Introduction

When it comes to charging your electric vehicle (EV), you might be tempted to think, "Why not just buy the fastest charger available?" While this seems logical, the reality is a bit more complex. Charging speed isn't determined solely by the charger. Several factors influence how quickly your EV charges, and opting for the fastest charger doesn’t always guarantee faster results.

1. Understanding Charging Speeds: More Than Just the Charger

All EVs use DC batteries, but homes and businesses typically supply AC power. To charge your EV, this AC power must be converted to DC, and your car’s onboard charger plays a key role in this process. So, even if you buy a high-powered charger, your EV may not charge as fast as you'd expect.

For example, the VIARIS EXO charger offers flexible options with both single-phase and three-phase charging capabilities, but your EV’s onboard charger and your power supply ultimately dictate the charging speed.

2. Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase Charging: What’s the Difference?

Most homes are equipped with single-phase power, which delivers up to 7.4 kW of charging speed. If both your EV and home only support single-phase power, upgrading to a faster three-phase charger won’t necessarily speed up your charge.

Three-phase power, typically found in commercial properties or homes that have undergone electrical upgrades, can provide up to 22 kW charging speed. The VIARIS EXO supports both systems, making it adaptable for any setup, but only if both your EV and your power supply are three-phase compatible.

3. Your EV’s Charging Capability: The Limiting Factor

Even with a high-powered three-phase charger, your car’s onboard charger is the true limiting factor. If your EV’s onboard charger can only handle 7.4 kW, a 22 kW charger like the VIARIS EXO won’t speed things up.

Before purchasing a charger, always check your EV’s specifications to ensure you’re maximizing your charging potential. The VIARIS EXO offers flexibility, making it a future-proof option for both current and next-generation EVs.

4. Your Power Supply: Know Your Limits

In the UK, most homes have single-phase power, meaning the fastest charging speed available without upgrades is 7.4 kW. The VIARIS EXO delivers a powerful single-phase solution, perfect for home charging. However, if you’re looking to future-proof your charging setup or need faster charging for multiple EVs, upgrading to three-phase power could be an option.

For businesses with three-phase power, the VIARIS EXO can deliver up to 22 kW, significantly cutting down charging times, making it ideal for fleet or multi-vehicle setups.

5. Is the Fastest Charger Worth the Cost?

While it might seem appealing to buy the fastest charger on the market, it’s important to assess whether your EV and power supply can take full advantage of it. The VIARIS EXO offers the best of both worlds, supporting both single-phase and three-phase setups, which means you won’t be paying for features you can’t use without expensive electrical upgrades.

Additionally, faster chargers often come with higher installation costs. Three-phase power, in particular, can require significant electrical upgrades, adding to the overall cost. The VIARIS EXO is designed to make the most of your existing power supply, providing a cost-effective and versatile solution.

6. Practical Benefits: Do You Really Need the Fastest Charger?

Most EV owners charge their vehicles overnight or during extended periods, such as while at work or running errands. For this reason, a 7.4 kW single-phase charger can fully recharge an EV in 8-10 hours, which is sufficient for most daily driving needs.

The VIARIS EXO offers a tailored solution for both home and business users. Its flexibility allows you to switch between single-phase and three-phase charging based on your current needs, giving you a future-ready solution without unnecessary expenses.

7. Conclusion: It’s About Fit, Not Speed

While buying the fastest charger might seem like the easiest decision, the key to choosing the right charger lies in understanding your EV’s capabilities, your building’s power supply, and your actual charging needs. In many cases, the fastest charger available might not offer the best return on investment.

The VIARIS EXO strikes a balance between speed and practicality, providing efficient, flexible charging solutions for both homes and businesses. Whether you need a reliable single-phase charger today or are planning for a faster future with three-phase power, the VIARIS EXO is designed to fit your needs.

Still unsure which charger is right for you? Whether you need a single-phase solution or are considering a three-phase upgrade, ERL can help. Get in touch with our experts today to learn more about how the VIARIS EXO can meet your specific charging requirements.