EV Charger Power Ratings Explained

A professional guide to 16A, 32A, 40A–80A, 11 kW, and 22 kW EV chargers

When selecting an EV charger, current (amps) and power (kilowatts, kW) are more meaningful than marketing labels alone. This guide explains the most common search terms—16A EV charger, 32A EV charger, 40 amp EV charger, 48 amp EV charger, 50 amp EV charger, 60 amp EV charger, 80 amp EV charger, 11 kW EV charger, and 22 kW EV charger—and clarifies what they deliver in real-world use.

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1. Amps vs kW: How EV Charger Power Is Defined

EV charger output is determined by a simple electrical relationship:

Power (kW) = Voltage (V) × Current (A)

However, voltage differs by region:

• North America: ~240 V single-phase for Level 2
• Europe / IEC markets: 230 V single-phase or 400 V three-phase

As a result, the same amperage can correspond to different kW ratings depending on the grid.

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2. 16A EV Charger

What is a 16A EV charger?

A 16A EV charger is a lower-power AC charger, commonly used in:

• European residential settings
• Apartments and shared parking
• Sites with limited electrical capacity

Typical power output

• Single-phase (230 V): ~3.7 kW
• Three-phase (400 V): ~11 kW (at 16A per phase)

Best use case

Short daily commutes, overnight charging, and locations where grid upgrades are not feasible.

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3. 32A EV Charger

What is a 32A EV charger?

A 32A EV charger is one of the most popular configurations worldwide.

Typical power output

• North America (240 V, single-phase): ~7.7 kW
• Europe (230 V, single-phase): ~7.4 kW
• Europe (400 V, three-phase): ~22 kW

Best use case

Residential homes, workplaces, and public destination charging. For many drivers, a 32A EV charger fully replenishes daily driving needs overnight.

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4. 40 Amp EV Charger

What is a 40 amp EV charger?

A 40 amp EV charger is a higher-output Level 2 charger commonly installed in North American homes with upgraded electrical panels.

Typical power output

• 240 V × 40 A: ~9.6 kW

Best use case

Drivers with larger battery packs or higher daily mileage who want faster home charging without moving to commercial-grade infrastructure.

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5. 48 Amp EV Charger

What is a 48 amp EV charger?

A 48 amp EV charger is often the maximum practical output for residential Level 2 charging in North America.

Typical power output

• 240 V × 48 A: ~11.5 kW

Electrical considerations

• Typically requires a 60 A circuit
• Installation must account for continuous load rules

Best use case

Premium home installations, EV households with multiple vehicles, or drivers seeking minimal overnight charging time.

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6. 50 Amp EV Charger

What is a 50 amp EV charger?

The term 50 amp EV charger is often used informally and may refer to:

• A charger installed on a 50 A breaker
• Or a charger delivering slightly less continuous current (e.g., 40 A)

Practical note

Continuous charging current is usually lower than breaker rating due to electrical code requirements. Always verify continuous output amps, not just breaker size.

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7. 60 Amp EV Charger

What is a 60 amp EV charger?

A 60 amp EV charger typically supports 48 A continuous charging, aligning with higher-end Level 2 systems.

Typical power output

• ~11–12 kW at 240 V

Best use case

High-capacity residential charging and light commercial installations where faster turnaround is needed.

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8. 80 Amp EV Charger

What is an 80 amp EV charger?

An 80 amp EV charger is a commercial-grade Level 2 charger requiring substantial electrical infrastructure.

Typical power output

• 240 V × 80 A: ~19.2 kW

Key considerations

• Requires 100 A circuit capacity
• Limited vehicle compatibility (vehicle must support high AC input)
• Higher installation cost

Best use case

Commercial fleets, workplaces, and high-utilization charging sites.

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9. 11 kW EV Charger

What is an 11 kW EV charger?

An 11 kW EV charger is a standard configuration in Europe and other IEC markets.

Electrical configuration

• 400 V three-phase at 16 A

Best use case

Residential and workplace charging where three-phase power is available. Offers an excellent balance of speed and grid efficiency.

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10. 22 kW EV Charger

What is a 22 kW EV charger?

A 22 kW EV charger is a high-power AC charger commonly found in European public and commercial installations.

Electrical configuration

• 400 V three-phase at 32 A

Practical limitations

• Many vehicles cannot accept the full 22 kW AC input
• Charging speed is capped by the vehicle’s onboard charger

Best use case

Public charging, retail locations, and commercial properties with three-phase power.

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11. Power Rating Comparison Table

Rating	Typical Voltage	Approx. Power	Common Use
16A EV charger	230 V / 400 V	3.7–11 kW	Apartments, low load
32A EV charger	230–240 V / 400 V	7–22 kW	Homes, workplaces
40 amp EV charger	240 V	~9.6 kW	Faster home charging
48 amp EV charger	240 V	~11.5 kW	High-end residential
50 amp EV charger	240 V	~9–12 kW	Informal category
60 amp EV charger	240 V	~11–12 kW	Residential / light commercial
80 amp EV charger	240 V	~19.2 kW	Commercial, fleet
11 kW EV charger	400 V (3-phase)	11 kW	Europe standard
22 kW EV charger	400 V (3-phase)	22 kW	European public AC

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Final Guidance

• Amps define electrical demand; kW defines charging speed.
• Residential users rarely need more than 32A–48A (7–11 kW).
• 11 kW and 22 kW EV chargers dominate in three-phase regions.
• Very high-amp chargers (60A–80A) are best reserved for commercial or fleet environments.

Selecting the correct EV charger rating ensures safe installation, optimal charging performance, and long-term grid compatibility, while avoiding unnecessary electrical upgrades.