What "phase" actually means
Single-phase power is what most Australian homes have — one active wire delivering up to ~7.2kW of continuous AC power. Three-phase uses three active wires and can deliver up to ~22kW. More phases = more simultaneous power available.
Real charging speeds
| Setup | Power | Range added per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Single-phase 7kW | 7.2 kW | ~40 km/hr |
| Three-phase 11kW | 11 kW | ~60 km/hr |
| Three-phase 22kW | 22 kW | ~110 km/hr |
Overnight (10 hours), even a 7kW charger adds ~400km of range — more than most people drive in a day.
When three-phase actually makes sense
- You already have three-phase power (small install premium, big speed boost)
- You drive 250km+ a day and turn the car around fast
- You run two EVs on one charger with power sharing
- You have a large solar array and want to soak up excess PV faster
When it doesn't
Paying $2,000–$5,000+ to upgrade from single- to three-phase purely for a faster home charger rarely pays back. You charge overnight; the car is full by morning either way. Put the money into a better charger, solar integration, or a rainy-day fund.
Frequently asked questions
Is single-phase enough for a home EV charger?
For almost every Australian household, yes. A 7kW single-phase charger delivers about 40km of range per hour — enough to fully recharge any EV overnight. Three-phase only matters if you regularly drive 200km+ a day or your car and driving genuinely need faster AC charging.
How much does it cost to upgrade from single-phase to three-phase?
Upgrading from single-phase to three-phase in Australia typically costs $2,000–$5,000+, depending on your distance to the street, switchboard condition, and network approval. In most cases, the upgrade cost isn't justified purely for faster home charging.
Which EVs can actually use 11kW or 22kW AC charging?
Tesla Model 3 and Model Y (11kW), Model S and Model X (up to 22kW with dual charger), Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT and some Renault Zoes support the higher AC rates. Most other EVs — including many Kia, Hyundai, BYD, MG, and BMW models — cap AC charging at 7kW or 11kW.
How do I know if my home has three-phase?
Open your switchboard and look at the main switch. A single wide switch (or one row) usually means single-phase; three linked switches side by side usually mean three-phase. Your electrician confirms this in seconds during the free assessment.
Not sure what your home has?
Our free assessment tells you your phase, switchboard status, and the exact fixed price for the right charger for your car — no upsell.