As the popularity of electric cars continues to rise, so does the need for more efficient and convenient charging options.
One of the latest developments in EV charging technology is the ability to charge at 22 kW, which can significantly reduce charging times compared to the standard 7 kW charging.
However, not all electric cars are capable of charging at this higher rate. In this article, we’ll explore which cars can charge at 22 kW and how this can benefit electric car owners.
Why Most EVs Can’t Charge at 22 kW?
The main reason why most electric cars are not equipped to charge at 22 kW is due to the limitations of the on-board charger.
The on-board charger is responsible for converting the AC power from the charging station into DC power that can be stored in the battery. The maximum charging rate is determined by the capacity of the on-board charger.
Most electric cars are equipped with a 3.7 kW or 7 kW on-board charger, which limits the charging rate to 16-32 amps.
In order to charge at 22 kW, electric cars need to have a more powerful on-board charger that can handle a charging rate of 80 amps.
This requires a more expensive and larger on-board charger, which is currently only available on a limited number of electric cars.
Now you might be thinking why electric cars aren’t equipped with on-board chargers that can handle a charging rate of 80 amps?
Well, that’s, because UK residential properties do not have the three-phase power supply required to support a 22kW EV charger. In 99% of cases, they have a single-phase supply, which supports up to 7 kW chargers.
22 kW chargers can be installed in business properties or huge homes where three-phase power supply is very popular.
Which Cars Can Charge at 22 kW?
While some electric vehicles can handle up to 11kW or 16kW for home charging, others are limited to 7kW or less. Some cars are capable of accepting 22kW charging at home, but ultimately it’s the electric car itself that determines the charging speed it can handle.
That being said, even if you have a more powerful 22kW home car charger, it won’t necessarily charge your vehicle any faster if it’s only capable of accepting 7kW charging at home.
However, several electric cars can charge at 22 kW, including models from different manufacturers. Some examples of electric cars that can charge at 22 kW include:
- BMW i3
- Renault Zoe
- Tesla Model S/X
- Lotus Eletre S/R
- Lightyear 0
- Smart #1 Brabus
- Nissan Leaf e+
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What are the Benefits of 22 kW Charging?
The main benefit of 22 kW charging is faster charging times. A typical electric car with a 7 kW on-board charger can take up to 8 hours to fully charge, while a car with a 22 kW on-board charger can do so in as little as 1-2 hours.
This is particularly useful for electric car owners who have longer commutes or frequently use their cars for business.
Another advantage of 22 kW charging is convenience.
With faster charging times, electric car owners can spend less time waiting for their cars to charge and more time on the road. This can help to alleviate range anxiety and make electric cars more appealing to a wider range of drivers.
Also read: EV Battery in Hot Temperature: 5 Things to Know
What are the Limitations of 22 kW Charging?
One of the main limitations of 22 kW charging is the need for specific charging infrastructure. While 22 kW charging stations are becoming more common, they are not yet as widely available as standard 7 kW charging stations.
This means that electric car owners may need to plan their routes carefully and ensure that they can access a 22 kW charging station when needed.
Another limitation of 22 kW charging is the higher cost of installation.
Installing a 22 kW charging station can be more expensive than a standard 7 kW station, which may deter some individuals or businesses from investing in the technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 22 kW charging is a promising development in electric vehicle technology that can significantly reduce charging times and increase convenience for electric car owners.
However, not all electric cars are equipped to charge at this higher rate due to the limitations of the on-board charger. Despite this, there are several electric cars on the market that can charge at 22 kW, and more are likely to become available in the future.
While there are benefits to 22 kW charging, such as faster charging times and increased convenience, there are also limitations such as the need for specific charging infrastructure and the higher cost of installation.