Which charging power is best for charging company cars at home? With so many wallboxes offering 11 kW or 22 kW, it can be hard to know which one to choose. This guide explains the key differences and helps you select the right wallbox for home use.
Charging should be fast, efficient, and safe. That part is easy. But choosing the ideal wallbox for your home is not always straightforward. Do you really need a 22 kW wallbox, or is an 11 kW model perfectly sufficient?
When comparing the two options, consider the following aspects:
Charging speed directly depends on the available power. As long as both the vehicle and the electrical installation can support it, a 22 kW wallbox can charge roughly twice as fast as an 11 kW model.
In general, the higher the charging capacity of both the car and the wallbox, the faster the process.
However, charging is always limited by the weakest link – either the vehicle’s onboard charger or the household connection. Many electric cars are designed for 11 kW AC charging, while plug-in hybrids usually support only 3.7 to 7.4 kW. Household power connections can also restrict the maximum charging current.
A higher charging speed can be tempting but may stress the battery more. Frequent fast charging increases cell wear and can reduce overall battery life.
Charging at lower power, such as 11 kW, is gentler on the battery and is especially beneficial when keeping the state of charge between 20% and 80%. Avoiding full charges or deep discharges also helps preserve battery health.
Smart charging and energy management systems can support this by automatically optimizing charging cycles to reduce battery aging.
When do wallboxes need to be registered or approved?
The purchase price for 11 kW and 22 kW wallboxes is often similar. The main difference lies in installation: 22 kW setups often require electrical upgrades, such as reinforced wiring or protective components, especially in older buildings. An 11 kW wallbox usually avoids these additional costs, making it the more economical choice for private homes.
At first glance, both options seem comparable, but several factors make a real difference:
22 kW wallboxes enable faster charging and greater flexibility, but for most private households, an 11 kW wallbox is entirely sufficient.
It allows overnight charging without issues, and most EVs are optimized for 11 kW AC charging. Not all models currently support 22 kW anyway.
Before deciding, always check your car’s maximum charging capacity. An 11 kW wallbox can be installed quickly and with minimal paperwork.
In practice, the 11 kW wallbox has become the standard for home charging, while 22 kW units are mainly used for public or commercial stations.
