Wallbox 11 kW or 22 kW: Which One Should You Buy for Your Home?

You want to install a wallbox at home, but you're not sure whether you should buy a wallbox with 11 kW or 22 kW charging power?

Then you've come to the right place!

In this article, we will explain the difference and help you make the right decision.

So, let's get started! 

In this article, we will show you the eight main differences so that you can then decide which wallbox is right for you.

You can usually choose between two basic models of a wallbox:

• 11 kW Wallbox: this Wallbox has a maximum charging capacity of 11 kWh.
• 22 kW Wallbox: this wallbox has a maximum charging capacity of 22 kWh.

Theoretically, a 22 kW wallbox could charge half as fast as an 11 kW wallbox.

Note, however, that there are factors that influence the charging time. The charging power of the electric car and the charging cable are two of them.

If your EV has a three-phase on-board charger and a maximum charging power of 11 kW, this means that you can’t charge faster even with a 22 kW wallbox. Let's take a quick look at the Tesla Model 3.

Tesla Model 3 characteristics:

• Battery size: 62 kWh
• Max. AC charging power basic version: 11 kW
• Number of phases: three-phase
• Max. AC charging station charging current: 16 A

As already mentioned, not only the characteristics of the electric car influence the charging time, but also, for example, the charging cable.

For instance, if you have an electric car with 22 kW AC charging power and a wallbox with 22 kW charging power, but a charging cable that only allows 11 kW charging power, your electric car will only charge at 11 kW. 🤯

Before deciding on one of the wallboxes, you should check how high the connection power is available for the charging station in your house. If it is too low, there is no point in installing a 22 kW wallbox as it requires 32 amps at maximum charging power. Of course, you can also charge with a 22 kW wall-mounted charging station at a lower output.

☝️ So don't forget to check the maximum charging capacity of your EV and the connected load of the house before buying a wallbox.

A benefit of a 22 kW wallbox is that you can charge at 22 kW, but you don't necessarily have to. The charging station can also charge with a charging power of 11 kW if, for example, your EV or the electrical installation of your house does not allow more.

With an 11 kW wallbox, you are bound to the maximum charging power of 11 kW.

Even though charging is faster with a 22 kW wallbox, an 11 kW wallbox is somewhat kinder on the battery. However, the difference is hardly noticeable.

There are only clear differences between AC and DC charging stations, i.e. fast charging stations, as the charging power is higher with DC charging stations.

A significant difference between a wallbox with 11 kW and a wallbox with 22 kW, depending on the country in which the charging station is installed, can be the obligation to register and obtain approval.

In Germany, for example, you only have to notify the network operator about installing a wallbox with 11 kW, whereas a wallbox with 22 kW not only has to be reported, but also approved before it can be put into operation (as of August 2022).

If a 22 kW wallbox is not approved, for example, because the connected load of the house is too low and you may be required to increase the connected load at your own expense, you should consider buying an 11 kW wallbox.

In Austria, for instance, a stationary wallbox must be registered at the electricity network operator by the electrician regardless of the connected load, while no registration is required for a mobile charging station (also called a smart charging cable) (as of August 2022).

According to the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, there are different requirements depending on the federal state as to whether charging infrastructure is subject to approval, subject to notification or exempt from approval. 

In terms of price, the two charging stations are very close to each other. However, there is a minimal difference between the 11 kW and 22 kW wallboxes.

For instance, the go-e Charger Gemini 11 kW costs EUR 749 (RRP), whereas the go-e Charger Gemini 22 kW costs EUR 759 (RRP). The 11 kW wallbox is therefore EUR 10 cheaper. 😋

In Germany and Austria, for example, both wallboxes are eligible (as of August 2022). But for other countries, it's not always the case. 

However, the eligibility of wallboxes depends on the country in which you want to install the wallbox. Only a few countries offer subsidies for mobile charging stations, e.g. Austria.

Important: There are differences in the eligibility of wallboxes depending on the country. So check the respective regulations.

If you want to know more about charging stations, charging electric cars and charging accessories, then subscribe to our YouTube channel. There are exciting videos on the topic every month.