of Cheaper Night-Time Tariffs: Many European electricity providers offer reduced rates for off-peak charging, allowing EV owners to save on electricity costs.

• Future-Proof Investment: With more EVs supporting 11kW AC charging, installing a higher-capacity charger ensures compatibility for years to come.

Disadvantages

• Higher Cost: 11kW chargers range from €600 - €1,200, and installation costs can be €500 - €2,000, depending on whether three-phase wiring is already available.

• Complex Installation: Requires a 400V three-phase power connection, which may necessitate an upgrade to the home’s electrical system.

Best Use Case

• Ideal for long-range EVs like the Tesla Model Y (75kWh battery), Volkswagen ID.4 (77kWh battery), and other vehicles with larger battery capacities.

• Best suited for homeowners who drive more than 100 km per day or own multiple EVs.