Having an electric vehicle at home is convenient, especially when you can charge your car whenever you need without always looking for a public charging station. One popular solution is installing an EV charger or wall charger at home.
However, choosing an EV charger is not only about the brand or price. It's important to choose a charger that matches your home's available power and your EV's charging capacity. Two common options are 7 kW and 11 kW EV chargers.
They differ in terms of PLN power requirements, electrical systems, charging speed, and installation needs. So, which one is the right choice for your home?
1. Main Differences Between 7 kW and 11 kW EV Chargers
7 kW EV Charger
A 7 kW EV charger can provide up to around 7 kW of charging power. For home installation, the recommended minimum PLN electricity capacity is 7,700 VA.
Another important factor is the vehicle's on-board charger (OBC). The EV should support charging at up to 7 kW so that the charger can be used effectively.
In everyday use, charging with a 7 kW EV charger usually takes around 5 to 7 hours. The actual charging time can vary depending on the battery capacity, battery condition, and the vehicle's charging capability.
This makes a 7 kW EV charger a practical option for people who usually charge their car overnight. The vehicle can charge while it is parked and be ready to use the next morning.
11 kW EV Charger
An 11 kW EV charger offers a higher charging capacity than a 7 kW charger. For home installation, it requires a minimum PLN electricity capacity of 13,200 VA with a 3-phase system.
Since it uses a 3-phase system, you need to make sure your home's electrical system supports this requirement. The vehicle must also support 3-phase AC charging.
With a higher power output, an 11 kW EV charger can provide faster charging. For vehicles with larger battery capacities, charging may take around 4 to 6 hours, depending on the battery size and the vehicle's OBC capability.
However, an 11 kW charger does not mean every EV will always charge at 11 kW. The actual charging rate still depends on the maximum capacity of the vehicle's OBC.
2. Comparing 7 kW and 11 kW EV Chargers
PLN Electricity Requirements
One of the biggest differences is the required home electricity capacity.
A 7 kW EV charger requires a minimum of 7,700 VA, while an 11 kW EV charger requires at least 13,200 VA with a 3-phase system.
For example, if your home currently has a 3,500 VA connection, you will need to consider upgrading the electricity capacity before installing either charger.
Electrical System Requirements
The electrical system is another important difference. An 11 kW EV charger requires a 3-phase supply, while a 7 kW charger has lower electrical requirements.
This is why you should check your home's electrical system before choosing a charger. You do not want to buy a charger that cannot operate at its full capacity because the home's electrical supply is not suitable.
Charging Speed
In general, a higher charging power can provide faster charging.
A 7 kW EV charger usually takes around 5 to 7 hours, while an 11 kW charger can charge faster, with an estimated charging time of around 4 to 6 hours for vehicles with larger battery capacities.
These figures are not fixed. Battery capacity, battery condition, and the vehicle's OBC can all affect the actual charging time.
EV Compatibility
Always check your EV's specifications before buying a charger. Make sure the vehicle supports the charging power you plan to use.
For a 7 kW charger, the vehicle should support charging up to 7 kW. An 11 kW charger requires an EV that supports 3-phase AC charging.
3. EV Charger Installation Cost Components
Buying an EV charger is not the only cost involved. The total installation cost can also depend on your home's electricity capacity, existing electrical system, and the distance between the electrical panel and charger location.
Wall Charger Unit Cost
The first cost is the wall charger itself. Prices can vary depending on the brand, power rating, features, protection system, and other specifications.
For an 11 kW charger, you should also consider the additional electrical requirements because the higher charging capacity needs a suitable electrical system.
PLN Electricity Upgrade Cost
When your home's available power is not enough to run the EV charger, a PLN power upgrade may be required.
For example, a home with a 3,500 VA connection that wants to install a 7 kW charger needs to increase its capacity to at least 7,700 VA.
For an 11 kW charger, the minimum requirement is 13,200 VA with a 3-phase system. This means homes with lower existing capacity may require a larger electrical upgrade.
The upgrade cost depends on the existing and required capacity, as well as the applicable PLN requirements.
Additional Installation Materials
The distance between the electrical panel and charger location can also affect the total cost. If the cable route is long, additional materials may be required.
Some materials commonly used for EV charger installation include:
- SNI-standard NYY cable
- Conduit pipe
- Electrical panel box
- MCB or RCBO
- Other supporting installation materials
- New grounding installation if required
Since every home has different conditions, a site survey is recommended to determine the required materials and installation work.
4. Which EV Charger Is Right for Your Home?
Choose a 7 kW EV Charger If...
A 7 kW EV charger can be a good choice if your home has or can provide at least 7,700 VA of PLN electricity capacity and your EV supports charging up to 7 kW.
It is a good option for users who can charge their vehicle for several hours, especially overnight when the car is parked.
Choose an 11 kW EV Charger If...
An 11 kW EV charger may be a better choice if you need faster charging, have at least 13,200 VA 3-phase electricity capacity, and drive a vehicle that supports 3-phase AC charging.
It can also be worth considering for EV owners with larger battery capacities or higher daily driving needs.
5. What Should You Check Before Installing an EV Charger?
Check Your Home's PLN Electricity Capacity
Make sure your home's electrical capacity can support the charger. Remember to consider other appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, water pumps, and other household equipment.
Check Your EV's On-Board Charger
Find out how much AC charging power your EV's OBC can accept. This helps you choose a charger that matches the vehicle's actual capabilities.
Check Your Electrical Installation
The electrical panel, cables, MCB or RCBO, and grounding should be checked before installation. A suitable electrical installation helps the EV charger operate properly and safely.
Consider the Distance Between the Panel and Charger
The farther the charger is from the electrical panel, the more cable and additional materials may be required. This should be included when estimating the installation cost.
Choosing between a 7 kW and 11 kW EV charger is not simply about choosing the higher power rating. Your PLN electricity capacity, electrical system, vehicle OBC, battery capacity, charging needs, and home installation conditions should all be considered.
A 7 kW EV charger requires at least 7,700 VA and can be a practical choice for everyday home charging. Meanwhile, an 11 kW EV charger requires at least 13,200 VA with a 3-phase system and is suitable for users who need higher charging capacity, provided that their EV supports 3-phase AC charging.
Ready to install EV charging at home? Explore a range of EV chargers and wall chargers for electric vehicles at Listrik Kita. Find the right product for your vehicle and home's electrical needs with Listrik Kita.
