32 Amps vs. 16 Amps: What Does Your Home Need?

When picking a home EV charger, you will usually choose between two power levels: 16 amps and 32 amps.

The right choice depends on your car, how much you drive, and your home’s electrical setup. Here is the simple breakdown to help you choose.

The Short Answer: Charging Speed

Amperage is just the volume of electricity flowing to your car. More amps equal a faster charge.

• 16-Amp Charger (3.7kW): Slower charging. Best for overnight plug-ins or smaller batteries.
• 32-Amp Charger (7.4kW): Twice as fast. The modern standard for most homes.

Can Your Home Handle 32 Amps?

Your home has a main electrical fuse (usually 60, 80, or 100 amps). If you have a lower 60-amp limit, running a fast 32-amp EV charger at the same time as an electric shower or oven could overload your system.

The Smart Solution: If your home's power is limited, ask for Dynamic Load Balancing. This built-in technology automatically pauses or slows your EV charging when your house is using lots of power, then speeds it back up when you turn appliances off. 

Check Your Car's "Onboard Charger" Limit

Your car has its own internal speed limit. If your vehicle is capped at 16 amps, plugging it into a 32-amp charger won't make it charge any faster. The car will simply take what it can handle.

Check your vehicle manual or use our online compatibility tool to find your car's maximum charging rate.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose 16 Amps if:

- You drive short daily distances and can leave the car plugged in for 10+ hours.

- You drive a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) with a small battery.

- Your home has older wiring that cannot be easily upgraded.

- Explore our range of 16-Amp Ev Charging Cables for a reliable, cost-effective setup.

Choose 32 Amps if:

- You drive a fully electric vehicle (BEV) and want a full battery every single morning.

- You want to take advantage of cheap, 4-hour overnight electricity tariffs by drawing as much power as possible, quickly. Read our full Ultimate Guide to Setting Up Your Charger to see how you can take control of cheaper off-peak charging.

- You want to future-proof your home for your next electric car.

- Browse our collection of heavy-duty 32-Amp EV Charging Cables to get the maximum speed from your home wall box.