Very few mainstream electric cars accept the full 22 kW AC input. The models that do include the Renault Zoe R135 with the Q-OBC, the BYD Atto 3, the Smart ForTwo ED, the LEVC TX taxi, and select Nissan Ariya trims. Most popular EVs, including every Tesla, all BMW i-series, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6, and the entire Volkswagen ID family, cap at 11 kW on three-phase. This guide explains which cars can genuinely use 22 kW, why so few qualify, and what the practical implications are for a UK home charging setup.
For the full context on home EV charging speed guide and why three-phase matters, start there.
What 22 kW AC charging is and why it’s rare
22 kW AC charging uses a three-phase supply at 32 amps per phase and 400 volts. That is the mathematical ceiling of AC Type 2 charging as specified in the IEC 62196 standard that covers European and UK chargers.
To accept 22 kW, a car needs an onboard charger (OBC) rated at 22 kW. OBCs are fitted inside the car and convert AC electricity from the charger into DC electricity for the battery. A 22 kW OBC is physically larger, heavier, more expensive to manufacture, and generates significantly more heat than an 11 kW OBC. Car manufacturers have to weigh those costs against the benefit to the buyer.
The commercial conclusion most manufacturers have reached: most buyers charge overnight, and 7 kW or 11 kW is enough for overnight charging. A 22 kW OBC adds cost and weight for a benefit that the majority of drivers never use. That is why the list of cars accepting full 22 kW is short, and getting shorter in some model lines as manufacturers have opted for 11 kW as the standard upper limit.
The short list: EVs with full 22 kW AC as standard
The following models accept 22 kW AC on three-phase as standard equipment (or as the norm within their primary UK trim range). Verify against the specific model year and trim you are considering, as OBC ratings occasionally change across model year updates.
| Model | AC max | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Renault Zoe R135 (with Q-OBC) | 22 kW | Key trim detail: must have the Q-OBC; not all Zoe trims qualify |
| BYD Atto 3 | 22 kW | Standard across UK trims |
| Smart ForTwo ED (Prime) | 22 kW | Relatively low-volume model |
| LEVC TX | 22 kW | Purpose-built London taxi with range extender |
| Nissan Ariya (select trims) | 22 kW | Verify by trim; not all Ariya models include 22 kW OBC |
These models are the exception, not the rule. For most UK buyers, the relevant AC ceiling is 11 kW on three-phase and 7.4 kW on single-phase.
EVs where 22 kW is an optional extra
A small number of premium models offer 22 kW AC as a factory option on higher trim levels or as a paid upgrade:
| Model | Standard AC max | Optional 22 kW |
|---|---|---|
| Porsche Taycan | 11 kW | Yes, available as option in UK configurations |
| Audi e-tron / e-tron GT | 11 kW | Yes, 22 kW OBC option on select configurations |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS | 11 kW | Yes, optional on some configurations |
| Mercedes-Benz EQE | 11 kW | Yes, optional on some configurations |
For Porsche and Audi specifically, the 22 kW AC option is typically associated with the AC charging package on higher trim grades. It is not standard and adds to the list price. Check the manufacturer’s UK configurator for the specific model and year you are buying.
Popular EVs that cap below 22 kW
This table matters as much as the one above. If your car is on this list, a 22 kW three-phase home charger gives you nothing over a standard 7 kW or 11 kW unit.
| Model | AC max (three-phase) | Single-phase UK max |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 11 kW | 7.4 kW |
| Tesla Model Y | 11 kW | 7.4 kW |
| BMW i4 | 11 kW | 7.4 kW |
| BMW iX | 11 kW | 7.4 kW |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 11 kW | 7.4 kW |
| Kia EV6 | 11 kW | 7.4 kW |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | 11 kW | 7.4 kW |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 11 kW | 7.4 kW |
| Polestar 2 | 11 kW | 7.4 kW |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | ~11 kW | 7.4 kW |
| Nissan Leaf (ZE0/ZE1) | 6.6 kW | 6.6 kW |
For EVs that support 11 kW AC charging, see our companion guide, which covers the full 11 kW-compatible list and explains when a three-phase supply is worth pursuing.
Can you charge at 22 kW at home in the UK?
Technically yes, but practically for very few households.
22 kW home charging requires a three-phase electricity supply. Three-phase is uncommon in UK domestic housing stock; approximately 95% of UK homes are wired on single-phase. On a single-phase supply, the maximum any home charger can deliver is 7.4 kW, regardless of what the charger is rated at or what your car can accept.
If you want to access 22 kW at home, you need a three-phase supply upgrade through your DNO. Typical upgrade costs run from £3,000 to £15,000 or more depending on how close the nearest three-phase network is and whether reinforcement works are needed.
For most households, 22 kW home charging is not a realistic or financially sensible goal. Public and workplace 22 kW AC chargers are a more cost-effective route to accessing 22 kW if you have a Renault Zoe or another 22 kW-capable model. See our three-phase home charging guide for the full cost and decision framework.
How much faster is 22 kW than 7 kW in real life?
The speed difference between 7 kW and 22 kW is significant in raw numbers:
| Charger output | Miles added per hour (typical) | Time to charge 75 kWh battery from 20% to 100% |
|---|---|---|
| 7.4 kW (single-phase) | 25-30 miles | ~8 hours |
| 11 kW (three-phase) | 35-40 miles | ~6 hours |
| 22 kW (three-phase) | 60-80 miles | ~3.5 hours |
A 75 kWh battery charges in roughly 3.5 hours at 22 kW versus around 10 hours at 7 kW. That gap is only relevant if you need to do multiple charge cycles in a day, or if you want to charge a car that arrives nearly empty and needs to leave again in a few hours.
For typical UK daily driving of under 30 miles, a 7 kW overnight charge covers everything. The 22 kW benefit is most practical at workplace and destination chargers where a shorter dwell time is the constraint.
Best home chargers for 22 kW charging
If you have confirmed three-phase supply at your property and your car supports 22 kW AC, the following home chargers offer 22 kW three-phase variants:
- Andersen A2 — Andersen A2 22 kW review covers the three-phase variant in detail
- Wallbox Pulsar Max — 22 kW three-phase version available
- Rolec EVO — 22 kW in the range
- EO Mini Pro 3 — 22 kW three-phase variant available
All these chargers also come in standard 7.4 kW single-phase versions, so you do not need to commit to a three-phase variant unless your supply supports it.
See every home EV charger we review to compare specs, prices, and independent verdicts across the full range.
Key Takeaways
- Very few mainstream EVs accept the full 22 kW AC input; the list is led by the Renault Zoe R135 (Q-OBC), BYD Atto 3, and Smart ForTwo ED
- 22 kW home charging requires a three-phase supply, which is uncommon in UK domestic properties
- Most popular EVs, including Tesla, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen models, cap at 11 kW on three-phase
- Public and workplace 22 kW AC chargers are a more accessible route for 22 kW-capable models than a domestic upgrade
- Verify your specific trim’s OBC rating against the manufacturer’s current UK spec sheet before investing in any supply upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Tesla Model Y charge at 22 kW AC?
No. The Tesla Model Y has an 11 kW OBC on three-phase and charges at a maximum of 7.4 kW on a standard UK single-phase home. Even with a 22 kW three-phase charger, a Model Y will draw no more than 11 kW.
Why do so few EVs accept 22 kW AC?
Onboard chargers capable of handling 22 kW are physically larger, heavier, and more expensive to manufacture than 11 kW units. They also generate more heat and require more cooling. Since most buyers charge overnight and 7 kW or 11 kW is sufficient for that, manufacturers have generally not seen a strong case for fitting 22 kW OBCs as standard.
Can I install a 22 kW charger at home?
Yes, but it will only deliver 22 kW if you have a three-phase supply. On a single-phase UK home, any charger rated above 7.4 kW will still only deliver 7.4 kW, because that is the single-phase limit. The charger hardware is not the constraint; the supply is.
Is 22 kW AC charging safe for the battery?
Yes. AC charging at any rate, including 22 kW, is gentler on the battery than DC rapid charging. The battery management system (BMS) regulates the current throughout the session to keep the battery within safe temperature and voltage limits.
Which UK EVs will take full advantage of 22 kW AC?
The Renault Zoe R135 with the Q-OBC, the BYD Atto 3, the LEVC TX, and select Nissan Ariya trims accept the full 22 kW input. Premium German models (Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron, Mercedes EQS) can access 22 kW on specific option packages. Verify your exact model and trim before committing to a three-phase supply upgrade.
Useful Resources
anariev.com — Ultimate Guide to 22 kW AC EV Charging https://www.anariev.com/ultimate-guide-to-22kw-ac-ev-charging/
EVspecs — AC Charging Comparison https://www.evspecs.org/electric-cars-ac-charging-comparison
Power-sonic — Levels of EV Charging https://www.power-sonic.com/levels-of-ev-charging/