7kW vs 22kW: Which Type 2 Charging Cable Do You Actually Need?
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It's the question we get more than any other: should I buy the 7kW or the 22kW Type 2 cable? Both will charge your EV perfectly well — the right choice just comes down to your home's power supply, your car, and how fast you actually need to charge. Here's how to decide in a few minutes.
The short version
A 7kW cable charges using single-phase power — the standard supply in most Australian homes. A 22kW cable charges using three-phase power, which is much faster, but only if both your power supply and your car support it. For most people charging at home, 7kW is all they can use. If you have three-phase power and a car that supports fast AC charging, 22kW is worth it.
How much faster is 22kW, really?
On paper, the difference is big. A 7kW connection adds roughly 35–45 km of range per hour of charging — overnight, that's more than enough to fully refill most EVs. A 22kW connection can add up to around 100–120 km per hour, roughly three times faster.
But here's the part most sellers won't tell you: your car has to support it. Many EVs have an onboard AC charger that maxes out at 7kW or 11kW, even on a three-phase supply. If that's your car, a 22kW cable won't charge any faster than a 7kW one — it'll simply charge at your car's limit.
So before buying 22kW, check two things:
- Do you have three-phase power? Most standard Australian homes are single-phase. Newer or larger homes, and properties with upgraded supply, may have three-phase. If you're not sure, an electrician can confirm.
- Does your car accept fast AC charging? Check your EV's onboard AC charger rating in the manual or specs — many sit at 7kW or 11kW.
When 7kW is the smart choice
For the majority of Australian EV drivers, the 7kW single-phase cable is the practical pick. It's lighter, easier to handle and store, and it delivers more than enough overnight charging for daily driving. If you have a standard home supply, it's the maximum you can use anyway.
When 22kW makes sense
The 22kW three-phase cable is the right call if you have three-phase power at home or at work, and a car that can take advantage of faster AC charging. It's also a smart future-proofing choice if you're planning to upgrade your vehicle. As a bonus, it's downward compatible — it works perfectly on single-phase setups too, so you're never locked out.
Don't forget length
Both cables come in 5m and 7m. A 5m lead is lighter and tidier and reaches most home and public chargers comfortably. Go for 7m if your parking spot is awkward, your charge port is on the far side of the car, or you want extra reach at public stations.
A cable that works everywhere
Whichever you choose, both our Type 2 cables are built for Australian conditions — flame-retardant, IP55-rated for outdoor use, reliable from -30°C to +50°C, and backed by a 3-year warranty. And because so many public AC chargers don't supply their own lead, having your own Type 2 cable means you're never caught out on the road.
Still not sure?
If you're weighing it up, we're happy to help you match the right cable to your car and setup — no hard sell. Just email [email protected] and we'll point you in the right direction.