For most European distributors, 11 kW should be the volume wallbox and 22 kW a smaller, targeted line. The reason is the car, not the charger: most electric cars sold in Europe accept up to 11 kW of AC power through their on-board charger, so a 22 kW wallbox charges them no faster. A 22 kW unit also needs a 32 A three-phase supply and, in some countries, approval from the grid operator. It earns its place in commercial, fleet and multi-vehicle sites.
11 kW and 22 kW at a Glance
| 11 kW wallbox | 22 kW wallbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Supply | Three-phase, 16 A per phase, 400 V | Three-phase, 32 A per phase, 400 V |
| Vehicles that use full power | Most current European EVs | Only vehicles with a 22 kW on-board charger |
| Cable and protection | Smaller cable cross-section, 16 A protection | Larger cable, 32 A protection, higher installation cost |
| Grid notification (example: Germany) | Notification to the network operator | Prior approval by the network operator |
| Typical buyer | Homeowners, small businesses | Workplaces, fleets, hotels, car dealers |
A charging session is limited by the lowest of three values: the wallbox rating, the supply and the vehicle’s on-board charger. Our article on charging time at 7, 11 and 22 kW shows how this plays out in hours, and single-phase vs three-phase charging explains the electrical side.
Why 11 kW Sells in Higher Volume
- Vehicle match: a car with an 11 kW on-board charger draws 11 kW from a 22 kW wallbox, so most home buyers gain nothing from the larger unit.
- Installation: 16 A per phase needs smaller cable and protection than 32 A, which keeps installation cost down.
- Grid rules: in Germany, charging devices above 12 kVA need prior approval from the network operator, while 11 kW units only need to be notified. Other countries have their own rules, so check locally.
- Overnight charging: 11 kW adds roughly 50 to 70 km of range per hour for a typical car, more than enough for an overnight top-up.
When 22 kW Is Worth Stocking
- Shared and commercial sites where several vehicles use one charger during the day and some of them accept 22 kW.
- Fleet depots with vans or cars specified with higher-power on-board chargers; see fleet depot charging.
- Car dealers and hotels that want to cover the widest range of visiting vehicles; see EV charging for car dealerships.
- Future-proofing where the supply is already 32 A three-phase and the owner expects to replace vehicles over the charger’s life.
A 22 kW wallbox with adjustable current can also be set to 11 kW at installation and raised later, which gives one product two uses.
Features That Matter More Than the Rating
- Dynamic load balancing so the charger does not overload the house supply; see dynamic load balancing.
- DC fault protection: 6 mA DC residual current detection, so a Type A RCD can be used upstream; see RCD protection for EV chargers.
- Smart charging for time-of-use tariffs and, in markets such as the UK, compliance with smart charge point rules.
- OCPP for business customers who want to manage chargers from a platform; see OCPP explained.
- Tethered or socketed versions; see tethered vs socketed wallboxes.
A Simple European Range Plan
- Core: 11 kW three-phase tethered wallbox with load balancing and app control.
- Single-phase markets and homes: 7.4 kW single-phase wallbox, common in the UK and in homes without three-phase supply.
- Commercial: 22 kW socketed wallbox or pedestal with OCPP and RFID.
- Portable: a three-phase portable charger with a CEE plug for flexible use; see CEE plugs 16 A vs 32 A.
EVDANCE builds three-phase wallboxes up to 22 kW, such as the EV-ACT3204E, and three-phase portable chargers for private-label partners, with branding and packaging options from 50 units. Find out more on our distributor program page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a 22 kW wallbox charge faster than 11 kW?
Only if the car’s on-board charger accepts 22 kW and the supply can deliver 32 A per phase. Most current European EVs are limited to 11 kW AC.
Can I install a 22 kW wallbox at home?
Often yes, if the home has a suitable three-phase supply, but installation costs more and some countries require grid operator approval first.
Should distributors stock both?
Most stock 11 kW as the main model and 22 kW for commercial customers. An adjustable 22 kW unit can also be set to 11 kW.
Is 7.4 kW still relevant in Europe?
Yes, for homes with only a single-phase supply, which is common in the UK and in older properties elsewhere.
Related Reading
- OEM and Private-Label EV Chargers: A Complete Guide for Brands
- How Distributors Can Build a Profitable EV Charger Product Line
- Single-Phase vs Three-Phase EV Charging: 7kW, 11kW and 22kW Explained
- CE Marking for Private-Label EV Chargers Sold in the EU
Key Takeaways
- Most European EVs accept 11 kW AC, so 11 kW is the volume wallbox for home buyers.
- 22 kW suits shared, fleet and commercial sites with vehicles that can use it.
- Check local grid rules: in Germany, devices above 12 kVA need network operator approval.
- Load balancing, DC fault detection, smart charging and OCPP often matter more to buyers than the headline rating.
Sources & Standards
- IEC 61851-1 — Electric vehicle conductive charging system, Part 1: General requirements
- IEC 62196-2 — Type 2 plugs, socket-outlets and vehicle connectors
- Germany — Niederspannungsanschlussverordnung (NAV), section 19, notification and approval of charging devices