EV Charger Selection Guide


Learn how to choose the ideal EV charger for your electric vehicle. Detailed comparison of 7kW vs 22kW chargers, installation cost, technical requirements, and tips for safe home EV charging in Greece.

⚠️ Why Choosing the Right Charger Matters

Selecting the proper EV charger affects:

  •  Charging time

  • Installation safety

  •  Long-term battery health

  •  Operating and energy costs

Your charger should be compatible with both your vehicle and your home's electrical capacity.

⚡ Home Infrastructure – What Type of Supply Do You Have?

Supply TypePowerSuitable For
Single-phase 32A8 kWOlder or smaller residences
Upgraded single-phase 50A12 kWSupports 7kW chargers
Three-phase 3x32A25 kWRequired for 11kW or 22kW chargers
Three-phase 3x50A35 kWSupports any type of home charger

⚡ AC vs DC Charging – What's the Difference?

  • AC (Alternating Current): Power is converted to DC inside the car via the onboard charger. Most home chargers use AC (3.6kW to 22kW).

  • DC (Direct Current): Power is delivered directly to the battery, bypassing the onboard charger—enabling faster charging.

➡️ Home installations are almost always AC chargers.

⚖️ Which Power Level to Choose – 7kW or 22kW?

✅ 7kW Charger – Best for:

  • Homes with single-phase supply

  • EVs with onboard chargers up to 7.4kW

  • Overnight charging (6–8 hours)

⚡ 22kW Charger – Best for:

  • EVs supporting ≥11kW AC charging

  • Homes with three-phase supply

  • Faster charging (2–3 hours)

  • Households with more than one EV

 Note: If your EV supports only up to 7.4kW charging, installing a 22kW charger won’t improve speed—it will still charge at 7.4kW.

Charging Time Examples

EV ModelMax AC ChargingWith 7kW ChargerWith 22kW Charger
Jaguar I-PACE7.4 kW~6 hours~6 hours (no change)
Renault ZOE22 kW~6 hours~2 hours
Tesla Model 3 (Long Range)11 kW~8 hours~4 hours

EV Charger Installation Cost

Charger TypeLaborMaterialsTotal
7kW AC€200 – €600€200 – €1000~€400 – €1600
22kW AC€500 – €1000€500 – €1500~€1000 – €2500

 Additional costs may apply if you need to upgrade your electrical supply via HEDNO (Greek grid operator).

Installation Safety – What You Need:

  • MCB circuit breaker (40A–63A)

  • Residual current device (RCD) type A or B

  • Surge protection device (SPD type 1 or 2)

  • Proper cable thickness (6–10 mm² depending on distance)
    ✅ Installation must be performed by a certified electrician.

Smart Charging Features

Modern chargers offer features such as:

  • Remote monitoring via app or WiFi

  • Charging schedule programming

  • Access control with RFID cards

  • Usage statistics and notifications

Charger Types & Plugs – What’s Standard in Greece?

AC Plugs:

  • Type 1: For U.S. and Asian imports

  • Type 2: European standard (round 7-pin connector)

DC Plugs:

  • CHAdeMO: Mostly for Japanese EVs (e.g. Nissan Leaf)

  • CCS Combo 2: European standard for fast charging

Declaration to HEDNO – Is It Required?

Yes. All EV charger installations must be declared to HEDNO, especially if:

  • A new electrical line is required

  • Power supply capacity must be increased

Your licensed electrical engineer must submit the appropriate Low Voltage (ΧΤ) or Medium Voltage (ΜΤ) form.

✅ Final Summary: Which Charger Is Right for You?

If You Need...Choose This
Charging within 2 hours22kW AC (three-phase only)
Charging overnight (6–8 hours)7kW AC (suitable for most EVs)
Long-term battery protectionPrefer AC charging over frequent fast DC
Full control & remote accessSmart charger with WiFi or RFID