EV charging
What do 7.4 kW, 11 kW and 22 kW home EV chargers mean in South Africa?
~7.4 kW single-phase is the default home wallbox class for most South African houses — overnight it covers a typical commute. 11 kW and 22 kW need a three-phase supply (and a car whose onboard charger can use three-phase AC). Buying a 22 kW box on single-phase does not magically make it 22 kW.
Updated 26 October 2026 · Africa/Johannesburg
Quick comparison
| Wallbox class | Supply needed | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| ~7.4 kW | Single-phase | Most family homes and commuting EVs |
| ~11 kW | Three-phase | Faster home AC when supply and car allow |
| ~22 kW | Three-phase + capable onboard charger | Workshops, multi-car, or true three-phase EVs — rare as a necessity for one commuter |
Public DC fast chargers (50–350+ kW) are a different product for road trips — not a substitute for a home AC wallbox.
What actually limits speed
- Your municipal / Eskom supply rating and main breaker
- Whether the house is single- or three-phase
- The car’s AC onboard charger limit (many popular EVs top out around 7–11 kW on AC)
- Shared loads (geyser, stove, heat pump) — load management matters
Deep dive: EV charging in South Africa. Soft editorial home-charger starting point among peers: SAEV Charge.
Related answers
Sources
- Solar News 24 EV charging guide (power-band table; SA brand stock notes)
- Manufacturer AC ratings on SAEV / Victron / Wallbox product pages — verify the SKU’s single- vs three-phase rating before you buy
Need a quote that matches this answer? Structured briefs for SA installers.