When people talk about EV charger options, the term “three phase” comes up. Some installers talk about it like it’s a big decision. Here’s the honest truth: if you live in a normal house, you need single phase. For 99% of homeowners, that question is already answered.
What’s the Difference Between Single Phase and Three Phase?
Electricity is delivered to your home through different systems. Single phase is the standard domestic supply in the UK. It’s 230 volts. That’s what comes through your meter to your consumer unit.
Three phase is 400 volts. It’s actually three separate power supplies working together. It’s common in factories, large commercial buildings, and industrial sites. It’s very rare in homes.
Single Phase Chargers: What You Can Get
A single phase EV charger typically delivers between 3.6kW and 7.4kW. Most domestic chargers are 7kW. That’s a perfectly adequate speed.
A 7kW charger will charge most modern electric cars overnight. A Tesla Model 3, for example, will add about 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. Most people don’t drive 200 miles a day. You’ll plug in overnight, wake up with a full battery, and that’s your daily range sorted.
Some people think 7kW is slow. It isn’t. It’s plenty for home use. It’s safe, it’s efficient, and it works reliably. You’re not waiting hours for a full charge. You’re sleeping while your car charges.
Three Phase Chargers: When They Exist in Homes
Three phase chargers deliver up to 22kW. They’re faster. A 22kW charger will charge the same Tesla Model 3 in roughly a third of the time.
But here’s the crucial bit: if you don’t have a three phase supply, you can’t use a three phase charger. Full stop. It’s not an option.
Do you have a three phase supply at home? Almost certainly not. Look at your electricity meter. If you see three separate components or three measuring dials, you might have three phase. Most UK homes have a single dial. That’s single phase.
You can ask your energy supplier or your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to install three phase. It’s possible. But it’s expensive. We’re talking several thousand pounds, sometimes running into five figures depending on how far the supply has to come and how much work is involved.
The Reality Check
I’ve been installing EV chargers for years. I’ve never had a homeowner say, “I want three phase.” I’ve had plenty of people ask if they can get three phase. The answer is usually: yes, technically, but the cost doesn’t justify it.
The speed difference between 7kW and 22kW only matters if you’re charging multiple times a day or if you absolutely must charge your car from empty in under an hour. Most people aren’t doing that.
How to Check What You Have
If you’re curious about your supply, look at your meter. Is there one number dial or three? If it’s one, you’re single phase.
You can also contact your DNO directly. Your DNO is the company that manages the cables in your area. Your electricity supplier can tell you who that is. The DNO can confirm your supply type and quote you for an upgrade if you want to explore it.
Your electrician can also check during the survey for your EV charger. I always confirm supply type as part of my assessment.
What I Recommend
For a home EV charger, single phase at 7kW is exactly what you need. It’s safe, reliable, cost-effective, and will charge your car perfectly well overnight.
If you do somehow have a three phase supply, and you want to take advantage of it for a faster charger, that’s great. But I wouldn’t recommend paying thousands to install three phase just for the sake of it.
The Bottom Line
You almost certainly need a single phase charger. It will work brilliantly for your needs. It will charge your car reliably. You can drive off in the morning with a full battery. That’s what matters.
Ready to discuss your EV charger options? Give me a call on 01904 599109. I’ll assess your property, confirm your supply, and recommend the right setup for your needs. I’m NAPIT registered, Which? Trusted Trader, DBS checked, and rated 5 stars on Google.
For full details on EV charger installation, visit my EV charger installation service page.